Hi Mindstormers, LEGO enthusiasts, and geeky robot builders :)

We are working on bricks and elements that are compatible with LEGO sets, but more durable and with new functionalities. I shared on this forum our earlier project MinuteBot base. The new project we are working on is a bearing. It is in its developing phase. So it ;s the best moment to collect feedback on our idea. Please see the project (vote if you like it :) )and write how would you use it, or how it can be improved. We are interested in any comments! We really want this MinuteBot bearing to happen, and we need your help. Please spread the word.

http://www.bocabearings.com/innovation-contest/ContestantDetails.aspx?ProjectID=47

Hi Mindstormers, LEGO enthusiasts, and geeky robot builders :)

We are working on bricks and elements that are compatible with LEGO sets, but more durable and with new functionalities. I shared on this forum our earlier project MinuteBot base. The new project we are working on is a bearing. It is in its developing phase. So it ;s the best moment to collect feedback on our idea. Please see the project (vote if you like it :) )and write how would you use it, or how it can be improved. We are interested in any comments! We really want this MinuteBot bearing to happen, and we need your help. Please spread the word.

http://www.bocabeari...px?ProjectID=47

Cool idea. Is this intended to be a thrust bearing or a radial support bearing? A radial support bearing, for instance one which supports rotating axles, would be useful in reducing driveline friction especially near heavily loaded gears. A radial bearing housed inside a turntable shell would probably be useful as a steering hub for trial truck competitions. The bearing would allow the motor torque to be passed freely to the wheels without the friction of the vehicle's weight interfering. Usually the turntable is used as a thrust bearing, for example for the slewing of a crane superstructure. In this case the bearing would need to be between the upper and lower half of the turntable rather than in the center as in the picture. I think there is a lot of potential for a thrust bearing, but the platform size would probably need to be much larger than the standard turntable to be useful to most MOCers. For smaller robotics use, the existing turntable size may be acceptable.

In any case, the bearing should be rolling element and not sliding surface. High strength steel caged spherical balls would be best. Self lubricating so we don't need to make a mess out of our LEGO parts!

I wish you well with your project.

Cool idea. Is this intended to be a thrust bearing or a radial support bearing?

It can be used as a gearwheel, but it cannot drive an axle, as the center hole is round. So it would call for some bushings for this use.

In any case, the bearing should be rolling element and not sliding surface. High strength steel caged spherical balls would be best.

MinuteBot Bearing is a standard steel ball bearing that has a LEGO-compatible casing. In thet picture you can see where exactly the metal bearing comes in :)

@ MinuteBot: Your

explains your MinuteBot Bearing project quite well:

I voted for your Boca Bearings 2012 Innovation Contest entry!