Introduction: Knex Bi-Directional Cart
I made a little car which changes direction whenever it hits a wall, using only one motor.
There a seven gears involved: 4 red gears, 2 yellow gears, and 1 blue gear.
The car is 1 grey rod long, 1 red rod wide, and 1 red rod high.
Step 1: Bottom Frame and Wheels
This is the bottom framework.
There are 2 axles connecting this frame which hold the wheels and the gears that turn in the same direction of the car. Having 2 gears is recommended, and a rubber band must be put on any wheels connected to a gear.
The framework isn't symmetrical.
Step 2: Main Axle
Here is where the magic happens.
At no time can both red gears mesh with the yellow gear. To achieve this, align a blue spacer next to the orange connector like in the fourth picture. You will have to readjust this when adding it onto the car.
Step 3: Top Frame
Build these for holding the motor... and aesthetics.
Step 4: Putting It All Together
First put in the Main Axle in between the bottom frame. The white rod (holding the yellow gear) slots into the yellow connector. It doesn't matter which way the other yellow gear points.
The top frame then is added. Make sure the yellow connectors from the main axle and top frame are on the same side.
Step 5: Motor and Done!
The motor holds a blue gear which meshes with the side Yellow Gear. Attach the green rods to the dark grey connectors and tighten this with the tan clips.
You're Done!
12 Comments
6 years ago
The car is cool, and the instructions are ok. I tried to make this and it switches direction before it hits the bar
Reply 1 year ago
I had the same problem.
Reply 6 years ago
Sorry for the late reply. Go back to step 2 and make the red gears further apart.
Reply 6 years ago
I will try that soon.
3 years ago
Amazing!
5 years ago
Nice mechanism!
7 years ago
Should really be featured! :D
7 years ago on Introduction
Nice, and clear instructions!
7 years ago
Creative
7 years ago on Introduction
This is quite awesome indeed, great job!
7 years ago
This is pretty cool!
7 years ago on Introduction
I could definitely use this gear system in one of my builds.