OK, so this is my first thread here on SH. Been lurking for a while. I watched the "Lightest Double Sticks to Date 1.2lbs" thread with interest. Not one to resist an engineering challenge, I wanted to see what I could come up with. Criteria: Sub 1lb, 9" wide step, 17" between steps, tight nesting.
I am currently using Leverage 5252 two step sticks and I like them a lot, but they weigh in at 1.68lbs with the rope mod. We can do better!
My first (rather rushed and poorly executed) attempt was serviceable, but bent under a bouncing load. My test was to step up onto it, and then bounce on the steps progressively harder until something gave. I looked at the design and ran a simulation model before building. But I only looked at loads in the vertical direction. Turns out the feet were subject to a bending moment and failed (bent). The step did not bend in the vertical direction. Total weight on the stick with 1/4" Amsteel rope was 1.11lbs (1lb 1 3/4 oz). Also I need to take welding lessons from NCFarmweld! I bought a TIG welder a few months back and these are my first ever aluminum welds.
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So now with the prototype testing complete.... gotta figure out how to solve the bending issue... I will call this first attempt V1.0