Yax - Yaki Imo

Frame pieces were notched to fit together. Most pieces required notches at the ends at precise angles. Jigs were designed to present the tube to the CNC at the correct orientation. Jigs had zero, zero positions and color coded screw holes for keeping track of mounting.

A large jig was made to assemble all the notched tubes. Using the welded frame solid model, I created individual jig pieces to hold the tubes. This was ultimately used to tack weld the frame together so the tacked frame had to be removable from the jig. 

This view shows some of the complexity of the overlapping and notched tubes. The bottom bracket tube had 7 tubes that intersected with it. It should also be noted that sometimes a strap or bungee cord will suffice for holding things in place.

Yaki Imo was the proof of concept and painted yellow. Magic Pie hub motors and batteries can be seen on the trike. Headlights turned with wheels.

Yax is seen in the foreground with the loading platform in place.

Steering linkage and wheel supports. Heim joints provide adjustability for toe, camber, and caster. There is adjustment for raising and lowering the frame to make the platform level.   

Testing steering system and turning radius. This version did not have front wheel hub motors. There are also no brakes. Testing was done on tennis courts as the streets of Brooklyn were deemed risky.