B2V2 Magnetic Lower Risers

This modification for the Baddeley B2V2 build replaces the lower risers and side panels with alternate versions that use two pairs of embedded 10x5mm magnets to hold each riser in place instead of the 3D printed compliant spring mechanism of the stock build.

During my build, I found that the compliant mechanism, while novel, was not actually needed in order to ensure clearance between the lower and upper risers when the droid was in the fully contracted state. Additionally, the compliant mechanism introduced a degree of wobble to the lower riser that not only created a rattling sound when the droid moves, but in some cases would expose edges of the compliant mechanism that would get caught on the body panels while the body lift was activated, causing loud snapping noises when the body panel released from the obstruction.

Added side benefits of the magnetic risers include simplified removal for access and maintenance as well as a slight increase in the size of the opening to the side battery channels - allowing slightly higher capacity batteries to be used for power.

These newer lower risers are “solid” and include recesses in the bottom for a pair of 10x5mm magnets. Matching recesses are included in the side panels (a single print version as well as a split version is provided here). Using two magnets per riser helps ensure proper alignment, and these magnets can be “keyed” if you prefer, with polarity orientations such that each riser will only seat properly in one location (this is completely optional).

Since the new risers no longer have any vertical travel provided by the compliant mechanism, they have been vertically stretched to make up the difference, and the upper inside edge has a chamfer to minimize the likelihood of any collision with the middle body panel during lift operation.

The side panels are based on the “clean” version of the skins.