How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

Hey guys, I wanted to know if anyone knew exactly how mecanum wheels work. How would the wheels have to be propelled in order to move side to side, foward and backwards, and still turn 360 degrees.
thanks,

Marko,1688

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

lets say these numbers represent the wheels, the top being the front


1______2
________
________
________
________
3______4



to go forward or backwards rotate 1 and 3 opposite of 2 and 4.

to go side to side, have 1 and 2 rotate in opposite direction to 3 and 4

to rotate in place, all same direction.

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

It's actually (using above diagram):
Forwards/backwards: all wheels same direction (as with tank steering)
Rotate in place: 1 and 3 one way, 2 and 4 the other.
Side to side: 1 and 4 one way, 2 and 3 the other.
We've done experiments with these, and this is how we did it.

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

I meant with the type of mecanum where the wheels face out from the center, at the corners, where the axis of the wheels are perpendicular... sorry for the missunderstanding.

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

That's actually better known as an omni drive.
For more information, this thread discusses one of the best mecanum drivetrains out there. The sides may be mirrored, which will not really affect directions (other than side to side)

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

Through the angeled rollers, a Mecanum wheel diverts the force of the wheel into a different direction. The resultant force of the wheel depends on the angle of the rollers (which is typically 45deg).


For more detailed info, consult the following:
http://www.araa.asn.au/acra/acra2002...eter-Tlale.pdf
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/1836

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

I acctually meant somewhat like this robot

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

Quick response thanks alot big help
marko

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

That is a Holonomic drive. Holonomic platforms are not the same as Mecanum, although both allow for movement in all planar directions, rotation, and near-instant change of direction.

Re: How Do Mecanum Wheels Work?
 

Thanks for the info guys. We appreciate it.