Page 151 - Amphibionics : Build Your Own Biologically Inspired Robot

Amphibionics 05 3/24/03 8:44 AM Page 130
FIGURE 5.18
Battery pack with
mounting piece Amphibionics
attached.

Constructing the Tail Section
The snake robot will need a tail that will be used to brace the rear
end of the body and provide friction when the robot is moving
forward and turning, as well as for the aesthetic purpose of com-
pleting the body.
The tail section is constructed using 1/16-inch thick aluminum
stock. Cut a piece 2-1/2 inches 8-1/2 inches. File any rough
edges and place the piece on a table. Photocopy the cutting and
bending guide in Figure 5.19. Use the photocopier enlargement
feature so that the dimensions are exactly 2-1/2 inches 8-1/2
inches. Cut the template out and use a glue stick to glue it onto the
piece of aluminum of the same size. Use a metal cutting band saw
or hacksaw to cut the piece, as shown in Figure 5.19. Drill the
mounting holes as indicated, using a 5/32-inch drill bit. Bend the
aluminum in a vise or on the edge of a table, as shown in Figure
5.19. The finished tailpiece is shown in Figure 5.20.

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