Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

A couple of ideas are rolling around in my head (yes, just a couple) about getting over the barrier.

The easiest seems to be a lift kit... but they're out of stock. Would a short section of KOP c-channel (~4") bolted below the chassis be strong enough to hold the wheels? It would raise the chassis from 3 3/8" clearance to 4 5/8" using 2011 8" wheels, plenty to go over the barrier. A skid plate of some sort might still be need to pop the wheel up a bit on approach.

We can't test it, and see if it works, but I'd like to hear some veteran opinions on the matter.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Bend your own?

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Our experience bending metal last year was miserable. I figured that since the c-channel already has consistent hole placement, and profile, it would make for a good quick replacement.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Since the lift kit is out of stock as you say, reach out to other teams in your area. I'm sure some older teams have some left over from previous years & would be happy to donate/trade them.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Like this

======X===========================X=====
........==O==..................................... ........... ==O==

= is the frame
X is the normal axle position
O is the new axle position?
. is just something I had to put in to make my ascii art work.

I think that this would be just fine.

Good idea.

Joe J.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

6061-T6 is not meant to be bent, and it will want to crack. Try 5052-H32 instead, it bends beautifully (but machines poorly)

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

I'm confused as to where you are getting the numbers for this. Is this with 8 inch wheels (instead of the KoP 6")?

We were hoping to give the robot a "lift kit" to get over the bump as well.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Sorry for not putting that originally. Yes the 8" wheels

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

Our team is repurposing some older Kit bot C-channel frames to do exactly as you propose.:)

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

No offense to your idea, but those wheels look insanely heavy.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

If built right(meaning not overly big) they could easily weigh less than half of a 10" mecanum. They worked in 2004(340 & 1218).

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

296 also used them one year.

(And yes, they have indeed been considered.)

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

1511 is currently doing this with 8" AndyMark pneumatics, at least for our mock/proto chassis. I believe we figured that you would need additional spacers in-between the two c-channel segments, in order to fit hardware for the frame like screw heads over the barrier. We're currently shooting for 3/4 to 1" of clearance.

How much do the standard wheels wear down? That could possibly affect your spacing.

Re: Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier
 

We did in 2004. Check out the link below!

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/17077

Matt