The original design was created on CAD software (Solidworks 2010) as depicted to the left. This initial design, which was based on group discussion, unfortunately has a major flaw. The tripod legs cross at its base; which could only be fixed by either lowering the height of the feet in relation to the leg length, or by changing the angle of the tripod. Neither of these options would be practical as they would both comprise the structure of the crane.
Another problem with this design was size. This crane would be both heavy and complicated to assemble in a hurry. Therefore the design was revised, as shown to the left, to a simpler form.
This design would be much easier to assemble and transport, due to the much simpler design. The each leg structure may be disassembled into short component pieces, but once assembled may be carried across rough terrain as a single piece. The main difference in these designs is shown below, changes to the shoulder section and central leg section mean that this crane is supported by a single tripod on either side.
These changes greatly improve the design and at this stage, rough CAD drawings were created and handed to the stress analyst. All of the dimensions and angles depicted in these drawings are approximate, until the stress analyst has completed his task. The design is likely to be changed considerably to accommodated his recommendations.
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