So, for a project related to school, but no the robot team, I'm working on a drive system concept. The idea is to be able to have some type of new or unique omnidirectional style of drive, so I figured I might as well look into applications for FRC. Our group is planning on doing something like this(but much, much smaller
).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uynmApjhWI
The concept is kind of similar to meccanum wheels, but I don't envision it being able to turn the way swerve/meccanum do, as slowing down one side not only creates rotation, but translation to the side.
The design I'm working with is very simple; there's no CAD, and it has no need to be fast or pushy. It'll likely be powered with one 775 per side. Again, it's for a small robot that doesn't need to push. I think a really simple aluminum cylinder will work really well for the little robot, but I'd like to consider it for FRC too.
My question is, does anybody have any advice, recommendation, or ideas for this thing? Has anybody thought of/tried this before? Would it even be feasible for an FRC robot? The proof of concept definitely exists, but I have no idea what material I should make the thing out of.