Sparkfun Shadow Chassis Side Strut & Mounts

thingiverse

Sparkfun sells a chassis for robots called the "Shadow" at https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13301. The "Shadow" is a great option for beginners building their first robot, snapping together seamlessly. However, caution is needed when unsnapping parts as they can break easily. Specifically, I broke the side strut that connects the top and bottom deck of the chassis. As a result, I created a replacement part. Additionally, Sparkfun sells a VL6180 ToF sensor available at https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12785. The goal was to mount this sensor on the front of the robot. However, it wasn't straightforward using the existing side struts. Originally, I designed a mounting bracket by hand and later in CAD software for attaching onto the side struts, then wondered why not go all the way with a design replacement for side strut to accommodate VL6180 ToF sensor. As such, there are now two STL part files: sparkfun_shadow_side_strut.stl - This is designed as an alternative for the Shadow chassis kit side strut, measuring same height and sporting flanges to fit into top and bottom plates without modifications. sparkfun_shadow_side_strut_vl6180_mount.stl - It serves as replacement of previous one with the VL6180 ToF sensor integration features including ample space for connecting the connectors via 90 degree headers and secure header connectors in position. Printing Settings: Printer: LulzBot Mini Rafts: Off Supports: No supports applied Resolution: Print resolution is set to fine mode. The replacement part was created using online CAD software OnShape (www.onshape.com) with iterative development through multiple prototypes until matching measurements of original side strut components were obtained.