[MOC] Bucket Wheel

[DrJB]

I found the LDD file I was working on a while back. It's not final, and not tested. Also, the bucket part is not available in LDD so I used close substitutes.

I have yet to build this and try it ... as I already have all the parts.

http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/djamil/GBC/bucket_wheel_excavator3.lxf

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Epic mechanism!

[doug72]

The previous built up bucket wheel made from connectors and axles was prone to flexing and connectors coming apart so an improved version required.

Currently working on a new improved bucket wheel GBC lift using four BWE gear quadrants (6151167) for a single ring gear, which makes for a sturdier structure with smooth rotation.
The bucket wheel is driven by an M motor with 24:1 reduction to a 20T double bevel drive driving the gear ring at 7:1 giving an overall 168:1 reduction.
The 8 buckets for carrying the balls use LEGO Dark Stone Gray Beam 3 with Large Ball Socket (92911)
The ball release trip mechanism is the same as previous BW but constructed using studless technic parts with a threaded lego 4L axle to allow adjustment.
Almost perfected the ball transfer onto and off the bucket wheel.
Will post images  / video later.

Edited December 20, 2016 by Doug72
Added content

[doug72]

Photos of new improved bucket wheel GBC lift using new gear rack quadrants:-

Oblique view:
IMG_4225 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Loading side view:
With wheel rotating clockwise the balls enter the buckets at 7:00 o’clock.
Wheel rotates and balls falls out of bucket at 1:00 o’clock and rolls down along rim to sit on back of preceding bucket.
At 4 o’clock balls drop from wheel onto discharge track.
IMG_4223 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Motor side view: showing motor/gearbox with battery & PF switch interlocked to prevent wrong way rotation.
IMG_4224 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Edited December 21, 2016 by Doug72

[doug72]

The Mk 2 bucket wheel lift has been linked up to my "Drag & Tilt" module on one base plate with a new conveyor linking the two modules.

IMG_4236 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

I now have 10 pce White Visors from the Mk 1 bucket wheel looking for a new build.

http://www.brickowl.com/catalog/lego-visor-2007-57702

I have thoughts on using these for a vertical or incline GBC stepper module.

Struggling to find  way to achieve this.

Has anyone ideas on how this could be achieved ?

Edited January 8, 2017 by Doug72
add image

[doug72]

On 08/01/2017 at 10:15 AM, Doug72 said:

I now have 10 pce White Visors from the Mk 1 bucket wheel looking for a new build.

 

After completing my Bucket Wheel GBC Lift I had 10 pcd White Visors spare waiting for a new use !

Finally used two visors for a module based on the Nxtstep101 module Dual arm lift GBC.
Adapted to use parts I had available. The loading gates are my own standard design operated by trips actuated by the bucket.
Driven by M motor at 24:1 reduction with arms 180 deg apart.

 

PS think I have been bitten by the GBC bug !

Edited February 27, 2017 by Doug72

[ColletArrow]

Simple and clever! I like it!  Have you tested out any of these GBC modules over a longer stretch of time, as a module would experience at an event? I don't see why this particular module should break down, but you can never tell until it's been 'run in'. (And it seems you have posted the same picture twice )

[doug72]

21 minutes ago, ColletArrow said:

Simple and clever! I like it!  Have you tested out any of these GBC modules over a longer stretch of time, as a module would experience at an event? I don't see why this particular module should break down, but you can never tell until it's been 'run in'. (And it seems you have posted the same picture twice )

Not tested the dual arm GBC for continuous running yet as need to set up a return ball run.
It took a lot of trial & error to get the levers & cranks working smoothly.

Some of my other GBC modules have been run for a long time and functioning OK still.
I don't anticipate going to an event and not sure is any are held in the UK.

Intention is to link them all up on a 6 ft x 3 ft board.

Thanks for advising I had duplicated the image - now corrected in original post above.

At the moment trying to get a GBC bucket chain lift working which uses a  Large Lego chain and the white visors as the ball holder.
First attempt failed but 2nd one looking better. Will post once working OK.