Quote:
Originally Posted by RunZach
Do mecanum wheels have more traction then omni wheels, or KOP wheels for that matter?
|
This question is loaded, I will explain the characteristics of the five common wheel types.
Mecanum wheels tend to have a grippy rubber coating on the ground contact points. They are made by having rollers mounted at a 45 degree angle surrounding the circumference of the wheel. This allows them (when rollers create in an "X" pattern, and each wheel is powered individually) to provide a strafing motion.
Omni wheels tend to be hard plastic on the ground contact points. They are made by mounting small rollers 90 degrees to the detection of the wheels travel. They provide good forward motion (especially on carpet) but will roll sideways if force is applied ay 90 degrees to the direction of travel (not a good choice for more than 2 wheels on your robot, front wheels on a 6 wheel skid steer).
Traction wheels have a rubber tread along the circumference of the wheel. They have the second most contact with the ground of the five wheel types. They are the most commonly used type of wheel. They provide lots of traction. Need I say more?
Pneumatic wheels are larger than the others and have the most contact with the ground. Filled with air, they are similar to the wheels on your car, riding lawn mower, etc. (except smaller). As a result they are much heaver than other wheel types.
KOP wheels these are the wheels that come in the kit of parts. Created out of hard rubber, they are a balanced wheel, providing suitable traction, low weight, and the ability to be slid sideways when turning. They are a common choice for rookies.
The choice of Mecanum vs. Omni depends on your application. If you use 4 mecanums (one on each corner of the robot, you will be able to strafe. if You are going for a skid steer design I encourage you to put most of the weight in the back of the robot and lower the axil for the center wheel down 1/8" (drop center skid steer). If this is not possible then an Omni wheel in the front corners of a 6 wheel tank drive will serve you nicely. I hope this clarified everything.