Drivetrain Design for 2011 Logomotion

[Whateveryousay]

I have been thinking about using mecanum wheels, but my team have never had any experience working with mecanum wheels, and i heard it requires a lot of work to keep it working, so i cant decide if my team want to try it or not.

And then I saw the thread that discussing 6WD and Mecanum wheel, and I have this question.

What is the difference between 4WD and 6WD this year? There is no climbing or anything else, What advantages does 6WD has compare to 4WD.

Last year my team used 8WD design but the front 2 wheels are 45 degree up, to fit the need of climbing the bump, so it was basicly a 6WD design.

[Mrpalmere]

Generally, 6 WD designed machines have the center wheel on each side lower by a bit to make turning easier therefore giving better control. Lowering the center wheel does not make the outside wheels be off the floor but rather lowers the pressure force on those wheels. Should the machine be unbalanced to one end then the center and heavier end would be giving the greatest driving forces and allow for better control than having the four wheels on the corners because of a tighter radius for turning.

I think this makes sense, we have had good results using 6WD, and according to some is the premium and preferred method for FRC machines.