Extreme Bridge Layer

[Zerobricks]

This is my rather unconventinal approach to laying down mobile bridges. Instead of making the usual pivot-foldable bridge I wanted to use something different so I came up with a scissor bridge using the well known scissor mechanism.

At the beginning I was frustrated with finding a way to unfold the bridge, as none of the solutions (pneumatic, mechanical, rope, etc...) worked and I was thinking of using two vehicles to spread out the bridge before putting it in place.

But I got an idea of using the rubber bricks so that the weight of the bridge gives it enough force to spread out from one side only. I had to use friction pins in order to keep the bridge from folding itself when lifting it up.

The vehicles uses 4 LA's in order to generate enough force (some 10 kg of force) to lift the unfolded bridge and maneuver it. It also uses 3 battery boxes for a counterweight. The models uses only 2 M motors for all 3 functions. The steering motor uses a differential to split the power (when the steering racks reaches its final poisition) to linear actuators. For drive I used a worm gear (yeah, yeah I know) because it allows me smoother and better driving control without jerking which could cause the bridge to fold on its own or the model to fall off the bridge.

The bridge has a folding ratio of 10x, when totally folded it measures little under 9 cm and when totally folded out it measueres some 90 cm.

The vehicle uses all wheel drive in order to cross the rather uneven bridge

Even though the bridge alone weighs under 300 grams it can support the weight of bigger models.

The 41999 had problems crossing the bridge due to its differential and high center of gravity making it slip sideways.

The fox can cross the bridge if you make it few studs wider and if you dont use the total span but leave at least 15 cm on each side of the bridge for support.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Zblj

[Alasdair Ryan]

That is a interesting way to make a bridge layer.

It works but is only suitable for off-roaders.

[Zerobricks]

Due to the music claim the reuploaded video will be available here:

Edited May 21, 2014 by Zblj

[D3K]

Unconventional indeed! I like it!

[Doc_Brown]

OMG! That is truly freaking cool. Amazing design, well done! :thumbup:

Great skill in driving too!

[dr_spock]

Interesting idea. It'd take some skills to drive over that bridge.

[aol000xw]

It is interesting,somehow with a clever mechanism a tensioned rolled fabric could be used as flat surface between the arms of the bridge.

I'd like to see the outtakes of that video by the way, did anything fall?

[Zerobricks]

It is interesting,somehow with a clever mechanism a tensioned rolled fabric could be used as flat surface between the arms of the bridge.

I'd like to see the outtakes of that video by the way, did anything fall?

Nah I managed to catch'em all :D Yeah this idea has potential to develop further.

[skriblez]

It even held the FOX! Nice work :)

[bord4kop]

Wonderful!

I really like these kind of unconventional idea 's and designs!

Great skill in driving too!

Indeed

[Zerobricks]

And guys, here's already a concept in order to improve the bridge and make it smoother:

[zux]

Great idea! I wonder how come bridge doesn't self strech under the load of a crossing vechicle? I know there friction pins, but still it looks unexpectedly rigid.

[Zerobricks]

Great idea! I wonder how come bridge doesn't self strech under the load of a crossing vechicle? I know there friction pins, but still it looks unexpectedly rigid.

There are two 3L axles with bushes on the bridge ends limiting its travel.

[Sariel]

Very clever. I would have never had guessed a bridge structure like this has such a high load capacity. Impressive!

[Rishab N]

Nice work! I'm amazed that it can support so much weight

[zux]

There are two 3L axles with bushes on the bridge ends limiting its travel.

I have thought about it, but didn't see until you have said that.

[Paul B Technic]

Really nice work with this, not something I have ever seen or thought of myself.

[Balrog]

Very interesting build. And the bridge concept v2 will probably work out well enough to provide a smooth crossing.

I am already very surprised by the rigidity of the plain scissor bridge. I would have expected it to bend a lot more. If it now would not depend on the environment to extend the bridge, that would be awesome. Perhaps some kind of screw mechanism in the center?

[Hrafn]

Very clever! I wouldn't have thought of doing a scissor bridge, and I'm very impressed with its strength.

[Zerobricks]

Here are pictures of the bridge V2 version!

Its 110 cm long and can accomodate most of my models, from the smallish dump truck all the way to the fox.

41999 in normal and extreme position:

Fox in normal and extreme bendy position:

Even the low hotrod can make it across (with a scratched bottom )

And the bridge's surface area is also wide enough so that the small truck doesnt fall through:

Now because this bridge is now bigger and heavier the machine to lay it will have to be quite stronger....I'm thinking of just fitting the fox with a launcher in the back... What do you guys think?

Edited May 22, 2014 by Zblj

[pluto7443]

Awesome bridge! What about using a tracked vehicle for the layer?

[CNT2]

awesome

[Zimix]

I like the improved version. Would also like to see a vehicle to lay it.

[skriblez]

Yes to bridge on the Fox! All hail the awesomeness that is the Fox!!!