[maclaren]

ALWAYS TENSION CHAINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The reason is that you will have better efficency, better durability, better drive train response and an overall better drive system.

I'm partial to tensioning mechanisms beacuse chains will loosen over time. An adjustible tensioner WILL save you time. Adjusting a tensioner is far faster then changing the length of a chain.

There are several guidelines when using chain.

1. Lubricate!! chain will always need lubrication especialy chain sizes of #35 and smaller since they don't have rollers in them. IE built in bearings because of their size.

2. Proper alignment! is crucial for long lasting and efficent chain implementation. Any misalignment is bad engineering practice.

3. Tension chains! loose chains snap and whip under varying loads which is exactly how they are run in FIRST. Plus they last longer when properly tensioned. Properly being the keyword. The addition of an adjutible tensioner is the ideal tensioning solution in the perspective of tensioning not necisarily from the perspective of weight.

4. Design chain for short spans long spans are hard to tension properly and will put unecssary strain on chains.

5. Proper axial support. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER EVER cantilever any axle if you can posibly help it always double bearing whenever possible place a bearing on each side of any force applied. In other cases beef up axle size, and place additional bear on the other side of the already existing bearing, and shorten axle length to reduce shear force.


FOLLOW GOOD ENGINEERING PRACTICES and every component will realize it's full potential and perform to the best of it's ability giving you the best robot possible.