Collapsibility Hinge Joint

Constraint:

Rover must fit within a 5 x 5 x 5 cube

Solution:

Folding Chassis Joint allows rover to fold

2 - 3/8 in. triangular plates

Material: water jet cut A36 steel

Hinges welded to bottom

Hinge joint welded to chassis midsection

Strength Analysis

During analysis of this joint, the most stress was found to be at the hinge itself at the bottom. While the weight did apply a high amount of stress to the hinge itself, once the pin has been installed with cotter pins on both sides to hold that in place, it will be able to handle the load.