Quadruped Vehicle Powered by Only One Motor

• Draw 3D-printing, laser-cutting models, and print the parts

• Build the assembly, do tests, and make adjustments

• Recorder, arrange meetings

My Role:

Takeaway Message:

What We Have Done:

• The most important thing I learned from this project is to be never afraid of starting again. I remember that as we slept in the lab, waiting for the 3D parts to be printed. My groupmates asked me to take a snap while they made some “small adjustments” to our model. I agreed, and after a while, when I opened my eyes, I could not find the vehicle but many small components lying on the ground. The vehicle was completely disintegrated. I could not describe my feelings at that time, because we will have a demo tomorrow morning, and it was already 3 am. Many words and feelings passed by my mind, but I immediately cleared my mind, took a deep breath and carried on to finish the structure. Crying and complaining seldom solves problems; they are merely a part of life's fabric. Only by addressing each challenge with patience and diligence can we move forward; otherwise, those problems will just stay there, and our vehicle could not build by itself.

Key Words:

Ordinarily, a vehicle is propelled by four individual motors, with each motor responsible for controlling a distinct leg or wheel. However, in this instance, we have innovatively reengineered the system to operate using a single motor. This remarkable achievement is made possible through the implementation of a meticulously crafted 4-bar linkage structure. This project is an integral part of the ME370 course team effort.

I am the one who took the picture; You know this kind of people of least picture of their own 😂

Our Video:

Sometimes we just slept in the lab, or have a quick meeting in the restaurant.

• This experience and many related experience in this course taught me never be afraid of mistakes. Just as the words of one of my favorite songs, "Everything goes wrong to turn into the way of life." (a letter, Aimer)

There were too many different problems took place during the whole process Q-Q

• In moments like these, I took deep breaths and carried on. I also witnessed another group patiently waiting for their parts overnight, only to experience a sudden power outage at 7 a.m. The lights dimmed for just half a minute, but when the power returned, the 3D printer went wrong, printing on the wrong axis. All the parts were ruined and rendered useless.

• There was even a fire in the lab. It happened while a group was using the laser cutting. Since there was not enough acrylic board for every group, they bought some from the internet. However, it’s not fit with our laser cutting machine. While they were using it, it started to burn in the machine. One of them asked a boy from another group waiting in line behind him, “Is it normal to have a fire inside?” 😂 Everyone was shocked. I just saw the smoke, and soon there was a strange smell all over the lab. After the fire was extinguished, nobody could use the laser cutting machine, so the demo scheduled for the next day had to be postponed. Honestly, I had the best sleep that night compared to all the previous nights.

• I remember those days, watching the sunset in the lab and heading to the school gate to grab our breakfast takeout in the cold morning breeze. It was a terrible time for all of us in our program, as we were simultaneously pursuing dual degrees from two universities; it’s common to be overwhelmed. We seized every available moment. It was undeniably challenging, but I'm filled with a sense of satisfaction and delight when I recount that period.

• In retrospect, it was a memorable journey. I honed my skills in design, using 3D printing and laser cutting, developed resilience, and forged lasting friendships during this time.

3D printing; CAD Design; Laser Cutting; Structure Design