Mechanisms
I'll just begin by pointing out that I don't know the actual names of these mechanisms, so I just gave them names depending on the use I had for them.
Also, some of the videos are from the automata I made and others (like the build-up mechanism) were remade on a sort of wire test-bed. I know it looks a bit confusing but it serves as replacement when I can't record the bots that used those mechanisms.
Crank axis and lever
This was the first type of mechanism I used for the bots. The crank axis has some H-like sections that serve to actuate the levers. Those look like an H because the sides have to go higher up, for the attached mechanism to stay centered.
There are two main variants of this mechanism:
- High lever: the lever is far from the crank axis (in this video, the arm is the lever) and is connected to the crank axis by an additional piece.
- Low lever: the lever can also be directly connected to the crank axis. However in this case, they must be attached in a way that the crank axis can travel along the length of the lever. You should see in the video that the crank axis passes through a "longer loop" in the lever.
Build-up mechanism
I only ever used this mechanism for the swatter bot. It's really easy to make but also less fun to watch. Useful for movements that have a slow build-up and then a fast movement.
Worm drive
I found out the actual name for this one. It's good for very long actions but it can be a bit boring as it advances very slowly. Also pretty cumbersome. And careful not to put it too close to the bottom plate (like I did) or else the crank will have to be placed just as low and will be difficult to turn.
Transmission
I have yet to use this one at the time I'm writing this. It should only be necessary for larger automata, where one crank axis isn't be enough to drive everything.