The Walking Machine

Description:

  • A walking vehicle taking inspiration from designer Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest
  • The machine consists of 8 legs mechanically driven by a central cam shaft
  • The intent is to propel the vehicle using a central weight hanging from a pulley

Objectives: 

  • Satisfy the requirements of the 2024 Odyssey of The Mind vehicle problem
  • Create a machine capable of walking without the use of electronics
  • Teach myself Autodesk Fusion semi-advanced skills including the use of motion links, and animation

Future Improvements:

  • Attempts to make the vehicle work with a hanging weight were unsuccessful. Improvements to the moving joints could resolve friction issues and allow the vehicle to function as intended

Constraints:

  • Vehicle must satisfy all constraints provided by the 2024 OM Problem 1 problem statement
  • Must be self-contained and self-propelled
  • Must not use any electronic component
  • Must be creative and unique

Manufacturing:

  • The frame was handmade with basic carpentry equipment
  • The gears and drive system use a mix of stock VEX components and 3D printing
  • The legs were 3D printed on a MakerBot 3D printer and assembled with stock #8-32 hardware

Design:

  • The design draws heavy inspiration from the Strandbeest. The legs use the linkage designed by Theo Jansen.
  • This project was my first attempt at making a full-scale model in Fusion.
  • The legs are connected with a central crank shaft
  • The gear system translates vertical motion from a hanging weight or stretched elastic band into rotational motion 

Finished Project:

  • The final prototype did not work as intended. A hanging weight caused too much friction in the crank shaft.
  • To make the vehicle drive, a 5-foot extension was added to the frame, and an exercise band was used to provide potential energy instead of a weight.