
This was the first prototype I built in Solidworks.
Many changes had to be made, because professional dredge engineers claimed that all the heaviest components were positioned way too high above he pontoons, and would be a very high risk of tipping over in a rough rapid.
It was back to the drawing board.
Many changes had to be made, because professional dredge engineers claimed that all the heaviest components were positioned way too high above he pontoons, and would be a very high risk of tipping over in a rough rapid.
It was back to the drawing board.

The large mock up on the right side of this frame is a full scale model made of PVC pipe and insulation boards. The purpose was to find research physical capabilities in full scale, demonstrate human factor related interactions, and look for the most ideal places to install the hinges.
A 1/4 scale model was made by 3-D printing individual components, bonding them together, building a frame out of brass and solder.
A 1/4 scale model was made by 3-D printing individual components, bonding them together, building a frame out of brass and solder.