Questions about some 'new' Technic parts

[jantjeuh]

I've been out of LEGO Technic for 10+ years, and have only recently returned. I've acquired a number of recent sets to get me started again (8043, 8053, 8265) and I noticed some new parts (well, new for me anyway ). I have some questions about them, I hope someone can enlighten me..

Technic, Pin Connector Round with Slot (Pin Joiner Round)

I get that this connector can be used to link two pins together, but why is there a slot on one side?

Technic, Axle Connector (Ridged with + hole + orientation)

Technic, Axle Connector (Ridged with x hole x orientation)

Technic, Axle Connector (Smooth with x hole + orientation)

This connector is obviously used to link two axles together (and the ridged ones can also be used in combination with the driving ring). What's up with the different hole/orientation combinations though? You also have Technic bricks with x holes rather than + holes I noticed.

Edited November 7, 2010 by jantjeuh

[Zerobricks]

Yes, the first on was an + orientation. Sometime arround 2000 Lego deciced to use X orientation on bushes, connectors and such. But some 2 yearsa go they went back to + orientation and they also made this new connector which is easyer to make, but cant be used in tranny.

[DLuders]

@ jantjeuh: I don't know why the 75535b "Technic, Pin Connector Round with Slot (Pin Joiner Round)" has a slot in it. Perhaps a Lego Plate could be placed edge-on so that it fits into the slot. I always spin the (unattractive) slot so that it's not in view. One could just get the plain (non-slotted) 75535 "Technic, Pin Connector Round (Pin Joiner Round)", but they cost more on Bricklink.

As far as the Axle Connectors, the 6538a "Technic, Axle Connector (Ridged with + hole + orientation)" may be stronger than the 6538b "Technic, Axle Connector (Ridged with x hole x orientation)", because the plastic between the X and the longitudinal "valleys" is thicker. I never have cared which one I've used in various MOCs, because one can't tell which way the X or + is oriented once the axles are inserted. The circumferential "ridges" are used when placed inside a 6539 Lego Technic Driving Ring (pictured below).

I prefer using the 6538c "Technic, Axle Connector (Smooth with x hole + orientation)" whenever possible, since it is more attractive.

[allanp]

As far as the technic pin connector round with slot goes, I think the slot was added for lower poduction costs. To produce the older version was more expensive because it is two peices glued together. Without even more expensive collapsable molds this was the only way to get a groove inside so that a pin could "lock" into it. The new design however, whilst not looking as good, only requires one mold as it is one piece, the pin can now lock into the slot.

[jantjeuh]

Yes, the first on was an + orientation. Sometime arround 2000 Lego deciced to use X orientation on bushes, connectors and such. But some 2 yearsa go they went back to + orientation and they also made this new connector which is easyer to make, but cant be used in tranny.

Any idea why they decided to use the X orientation?

As far as the technic pin connector round with slot goes, I think the slot was added for lower poduction costs. To produce the older version was more expensive because it is two peices glued together. Without even more expensive collapsable molds this was the only way to get a groove inside so that a pin could "lock" into it. The new design however, whilst not looking as good, only requires one mold as it is one piece, the pin can now lock into the slot.

Ah, that makes sense actually. Thanks.

[Tobbe Arnesson]

I thought the Technic, Axle Connector (Ridged with x hole x orientation) was replaced by the new Technic, Axle Connector (Smooth with x hole + orientation). That and poor light made me put the smooth ones in yellow into the 8043 Excavator gearbox. Luckily I detected the mistake when I ran out of yellow smooth ones a few steps later and suddenly found the three tan ones...

So the 8043 uses two of the three types...

[Parax]

@ jantjeuh: I don't know why the 75535b "Technic, Pin Connector Round with Slot (Pin Joiner Round)" has a slot in it.

Its because it is now a single piece moulding. The old part is actually two pieces glued together. There needs to be a wider radius ring (inverted ridge) inside so the pins click into place, this is not easy to mould in one piece so it is either made as a two piece (the old expensive way) or inserted through the side, by means of the slot. Lots of pieces now use the cheaper to make slot on the inside of parts, the new Differential and the beam frames spring to mind.

Any idea why they decided to use the X orientation?

Because the moulding tolerances can be wider and it will still grip the same. the old part was very rigid and so required a precise mould. the new part has a certain degree of flex built-in to grip the axle.

P.

Edited November 8, 2010 by Parax

[jantjeuh]

So it all boils down to manufacturing issues.. how boring