Chassis Lift alternative, getting over barrier

[colin340]

tri-wheels are elegant when to come to high powered robots that only climb stairs but
but is terms of the our games they are wicked overkill even in 2004 they were

the killer part in my mind is the affect on acceleration and the ability to turn

[SenorZ]

We mounted the 8"ers on the c-channel bits, but have had some issues actually getting the robot running. Here is a pic of the bot under construction.

[craigboez]

Originally Posted by colin340

tri-wheels are elegant when to come to high powered robots that only climb stairs but
but is terms of the our games they are wicked overkill even in 2004 they were

the killer part in my mind is the affect on acceleration and the ability to turn

A tri-wheel drivetrain would be a bit heavier and thus diminish acceleration for a given powertrain, but I don't think it would be detrimental or even all that noticeable. And I don't see how a tri-wheel setup would turn any differently as compared to an 8WD with equivalent geometry.

Can you explain your thoughts?

[Chris is me]

Do keep in mind that the barrier is steel. You may find it difficult to climb up for this reason alone - test on an actual bump.

[SenorZ]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

test on an actual bump.

We're also going to experiment with skid plates to help raise the incident wheels a bit.

I think this is going to pretty much kill the idea of using only 2 CIMs.
If it takes more than 2-3 seconds to cross a barrier we'll probably be facing an opponent blocker, and we'll need all the torque we can muster.

[mrlg220]

Originally Posted by SenorZ

We're also going to experiment with skid plates to help raise the incident wheels a bit.

I think this is going to pretty much kill the idea of using only 2 CIMs.
If it takes more than 2-3 seconds to cross a barrier we'll probably be facing an opponent blocker, and we'll need all the torque we can muster.

Hmm... For the skid plate, could you possibly use some simple 80/20 corner brackets? Considering that there is overhang before the front wheel, your frame will approach the barrier first. Now, if you bolt the bracket just in front of the wheel on both sides would that 45 degree angle of approach be enough to raise the bot over the bump?

[SenorZ]

Skid plates are out. Since we are doing a wide frame, we need the wheels as close to the front and back as possible. This leaves little room for a skid plate.

On a wooden mock-up of the barrier the robot did poorly, but our weight distribution was also poor. Battery was all the way in the back, so the bot got stuck straddling the barrier. Going to try centering the battery, and then pneumatic wheels (shipping).