CHAPTER 20 ■ COUPLER
Admiring the Coupler
The setscrew makes it simple and quick to install and remove the coupler from the robot. Equally beneficial,
the LEGO cross axle allows for a variety of LEGO wheels to be slid on (see Figure 20-23). The LEGO axle
accepts LEGO gears and other parts as well, so you can use the coupler to motorize more than just wheels.
You can modify this coupler design for other types of wheels and different-sized motor shafts. Using
telescoping tubing ensures that the wheel hub and motor shaft are perfectly centered, eliminating any up
and down play or wobble during operation.
Because of all the tools and components required to make the couplers, I usually build more than I
need at a time. With half a dozen extra couplers floating around the home laboratory, you can build robots
quickly when inspiration strikes.
Figure 20-23. Sandwich with the coupler attached to the motor shaft and a LEGO wheel about to be pressed on