Ideas to join 2 c-channels 90 degree on their sides?

Hi, we somehow managed to have 2 c-channels (1x2x1) in the orientation as depicted in the picture below.

I’m just wondering if anybody has ideas on how to join them 90-degree?

Thanks

you screw them together…? try using 4 screws going through both channels. I recommend using nylocks

I’d love to see your screws that somehow go at angles? :grinning:

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I’m not sure I follow… I can’t screw them up since the vertical c-channel is on open-end at its bottom.

So you mean cut the L bracket to make it fit into the inside of the vertical c-channel AND 1-hole of the horizontal c-channel?

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And then you could cut off the excess.

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Got it. I’ll need to check if the shift/offsets will cause problem, but this is better than our current solution cutting and dremelling)

Thanks a lot!

No prob.
Here’s another alternative, with angle gussets.

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oh, I’m dumb, sorry lol. didn’t see what you meant at first.

Cut some aluminum plate to go on the faces of the c channels. The above solutions are fairly sub optimal.

Another method is to use either of the VEX 90 degree gussets as well.

Third semi optimal method if you don’t have plate is to use a c channel and put it across the front of two c channels. CAD model isn’t necessary to demonstrate this, here’s a crude drawing of an ideal way to fasten the two c channels using plate (and put this on both sides of the joint):

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I would honestly avoid mounting the tower like that and would shift it over a hole so that it can be bolted directly to the horizontal c-channel. Even if you utilize the brackets in the previous posts above, things can get offset because of the actual thickness of the metals and as a result ruin possible support structures and spacing options. On top of that, the vertical c-channel will most likely scratch the horizontal piece since it is applying force on top of it which is never a clean sight to see.

To ensure that spacing stays perfect and that no parts are getting damaged/ stay rigid, I utilize a c-channel coupler as pictured below. It allows for a really clean mount while also not requiring the usage of any strange/ custom made pieces. Granted, you should have a few additional supports to make sure the towers are as rigid as possible, but as far as mounting a tower to a drive base I consider this to be one of the best solutions.

Sure, you may have to make some adjustments since the towers have to be shifted over based on the CAD drawing you have, but it is definitely a worthwhile change given the effectiveness of this mount.

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You could try something similar to this and use flat 90 degree gussets on the outsides to have proper support.

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There’s a way i’ve seen done using standoffs, the other way that we prefer is actually using a plate and then a triangle brace (lighter and stronger). I’ll attach examples of all below.
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^ above, you see the standoff and the screws holding up the c-channel. It’s not perfect because this particular build wasn’t ever finished, but you can get a general sort of idea.
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^in this iconic robot, you can see how their c-channel is mounted and braced. Yes, that’s a plate. Sorry about the low quality, I snipped this off a youtube thumbnail.


^above, if yo ulook closely at the bottom of our flywheel towers, you can see how they’re mounted. Holdon. Let me try to find a better picture…

Old picture, but shows it better.

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Using a plate of metal here

btw first leaks of bot #LEAKS4LIF3

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Here’s a library of photos of that robot: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNNAN-YsNNryj2k_c6OAl2C_yL41FpyPJ0E8AkyfrcAH-L2HIlIBbxb_sf4FRJcBw?key=cmZxRWE0emdoSm9HQlNyZnZoLU0tY29mblJheTFB

Personally, I don’t see an issue with stacking the C-channels as you are trying to, and I’d recommend using a plate (or two plates, on on each side) to connect them. I’d recommend using the 1/2" nylon spacers or aluminum standoffs to connect the plate to the c-channels wherever it is not flush.

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Thanks to everybody’s idea. I really appreciate it! :smiley: