Quote:
Originally Posted by Raul
I believe the main advantage to articulating the wheel pods is to maintain a more level chassis while going over the bump.
Look at the wooden model in the picture Jason provided. If the rear wheel pods are articulated (rotated) so that only the rear-most wheels are touching, the angle of the main frame will be at a lesser incline and provide a greater safety factor to prevent the center of mass from getting close to the tipping point.
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Interesting point, especially considering that the bumper zone rules aren't as strict while on the bump. Our primary goal with the conforming articulation (not sure what to specifically call it) was simply to maintain a controlled climb, peak, and descent. Doing so, we believe, will reduce the risk of tipping over. If anything, the heightened clearance requirements of this natural articulation may elevate the c.g., yet we are doing some very careful calculations (one of the mentors understands them ... I don't, heh...) to ensure we're under the tipping threshold.
For those interested, the actual drive train weighs in at 45lbs. Yet that's also with a subframe capable of withstanding some pretty high stresses due to high tension. We feel the extra weight is a good trade-off for stability & reliability.