Semi-trailer truck and artificial gravity module based on docking ports (Stock!)

[The Aziz]

Hi fellow Kerbalers!
Without any delay I present to you my latest creation, which uses interesting exploit of docking port mechanics.
You know, when two docking ports are close enough to each other, they magically connect with their magnets. But when docked, you can't rotate them independently. So what if...
And here comes my plan. I placed one small strut on flat surface, then attached one docking port to it, and moved it slightly down, so strut is visible. What is the effect, you ask? Well, if second, clear port is close enough, it gets magnetically attracted, but the strut blocks it from connecting. Of course, in this case, you still have two separate vessels, but hey, it has so many possible uses (I thought of only two). And one of these is... A truck. Video below.

As you can see, one of the ports needs some sort of blockade in back and front, because magnets don't seem to be strong enough to withstand too high acceleration, so I lost my trailer few times. Now it works almost flawless, but watch out for big drops, still no control over trailer.

Actually I wanted to show only the hitch idea, because I suck at biulding nice looking constructions, as you clearly see. But whatever, enjoy, and use it (maybe for rotating space station elements? who knows?)

 

Exactly. Rotating space station elements. Done, see video below:

 

Oy, there is an update! I simplified things a bit to get more control, and constructed new system that allows whole station to be made of only two vessels, instead of three. Now the module acts kinda like a bicycle wheel, "connected" to one part in two places. Had to eyeball it, and tried few times before the fork was tight enough for both ports to connect. Also make sure you leave enough space for the module to rotate.
Yes, explosions included, but nothing crucial lost. Apparently big ports' magnets don't seem to be stronger in any way, they're just bigger and more stable. Which means, don't rotate the fork. It won't end well.
Enjoy.

 

Regards, me.

Edited October 17, 2016 by The Aziz

[sal_vager]

Thread moved to the Spacecraft Exchange at members request.

[klond]

 Before I give too much praise for this awesome idea, I gotta ask-

Are you sure it's magnetism and not just because you have a pin in a hole (can't check myself right now).

Edited October 6, 2016 by klond

[The Aziz]

2 minutes ago, klond said:

 Before I give too much praise for this awesome idea, I gotta ask-

Are you sure it's magnetism and not just because you have a pin in a hole (can't check myself right now).

Yup, I'm sure. Look closely at 0:47, I'm not clicking anything, and tractor slighly accelerates towards the trailer, which wobbles a bit. And it works at any angle, horizontal, vertical, tilted, whatever.

[klond]

 Well that's great!  Magnets.  Permanent magnets.  What else can we do with magnets?  I think motors are right out because we would need on/off switching capabilities.  I'm thinking couplers for train cars.  And maybe something to gently hold stuff you're not focused on like a door catch.  I bet this would work very well in low gravity.

I'd be interested to see if you stack multiple ports directly over each other if the force increases.

Good post!

Edited October 6, 2016 by klond

[Majorjim!]

Nice idea man, I liked the video too! great work. I've made a trailer before but I used my tiny thermo hinge. There is a video I made I could post here if you are cool with that?

[The Aziz]

3 hours ago, klond said:

 Well that's great!  Magnets.  Permanent magnets.  What else can we do with magnets?  I think motors are right out because we would need on/off switching capabilities.  I'm thinking couplers for train cars.  And maybe something to gently hold stuff you're not focused on like a door catch.  I bet this would work very well in low gravity.

I'd be interested to see if you stack multiple ports directly over each other if the force increases.

Good post!

I'm waiting for 1.2 so I could test it on bigger scale in space, because I don't want to install hyperedit (and launching anything big even with all cheats on is too hard for me)

 

1 hour ago, Majorjim! said:

Nice idea man, I liked the video too! great work. I've made a trailer before but I used my tiny thermo hinge. There is a video I made I could post here if you are cool with that?

I guess so? Or have you posted your own thread? Well, if our staff has no problem with it, then me neither.

What is thermo hinge anyway?

[Majorjim!]

Just now, The Aziz said:

I'm waiting for 1.2 so I could test it on bigger scale in space, because I don't want to install hyperedit (and launching anything big even with all cheats on is too hard for me)

 

I guess so? Or have you posted your own thread? Well, if our staff has no problem with it, then me neither.

What is thermo hinge anyway?

I can link the vid so I don't hijack the thread too much. Here. The vid show the thermo hinge in it's older state used as a door hinge and for a trailer attached to a rover. It works for larger craft too.

Just now, The Aziz said:

What is thermo hinge anyway?

It's something I made, the smallest possible stock hinge. See here.

Anywhoo enough hijacking! I look forward to seeing what else you come up with using your magna-hinge!

[The Aziz]

Okay, smol update. These magnets don't seem to be as strong as I thought, I made longer trailer, and it didn't work. I made also hitch without any parts around, same effect. Investigation still in progress, it sure has potential I haven't discovered yet.

Though, I think it should work without problems in space, where is no friction. Loud and clear coming very soon, so another update of project as well.

[Azimech]

I may be wrong but I expect the senior docking port to have more magnetic strength. Looking in the part config file it says:

MODULE
	{
		name = ModuleDockingNode
		referenceAttachNode = top
		nodeType = size2
		stagingEnabled = False
	}

While the standard uses size1 and the junior uses size0.

Too bad the settings aren't configurable. With the mod Tweakable Everything 

it used to be possible.

 

And Aziz, very bright idea! I might exploit it in the future.

Edited October 8, 2016 by Azimech

[The Aziz]

Hhey-hey-hey,  guess what?
1.2 is here, so no more struggling with aerodynamics, one click and we're in space!
And that means... Yes, I may have not work on the truck, but I did build the artificial gravity module, as well as two very simple parts supposed to make a substitute of rest of the station. Aaaand it works! Module rotates without one squeal, while the rest stays still. Video already recorded, but will be there tomorrow, it's too late already. Stay tuned!

EDIT: Done, topic renamed, first post updated with a video. Enjoy.

Edited October 13, 2016 by The Aziz
new stuff

[Castille7]

Very cool idea, I was just working on a swivel for my ring station I started and this has very few parts and a much cleaner look, Impressive!

[problemecium]

Very nice. I nominate this for linking in the Open-Source Construction Techniques thread, if it hasn't been linked already.

[The Aziz]

23 hours ago, Castille7 said:

Very cool idea, I was just working on a swivel for my ring station I started and this has very few parts and a much cleaner look, Impressive!

I saw pics, but still not sure how dues it work. But are these two separate vessels, or one?

13 hours ago, parameciumkid said:

Very nice. I nominate this for linking in the Open-Source Construction Techniques thread, if it hasn't been linked already.

If someone wants to do it, well why not.

 

So, while wait for mods was still going, I tried to simplify things a bit. Second iteration of the module, back in the first post.

[Castille7]

22 hours ago, The Aziz said:

I saw pics, but still not sure how dues it work. But are these two separate vessels, or one?

 

@The Aziz This is actually three vessels, I will explain and post a video soon on my next update and tag you when I do.

@The Aziz see the video here, at the end you will see how the craft is setup before decoupling is done.

Edited October 18, 2016 by Castille7

[The Aziz]

So, week passed, and I haven't do much here, as I returned to my career. Plus, I don't have any ideas what to do more. Maybe you have something? Tell me, maybe I'll be able to make it happen.

[Castille7]

3 hours ago, The Aziz said:

So, week passed, and I haven't do much here, as I returned to my career. Plus, I don't have any ideas what to do more. Maybe you have something? Tell me, maybe I'll be able to make it happen.

I made an attempt to build this craft but have not posted it, I didn't like the way it looked. I plan to build it again one day but for now maybe you can give it a try. the Model is a WSH-500

Edited October 23, 2016 by Castille7

[The Aziz]

I thought of something using that docking ports system, my aircraft rarely work

[The Aziz]

It's been a while, but I found major problem.

Time warp make these things drift away from each other. Even if you don't have them focused.

Well..

[Azimech]

2 hours ago, The Aziz said:

It's been a while, but I found major problem.

Time warp make these things drift away from each other. Even if you don't have them focused.

Well..

That's unfortunate. I too had high hopes for this system.