Quote:
Originally Posted by Ty Tremblay
It's not simple by any means, but I will try my best to describe what 190 has done this year. I don't have any pictures or CAD models, so bear with me.
190 designed a mecanum wheel with double internal yokes (this means that the end pieces of the rollers are cantilevered, and the middle piece is supported on both ends) that is driven like any other mecanum wheel via sprocket on one side. On the other side of the wheel, however, is a friction plate with a face profile that matches the side of the rollers closest the the wheel's axis of rotation. When the friction disk is pressed into the rollers via pneumatic cylinder, the disk prevents the rollers from spinning while allowing the wheel to rotate. When they want to return to mecanum drive, they disengage the friction plate.
I will now attempt to illustrate this on my computer...
EDIT: Here's the pic.

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thanks a lot. i understand the concept but im having a hard time imagining how the friction plate engages with the rollers. also you mentioned that the friction plate was engaged via a pneumatic cylinder. i would imagine that pneumatics would add extra weight and complexity. wouldnt this make crab drive a better option?