Tank Tread Wheel

[Joe_Widen]

I was wondering if it would be possible to make a wheel by using a closed loop of tank tread (preferibly double-sided and say 32 teeth) on a pulley (32 teeth)? It would work the same way as a normal wheel. Now heres the question, how well would that work in a crab drive set up with the projected speed being 8.75 fps, using a 4 module configuration and one small cim on each module?

[MikeJ675]

I don't think there will be any particular problems. Depending on the track design, it may be a bit bouncy between plates of the track.(if there are any)

Beyond that, it looks like it's mostly a somewhat more complicated way of making a wheel.

[Joe_Widen]

Originally Posted by MikeJ675

I don't think there will be any particular problems. Depending on the track design, it may be a bit bouncy between plates of the track.(if there are any)

Beyond that, it looks like it's mostly a somewhat more complicated way of making a wheel.

Actually it seems less complicated because you dont have to worry about riveting tread to wheels, instead of just sliding on the tread adn being done. Also, our IFI wheels began to lose tread and rivets got loose, so this is a quick and cheap way to switch tread. I'm not sure how well it would work but from a matinence stand point, it seems better then normal, treaded wheels.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

We did something similar for our prototype shooter and as a backup to our current tank tread design. It worked fine.

The only problem I see you having is the tread sliding off the side. In the better tread/hub designs, there is a strip of rubber in the middle of the tread run as a guide. This guide keeps the tread on the hub and prevents it from sliding off when experiencing side loads.

So, for all of the extra engineering and cash this will take (treads/hubs are EXPENSIVE!) you would be much better off with modular "regular" treaded wheel design, where the wheels can be popped off and replaced very fast.

[Bill_Hancoc]

I had an idea like exactly like this a few months back and i scraped it because it would be really slow but if your max target speed is only ~9 fps it sould work fine.

good luck and i would like to see it if you get it done.

[MikeJ675]

Originally Posted by Joe_Widen

Actually it seems less complicated because you dont have to worry about riveting tread to wheels, instead of just sliding on the tread adn being done. Also, our IFI wheels began to lose tread and rivets got loose, so this is a quick and cheap way to switch tread. I'm not sure how well it would work but from a matinence stand point, it seems better then normal, treaded wheels.

with the idea here, there are two possibilities, custom tracks/wheels, or all stock components. The latter, much harder to find.

If you want simple to change, there's a whole different route to take. You've got a two piece hub that mounts to a specific shaft size, then interchangable wheels(built to fit the hub) that are in multiple diameters, so in a matter of a minute or so, you can switch tread and wheel diameter if you chose to.

[Not2B]

Originally Posted by Joe_Widen

Actually it seems less complicated because you dont have to worry about riveting tread to wheels, instead of just sliding on the tread adn being done. Also, our IFI wheels began to lose tread and rivets got loose, so this is a quick and cheap way to switch tread. I'm not sure how well it would work but from a matinence stand point, it seems better then normal, treaded wheels.

When you poke holes in the tread material, don't poke them as large as the rivet hole if you have having trouble. That should help out some.

Otherwise - I would think that rivets are alot easier to deal with than tank treads. Of course, I think that rivets are a wonder drug for robots. All hail the rivet gun!!

[Mr.G]

We have used Loctite 380 Black Max Adhesive for 6 years on 6 inch wide tires and haven't had a problem.

[Lil' Lavery]

The IFI wheels have a bit of a problem with the tread riveting it seems (I've heard a few teams complain about treads coming off during matches). I don't think the solution is developing a more expensive pulley/tread combo though. The KoP skyway wheels typically don't have a problem with treads coming off for instance (although they are also lower traction). Perhaps use an adhesive along with rivets (or instead of rivets), or use the AM traction wheels.