mini-artic-loader

Today we were able to establish public access to the project documentation. This allows us to share links publicly and have anonymous guests access the content we publish here. We also were able to get some preliminary documentation created to provide some context, background, and vision for the project.

On the actual build, we have been slowly working on some 3D models to start to nail down parts of the design[1]. This past week we were able to work through some issues with the articulation assembly design, as seen below. The bushing (orange colored) and its housing are semi-transparent in this view to show the grease channels in the pin. It cannot be seen in this view, but the bronze bushings have a flange that rides on the face of the plate below them, giving a bearing surface there as well as on the pin.

p=. !{width:75%}artic.assembly-20221129.png!

Interference analysis looks good on this part so far, but we will have to add some adjustable stops to control the swing and prevent damage to the frame areas of this joint. This design currently has > 45 degrees of swing in both the left and the right directions before interfering with the steering pin bushings (not shown). We also were able to work out the model for the roll pin (horizontal) bearings and bushings and start on the design for the roll bearing housing for the front part of the joint (also not shown).

fn1. h/t to "GatorS":http://machinebuildersnetwork.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=310&fbclid=IwAR0DDdmTBvRFZFVsj8UbEXS3IZznXzxaK3G3Bh4Sx0gLa95LvHI9rwENiM8#Post310 for sharing his experience with designing an articulating joint just like this one. His adventures involving pillow block bearings and having to re-engineer using bushings were a major influence on the design of this part.