Possible Designs for Improvement

Figure1: Current Bogie Design

The principal issue of the current design of the bogie is the switching mechanism. The current bogie utilizes piano wire to connect the servo to the switch side mechanisms. Though piano wire can be effective at times, it's lifespan is very short. A more robust version of the switching mechanism is needed in order to make the current design effective. The new design should be have a sturdy connection between the servo and the switch mechanism. It should also easily accessible for maintenance.

The improved connection that is being proposed is to design and 3D print a custom servo horn that would ball joint ends. The connection would then be a link that contains a ball socket on one end. The socket will have to be designed in a way that allows the connection to move in all the positions it needs to be able to.

Another proposed solution would be to keep the basic servo horn and design and 3D print the connector alone. This will be replacing the piano wire. The connection link will be designed in a way that it can be easily attached and taken off of servo and switch