BOXED IN
[11/03/2004]
I finally got the frame completely assembled last night! But not in this image.
However, this image shows where all the zip ties go that secure and support the
batteries and the drive motors. The smaller zip ties descend into the boxed
area and around the back of the motors to provide support so they don't pivot.
It was the simplest, lightest solution I could come up with. The larger zip
ties will bend around the top of the battery pack to secure it in place once it
is dropped into place. These larger zip ties can be re-used, as they have little
tabs you can push to release them.
Here you can see a modification I had to make to the motor mounting flanges to
accommodate the bad bends I made in the new rear plate (the battery retaining
tabs needed to be 1/16" further in on each side). I had to notch out the
motor mounts to allow them to clear the tabs when positioned in their upper-most
position. This is necessary for getting the wheels on and off.
Everything is bolted together in this picture. Finally! Boxing in the center
region has added considerable strength to the frame, but I have found that it
makes things a little difficult to get to if I need to get a motor in or out.
Also, it appears that - like everything else - the "box" is not perfect as
the gap between the plates is wider on one side than the other. Oh, well!
I also have not mounted up the motor controllers, which means I will probably
have to dismantle it again today in order to get them on there. It's
a bit painful. I may hold off on that today (unless I can get it done at home)
because I want to use the shop time to work on the armor, which I am pretty sure
I could get done today.