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Unread 29-10-2014, 12:45
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Re: pic: Concept 6W Drive Train

Quote:
Originally Posted by Christopher149 View Post
Any particular reason for cutting off the corners? Does it help much in giving more area for a given perimeter?
It gave about 4.5" inches in perimeter back, so the frame is at 28 x 30 with ~ .5" to spare. The small increase in bumper complexity seems worth the extra 4.5".

Quote:
Originally Posted by asid61 View Post
However, 34 lbs is still pretty light for six cims (actually that's very light) so adding in a shifting gearbox would make good use of that drivetrain I think. It's only a couple pounds more, and allows for safe top speeds of 18fps+ without worrying about main breaker trips.
I think you are right depending on the game, but I would like to avoid the added complexity and cost if possible. Most games don't require 18 fps imo.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mman1506 View Post
What makes this drive train better than a kitbot with nitrile treads and 6 cim gearboxes? If you want to keep it simple why not go that route?
Not much, it helps with bumper support and added area for mechanisms. I also like how the gear box gets packaged. We like to build as much as we can in house. The kitbot wouldn't have the students machining the components.

Quote:
Originally Posted by EricH View Post
They are trying to work within their existing resources, and this is a simple design that fits within those resources. I would probably find it reasonable to assume that they don't anticipate having the funding to buy Versa, or to buy Versa and still do X, Y, and Z that they want to or need to do. Or that they're one of the teams that prefers making over buying (there are a few out there).

Is a WCD simpler? Maybe. But if you're doing all the machining for it, there are some advantages to NOT doing a WCD (like having more time!). Even if you are thinking of buying one, there could still be advantages to not doing one (dead-axle setups tend to be a trifle easier than live-axle setups in terms of manufacturing, something about no keyway or hex).
You are correct with how we are thinking. I would argue once you add bumper support and interfaces for mechanisms to a WCD, it is more complex. This structure immediately supports the bumpers and provides a little better locations for mechanisms imo. We also try to build as much as we can in house. We are fortunate enough to use the manual lathes and manual mills in the school to build.

Quote:
Originally Posted by asid61 View Post
Oh I just noticed:
Your main gearbox shaft is attached to the out frame member. If the outer frame becomes damaged in a collision and bends a little, it will damage the efficiency of the gearbox, and possibly render you immobile on one side.
Also, what's the reasoning behind cutting the corners? It seems like extra work to me.
With the bumper outside of the frames protecting them, I am not to worried about it. The dead axles also act as cross members supporting the outside lower beam. If the upper beam needs more support, cross members could be easily added. The corners being removed reduces the frame perimeter, allowing more length or width to be added.

Quote:
Originally Posted by T-Dawg View Post
Is there a particular reason why the corners of the chassis are cut off?
The only reason I can think of is if you're trying to make the chassis fit within the 112 inch frame perimeter.
Otherwise, I don't see a structural benefit of cutting the corners off.
Using angle pieces to connect the beams, the corners have no structural benefit as they carry no load. Now if top and bottom gussets were used, then additional structural support would be provided. The statics and solid mechanics of the structure make the corners the strongest part. Angle pieces are susceptible to torsional loads, but the internal beams stiffen any torsional loading the structure would take. If you draw up a free body diagram it becomes clearer.



I can't take much credit for this, I just copied it from 469 with a few tweaks. I would say it worked pretty well for them, world championship and such things. Not sure any one was questioning the reliability of their drive train, hats off to them, they are an inspiration to all teams.
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