Quote:
Originally Posted by 114ManualLabor
Actually, this is designed for a tank track. We're not really traction limited with around 60 inches square of red linatex on the ground. (I haven't really taken physics yet, so correct me if that's flawed. A discussion with a mentor yielded that answer). There's no middle wheel to be lowered. As for not pushing someone in high gear, you never really know when you're going to get defended against, and not be practiced enough to downshift before the pushing begins.
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It's been proven time and time again that surface area does not affect traction.
One case in which it would is like someone said with Beatty's file cards (or velcro, etc). If you have something actually interlocking with the fibers of the carpet, it would take more force to displace you.
Since those treads are totally smooth, with no raised tread profile, you can't even mimic that interlocking action between carpet fibers and your tread material.
P.S. Without a dropped idler on your treads, I think you may find turning in high gear to be pretty poor. Practically every successful treaded robot I've seen lately drops the center idler to shorten the effective wheelbase.