Ingeniero

Structure

Structure
Table of Contents:
2.2

Concepts to Understand

2.7

Subsystem Interactions

2.17

Inventor’s Guide

2•1

05/08

Introduction to Structure Subsystem

Structure

Introduction to the Structure Subsystem
The parts in the VEX Structure Subsystem form the base of every robot. These parts
are the “skeleton” of the robot to which all other parts areattached. This subsystem
consists of all the main structural components in the VEX Design System including all
the metal components and hardware pieces. These pieces connect together to form the
“skeleton” or frame of the robot.
In the VEX Robotics
Design System the
majority of the
components in the
Structure Subsystem are
made from bent sheetmetal. These pieces
(either aluminum or
steel)come in a variety
of shapes and sizes and
are suited to different
functions on a robot.
Different types of parts
are designed for different
applications.

05/08

The VEX structural pieces all contain square holes (0.182” sq) on a standardized 1/2”
grid. This standardized hole-spacing allows for VEX parts to be connected in almost any
configuration. The smaller diamond holes are there tohelp users cut pieces using tin-snips or
fine-toothed hacksaws without leaving sharp corners.

2•2

Inventor’s Guide

Structure

Introduction to the Structure Subsystem, continued
VEX square holes are also used
as “alignment features” on
some components. These pieces
will “snap” in place into these
square holes. For example, when
mounting a VEX Bearing Flat
there are small tabswhich will
stick through the square hole and
hold it perfectly in alignment.
This allows for good placement of
components with key alignment
requirements. (It would be bad if
a bearing slipped out of place!)
Note that hardware is still
required to hold the Bearing Flat
onto a structural piece.
Hardware is an important part
of the Structure Subsystem.
Metal components can be directlyattached together using the
8-32 screws and nuts which are
standard in the VEX kit. The
8-32 screws fit through the
standard VEX square holes.
These screws come in a variety
of lengths and can be used to
attach multiple thicknesses of
metal together, or to mount
other components onto the VEX
structural pieces.
Allen wrenches and other tools
are used to tighten or loosen the
hardware.05/08

Note: There are two types of screws that are part of the VEX Robotics Design System.
• Size 8-32 screws are the primary screws used to build robot structure.
• Size 6-32 screws are smaller screws which are used for specialty applications like
mounting the VEX Motors and Servos.

Inventor’s Guide

2•3

Structure

Introduction to the Structure Subsystem, continued
HINT:
Attachcomponents together
with multiple screws from
different directions to keep
structural members aligned
correctly and for maximum
strength!

When using screws to attach things together, there are three types of nuts which can be used.
• Nylock nuts have a plastic insert in them which will prevent them from unscrewing. These
are harder to install, as you need to use an open-ended wrench totighten them up. These
nuts will not come off due to vibration or movement.
• KEPS nuts have a ring of “teeth” on one side of them. These teeth will grip the piece
they are being installed on. This means you do not NEED to use an open-ended wrench to
tighten them (but it is still recommended). These nuts are installed with the teeth facing
the structure. These nuts can loosen up over time ifnot properly tightened; however they
will work great in most applications.
• Regular nuts have no locking feature. These basic hex nuts require a wrench to install and
may loosen up over time, especially when under vibration or movement. They are very thin
and can be used in some locations where it is not practical to use a Nylock or KEPS nut.

Nylock Nut

KEPS Nut

Regular (Hex) Nut...