2012 FRC971 Season End Videos

[NickCrispie]

Originally Posted by boarder3512

Could you shed some light on the design behind those wheels.

In previous years, we've used rivets and bolts and have been unhappy with the results in terms of efficiency of taking tread on and off, since in a competition setting, it is sometimes necessary to change multiple treads in between matches. Over the off-season last year, we came up with the ziptie idea to make it easier to swap out treads and provide a stronger and also provide a more lasting attachment method.

[roystur44]

Originally Posted by NickCrispie

In previous years, we've used rivets and bolts and have been unhappy with the results in terms of efficiency of taking tread on and off, since in a competition setting, it is sometimes necessary to change multiple treads in between matches. Over the off-season last year, we came up with the ziptie idea to make it easier to swap out treads and provide a stronger and also provide a more lasting attachment method.

The tie wrap method was almost ideal. It provided a simple and strong way to attach the thread and delivery the power to the floor. We also designed in a drop out wheel where we detension the wheel, align the axle pin in the side panel and push out the pin. The wheel drops out. We have a extra set of wheels with the thread already mounted. Takes us a few minutes to swap out a new wheel with a fresh set of thread. We noticed that with two inch wide wheels the thread didn't wear as much as one inch wide wheels. I think we are still on the original threads on the comp bot.