Having played extensively withLEGO Technic as a youth (I still have the original #853 LEGO Technic Expert Builder Car Chassis set from 1977), I now find myself playing with LEGO Technic with my son. I am a vehicle design engineer by trade, and this – combined with the time spent playing with LEGO Technic – resulted in an idea for a new LEGO Technic compatible part. After this idea had knocked around in my mind for some time and refused to go away, I decided to design in properly using 3D CAD and present it to the LEGO Group to see what they thought…
My ultimate aim is to add a set of parts to LEGO Technicthat allow realistic functional models that work and behave in an authentic way. I love building things in LEGO Technic with my son that demonstrate real life engineering principles. This way he can learn through play and fun. The proposed LEGO Technic elements produce a planetary hub that is close in design to real world parts. This is why I even included rolling element bearings. Please watch the video below for a demonstration.
I hope the video gave you a good idea on how these new parts would work, and their potential. If you would like more technical details, here are some of the key features of these new LEGO Technic components:
Planetary gear train built into a standard 56×34 rim – the gear train provides a 3:1 speed reduction and a corresponding 1:3 increase in torque. The output torque is generated at the internal gear and transmitted directly to the rim and from there to the tire or track, therefore it does not pass through any axles.
Integrated 14 tooth track drive sprocket – increases potential applications, the rim flanges provide lateral support on the underside of the track segment plates. The sprocket is hidden when a tire is fitted.
4-point universal mount – this is designed to accommodate: rigid axle, rigid axle with steering, suspension or suspension with steering set-ups, all utilizing standard components. The pivot point is positioned to allow the use of either a one part universal joint or a 2-part Cardan joint.
Rolling element bearings – provide authenticity, tight rim location with little free play and also give low rolling resistance.
I sent the above video to the LEGO Group to consider producing these new elements, but so far have had no success in convincing them. Unfortunately the project cannot be submitted through LEGO Ideas, because new part designs are specifically excluded. So I thought to reach out to the LEGO fan community for help. I’m thinking that if I can get at least 10,000 views on this video (which is the threshold for votes on LEGO Ideas for LEGO to review the project), LEGO would likely take it more seriously.
What do you think? Do you believe these new LEGO Technic parts would be a good idea? If so, please help by sharing my video with your friends through social-media, forums, blogs, and whatever other ways you can think of. Also, if you have any questions, comments, constructive criticism about the project, feel free to share in the comment section below. I will stop by to respond to them. And thank you for your support! 🙂
And you might also like to check out the following related posts:
There were thirteen LEGO BIONICLE sets released at the beginning of 2016, which represent the third wave of LEGO BIONICLE. As you may already be aware, the story of BIONICLE is that the great island of Okoto is threatened by evil. Mighty heroes, known as the Toa, have fallen from the stars to battle the forces of darkness and save Okoto from destruction. This time, to continue their quest, the Toa must each find one of Okoto’s ancient Elemental Creatures. By uniting with the creatures, the heroes will form deep and profound links with the elements and gain access to powers far greater than they could ever imagine. 🙂
The sets include quite a few new pieces, masks, special weapons, and play-features. Below I have included for you a series of video-reviews by JANGBRiCKS to show you each of the sets. You can watch them all, or just select the ones you would like to see in detail. I also include the promo-video from LEGO for this wave, which briefly introduces the story and the sets. You can learn more about the story at the official LEGO BIONICLE website.
If you are a fan of LEGO BIONICLE, you can collect all of the sets, or just pick and choose the characters you like the most. I do recommend getting the corresponding Toa and the Elemental Creature sets together, because they give you a lot more options both for building and play. You can find all the new sets – along with some of the previously released ones – under the LEGO BIONICLE section of the Online LEGO Shop.
Also, I should mention that there is a fourth wave of LEGO BIONICLE sets coming later this year. Not much is known about them yet, but they should be revealed at the upcoming German and New York Toy Fairs. What do you think? How do you like the new wave of LEGO BIONICLE sets? Did you get any of them already? Or are you planning to? Do you follow the story? How do you like it? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below! 😉
And you might also like to check out the following related posts:
