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Originally posted by Mekon

I want to build a 7 foot tall humanoid weight bearing skeleton with adjustable poseable joints.

I’m new to this kind of project so I may not be using the best terminology yet.

The joints also need to be capable of bring ‘locked’ into position without collapsing or moving due to the structure’s own weight or external forces.

I’d be thinking of something along these lines:

Neck Ball Joint
Shoulders Ball Joint
Elbows Hinge Joint
Wrists Ball Joint
Hips Ball Joint
Knees Hinge Joint
Ankles Hinge Joint

The frame will be covered by a shell probably made of resin or fibreglass so the mechanism for adjusting and locking the joints must be fairly simple and accessible. The movement wouldn’t have to be smooth as a ratcheted type action would be adequate. A lockable universal joint might also do.

I don’t have welding skills or access to welding equipment so I’d be thinking about a wooden structure with the joints screwed or bolted on. Plastic tubing also a possibility I suppose.

I’ve looked at various areas and have so far determined the following:

Animatronics and robotics use motors, pneumatics and other electrics but that’s well beyond my requirements let alone my capabilities and budget.

Model making and sculpture armatures tend to be for fixed or limited movement structures.

Animation armatures provide good movement but tend to be small and they don’t usually need to support larger weights or be lockable

I’ve considered a home made ball joint with tension provided by bungee cord, but I don’t think this would be very easy or effective and wouldn’t fulfil the ability to be lockable.

I’m willing to spend some money, but not loads. Making each joint myself or adjusting cheap existing objects would be preferable here.

So, your ideas please!

Cheers.

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