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Unread 24-05-2010, 14:25
Foster Foster is offline
Engineering Program Management
VRC #8081 (STEMRobotics)
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Re: AM Plactraction Tread Mounting System

Quote:
Originally Posted by efoote868 View Post
Have you considered filing for a patent?
I don't think so, and this would count as prior art, someone trying to do that would have a tough time.

I'm interested in the "replace in 15 seconds" replies. We have driven wheels, I'd like to see how your drive wheels are attached to let you do that.

Gary's design is super simple and would (could, have?) worked in a variety of tread styles. The comon rivet idea works until n+1 replacements where the hole becomes too large or the "quick change in the pit" fix where the hole also becomes too big.

My upgrade is to use glue to keep the insert in. Gary noted that the glue process had failue points:
  • Glue spread keeping the wheels together
  • Glue spread blocking the internal threads
  • Glue melt (eating away) of the wheel material
  • Lack of a good glue joint
  • Hey, there will be 7 tread changes (2 season, 5 off season), why add risk
So YMMV. But it's another great Gary idea, which is why my forehead is flat from going "D'oh".
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