Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier

[SenorZ]

A couple of ideas are rolling around in my head (yes, just a couple) about getting over the barrier.

The easiest seems to be a lift kit... but they're out of stock. Would a short section of KOP c-channel (~4") bolted below the chassis be strong enough to hold the wheels? It would raise the chassis from 3 3/8" clearance to 4 5/8" using 2011 8" wheels, plenty to go over the barrier. A skid plate of some sort might still be need to pop the wheel up a bit on approach.

We can't test it, and see if it works, but I'd like to hear some veteran opinions on the matter.

[Ninja_Bait]

Bend your own?

[SenorZ]

Our experience bending metal last year was miserable. I figured that since the c-channel already has consistent hole placement, and profile, it would make for a good quick replacement.

[Elgin Clock]

Since the lift kit is out of stock as you say, reach out to other teams in your area. I'm sure some older teams have some left over from previous years & would be happy to donate/trade them.

[Joe Johnson]

Originally Posted by SenorZ

A couple of ideas are rolling around in my head (yes, just a couple) about getting over the barrier.

The easiest seems to be a lift kit... but they're out of stock. Would a short section of KOP c-channel (~4") bolted below the chassis be strong enough to hold the wheels? It would raise the chassis from 3 3/8" clearance to 4 5/8", plenty to go over the barrier. A skid plate of some sort might still be need to pop the wheel up a bit on approach.

We can't test it, and see if it works, but I'd like to hear some veteran opinions on the matter.

Like this

======X===========================X=====
........==O==..................................... ........... ==O==

= is the frame
X is the normal axle position
O is the new axle position?
. is just something I had to put in to make my ascii art work.

I think that this would be just fine.

Good idea.

Joe J.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by SenorZ

Our experience bending metal last year was miserable.

6061-T6 is not meant to be bent, and it will want to crack. Try 5052-H32 instead, it bends beautifully (but machines poorly)

[Jeffy]

Originally Posted by SenorZ

It would raise the chassis from 3 3/8" clearance to 4 5/8", plenty to go over the barrier. A skid plate of some sort might still be need to pop the wheel up a bit on approach.

I'm confused as to where you are getting the numbers for this. Is this with 8 inch wheels (instead of the KoP 6")?

We were hoping to give the robot a "lift kit" to get over the bump as well.

[SenorZ]

Sorry for not putting that originally. Yes the 8" wheels

[Joe G.]

Has anyone considered using Tri star wheels for this purpose?

[daniel_dsouza]

Our team is repurposing some older Kit bot C-channel frames to do exactly as you propose.

[blackrocks0]

Originally Posted by Joe G.

Has anyone considered using Tri star wheels for this purpose?

No offense to your idea, but those wheels look insanely heavy.

[Marc S.]

Originally Posted by blackrocks0

No offense to your idea, but those wheels look insanely heavy.

If built right(meaning not overly big) they could easily weigh less than half of a 10" mecanum. They worked in 2004(340 & 1218).

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by Marc S.

If built right(meaning not overly big) they could easily weigh less than half of a 10" mecanum. They worked in 2004(340 & 1218).

296 also used them one year.

(And yes, they have indeed been considered.)

[Guderian1511]

1511 is currently doing this with 8" AndyMark pneumatics, at least for our mock/proto chassis. I believe we figured that you would need additional spacers in-between the two c-channel segments, in order to fit hardware for the frame like screw heads over the barrier. We're currently shooting for 3/4 to 1" of clearance.

How much do the standard wheels wear down? That could possibly affect your spacing.

[Starke]

Originally Posted by Joe G.

Has anyone considered using Tri star wheels for this purpose?

We did in 2004. Check out the link below!

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/17077

Matt