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Unread 07-11-2016, 14:01
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Ari423 Ari423 is offline
LabVIEW aficionado and robot addict
AKA: The guy with the yellow hat
FRC #5987 (Galaxia)
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Re: Swerve vs. Butterfly Drivetrain

Let me start with I have never physically made either of these, but I have done a number of CAD designs for each.

Swerve:
Pros:
  • High traction in any direction (i.e. can push going sideways)
Cons:
  • Lot of parts to fail
  • Requires more precise alignment (harder without CNC)
  • Complicated to program (more sensors and processing required in order to drive straight)
  • Uses 8 motors (6 for 3-wheel swerve)
  • Heavy without CNC
  • Takes longer to tune before driving (multiple feedback controllers necessary)
4-wheel swerve is more stable if pushing matches are a possibility while 3-wheel swerve is lighter.

Octocanum/Butterfly:
Pros:
  • Inherently supports two-speeds without a ball or dog shifter
  • Easier to use COTS gearboxes as part of design
  • Easy to program (viable without any feedback controllers)
Cons:
  • Easier to be pushed
  • Doesn't like uneven terrain

That's just what I can think of off the top of my head, I'm sure other people will have more.
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Last edited by Ari423 : 07-11-2016 at 14:06.
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