CONTENTS
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design
specifications
transmission
power
weapons
mistakes
the team
combat history
help us
future projects
gallery
contact us
postscript
links
The Design
Overall
Joker might not be destructive like many of our competitors but if we were to be able to push our foes down the pit, we would be happy.
We have a four wheel drive machine, steering is by having the drive wheels moving at different speeds (Differential steering). The weapon is an electric lift. This also acts as a self righting mechanism although the robot will run both ways up. The design is largely symmetrical in all three planes and does not have any end dedicated as the front or bottom. Armour is 6mm aluminium chequerplate internally braced and can support the wheel of a car.
We learnt a great deal about how not to build a robot with our first design called Pugno (pictured above). This machine, although very strong was vastly overweight.
This picture shows one of our newer robot designs as rendered by our CAD program - a necessary tool in the development of modern complex machines.
The Body
The frame made out of square section aluminium tube was discarded in favour of a monocoque hull. This is because
- The frame we used originally was too bulky and got in the way of construction. An empty monocoque hull gives greater freedom to place components, and liberates space to swing the spanners.
- A monocoque is lighter so a greater thickness of metal can be used - the metal is put where it is needed - on the outside.
- Curved ends can be used if we opt for a monocoque chassis. The ends take the most impact and 'egg shaped' ends are stronger than flat ends.
- The ends wrap around the electric motors. This further strengthens the ends. Good thermal contact between motors and the hull dissipates heat.
Next Chapter : specifications
We have a four wheel drive machine, steering is by having the drive wheels moving at different speeds (Differential steering). The weapon is an electric lift. This also acts as a self righting mechanism although the robot will run both ways up. The design is largely symmetrical in all three planes and does not have any end dedicated as the front or bottom. Armour is 6mm aluminium chequerplate internally braced and can support the wheel of a car.
We learnt a great deal about how not to build a robot with our first design called Pugno (pictured above). This machine, although very strong was vastly overweight.
This picture shows one of our newer robot designs as rendered by our CAD program - a necessary tool in the development of modern complex machines.
The Body
The frame made out of square section aluminium tube was discarded in favour of a monocoque hull. This is because
- The frame we used originally was too bulky and got in the way of construction. An empty monocoque hull gives greater freedom to place components, and liberates space to swing the spanners.
- A monocoque is lighter so a greater thickness of metal can be used - the metal is put where it is needed - on the outside.
- Curved ends can be used if we opt for a monocoque chassis. The ends take the most impact and 'egg shaped' ends are stronger than flat ends.
- The ends wrap around the electric motors. This further strengthens the ends. Good thermal contact between motors and the hull dissipates heat.
Next Chapter : specifications
- The frame we used originally was too bulky and got in the way of construction. An empty monocoque hull gives greater freedom to place components, and liberates space to swing the spanners.
- A monocoque is lighter so a greater thickness of metal can be used - the metal is put where it is needed - on the outside.
- Curved ends can be used if we opt for a monocoque chassis. The ends take the most impact and 'egg shaped' ends are stronger than flat ends.
- The ends wrap around the electric motors. This further strengthens the ends. Good thermal contact between motors and the hull dissipates heat.
Next Chapter :
specifications