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Unread 13-01-2011, 20:06
Thxe Thxe is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2009
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Re: Mecanum drive train idea.

This doesn't really accomplish anything. The idea that more wheels gives you better traction is a myth. The traction of an individual wheel is equal to the coefficient of friction times the downward force on the wheel. So, while going from 4 to 8 wheels will double surface area, it will also reduce the traction of each wheel by half because the weight of the robot is spread out and thus the downward force on each wheel is less.

Also, your configuration will have trouble turning due to the arrangement of the wheels. Its a bit difficult to explain, but when turning your arrangement will have some of the wheels working against each other.

Thxe
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