The Cube
Our final mechanical system consists of 6, 6061 Aluminum plates joined together with miter joints and custom 3D printed brackets. This main structure allows not only for easy assembly but also seamless fitment. All holes are countersunk to facilitate flatness across all cube faces and for aesthetics.
Overall size of the cube is largely based on motor position, and has been optimized to make our system as compact as possible. All parts are primarily waterjet for simplicity and for its free usage to students at Olin. Motor mounting standoffs are manually lathed out. Steel flywheels are used due to its increased density allowing for more space efficient increase of its moment of inertia. The 3D printed brackets are designed to be low profile and have seen multiple iterations based on testing with different heat-set inserts and assembly feedback. In the center of the cube is 3D printed, it houses the core electronics and ensures proper and rigid mounting of our IMU. Press fit 3D printed stubs that utilize pre-existing mounting holes for manufacturing are used. These allow for magnets to be mounted which would allow for modular sideplates to be mounted onto the cubes without obstructing overall aesthetics.
Click here for the final CAD file.