I was inspired by all of the unique modes of conveyance
at the 1997 Burning Man.
I had built some small Japanese metal toy kits
about 20 years ago - crab, inchworm, centipede,
and I knew I could do the simplest one.
I got some aluminum and wheels and bolted them together.
I was going to use chain wheels and levers, but
I found surplus exercise machine hydraulic cylinders from American
Science and Surplus, and decided to go that way. I had to order
some hoses and solenoid valve from a place in Tennessee.
I found a Toyota power steering pump at the junkyard
and a gas engine form a lawnmower shop and I was in business.
The following is a view from the back showing
the gas engine, Toyota power steering pump, hydraulic cylinder solenoid
valves, and control box:
This is a view from the front:
Side view:
Front view:
The following is the switch that determines which
side of the solenoid valve is energized -
as the inchworm opens and closes to its limits,
the SPDT switch is thrown back and forth by the nuts on the shaft as the
rod traveks back and forth, energizing alternate sides of the solenoid
valve:
Night pictures:
Front view
Rear view
Here is an AVI of it in motion