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Think about your experience using the Grabber.
Review each of these techniques for building a better Grabber.
As you review each, consider whether your Grabber would be better if you used the engineering technique described to change your build.

Example of a redesigned Grabber showing the "Doubled-up" technique. The structure features doubled beams for enhanced rigidity, with red arrows indicating pivot points, and parts added for improved performance to picking up heavy objects.

  • Technique: Doubled-up
  • Explanation: Beams are at least doubled so that the Grabber is more rigid and will not bend when picking up heavy objects.
  • Changes to current Grabber:
    • Shorter in length and fewer pivot points
    • All beams are doubled and connected to each other with pins
    • Collared shafts and rubber shaft collars are used as pivot points (Red arrows show where)
  • Parts added:
    • 1x8 Beam (Quantity: 2)
    • 2x Wide 2x2 Corner Connector (Quantity: 1)
    • 3x Pitch Plastic Capped Shaft (Quantity: 3)
    • 4x Pitch Plastic Capped Shaft (Quantity: 1)
    • Rubber Shaft Collar (Quantity: 4)
    • 1x2 Connector Pin (Quantity: 4)
  • Parts removed or replaced:
    • 2x Wide 1x2 Offset Corner Connector (Quantity: 1)
    • 1x1 Connector Pin (Quantity: 1)

Example of a redesigned Grabber showing the offset-center technique. The red arrows highlight where the pivot points have moved to effect the claw's ability to open and close effectively for the task.

  • Technique: Offset-center
  • Explanation: The pivot points are positioned where they don't make the Grabber open too much or too little.
  • Changes to current Grabber:
    • Shorter in length and fewer pivot points
    • Pivot points away from center to a location where they work best (Red arrows show where)
  • Parts added:
    • 2x Wide 2x2 Corner Connector (Quantity: 1)
  • Parts removed or replaced:
    • 1x6 Beam (Quantity: 2)
    • 1x12 Beam (Quantity: 2)
    • 2x Wide 1x2 Offset Corner Connector (Quantity: 1)
    • 1x1 Connector Pin (Quantity: 7)

Example redesigned Grabber showing cross-support technique. The structure features reinforced pivot points with additional beams and standoffs (indicated by red arrows) for enhanced rigidity, stability, and strength.

  • Technique: Cross-support
  • Explanation: Pivot points are reinforced so that they are stronger, which makes the Grabber more rigid, stable, and strong.
  • Changes to current Grabber:
    • Shorter in length and fewer pivot points
    • The beams with center pivot points are reinforced using another beam of the same size and standoffs (Red arrows show standoffs)
    • Added beams require longer pins
  • Parts added:
    • 2x Wide 2x2 Corner Connector (Quantity: 1)
    • 1x12 Beam (Quantity: 2)
    • 1x2 Connector Pin (Quantity: 6)
    • 1/2x Pitch Standoff (Quantity: 4)
  • Parts removed or replaced:
    • 1x6 Beam (Quantity: 2)
    • 1x8 Beam (Quantity: 2)
    • 2x Wide 1x2 Offset Corner Connector (Quantity: 1)
    • 1x1 Connector Pin (Quantity: 13)
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