Climber Prototype

We are working on a climber that uses a tape measure or fish tape.

Our Progress

• We are prototyping a small, two-stage telescoping arm.

Materials:

• Stages:

  • Base: 1" Poly Pipe

  • Stage 1: 3/4" Poly Pipe

  • Stage 2: 7/16" Dowel Rod

• 3D Printed End Caps Onshape Link

• Tape Measure

• 3D Printed Spool for Tape Measure: Onshape Link

4/29/2021

• After some trial and error with the 3D printed fittings, assembly is starting to come together.

Retracted

Extended

5/11/2021

Worked on the tape measure spool, and determined it needed a cover to help make sure the tape was contained and did not unwind too much.

Onshape link to the spool & cover

Spool for Tape (3D Printed)

Spool with 3D Printed Cover (to keep the tape from unwinding)

5/12/2021

Completed Prototype, Extended

• The "proof of concept" is there, but we learned a lot, and would make many changes.

• Tape measure is flimsy and this method does not reliably extend the tape measure. Extending the tape measure works, but not very well.

Inspiration

Steel Tape Drive (for telescoping arm)Chief Delphi

Another effective & simple climber: