pic: Spectrum Fall 2013 Drive V2

[AustinSchuh]

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV

Thank you for the feedback, Austin. I agree with you and this is the type of feedback I hope to get by posting these, I'm still learning. However, I don't think it would be able to be assembled if the belly pan had a full flange along the outer edge of the wheel wells.

Hi Allen,

If I'm understanding you correctly, I think it is still possible to assemble with a full flange along the belly pan. Take the clamshell, angle it at ~45 degrees, and then slide the inner edge into the frame rail. Then, rotate it to the correct angle and slide it in until it is in place.

I would recommend moving the flange from the bellypan to the clamshell. That is what we do and works marvelously. It makes it so that the brake doesn't need to be the correct length for the front and back of the bot.

Also, consider adding some ribs inside your clamshell. That will add quite a bit of strength. Take a look at how we do our frame. There should be pictures available somewhere online. I expect to only make small modifications to it next year, assuming that the game cooperates.

What machines do you have available to cut out those parts? That will require a lot of laser time if the bellypan is being laser cut, and is a pain to punch if it is going to be punched due to the triangles. Some small changes should make it a lot easier on your sponsors.

Consider integrating your battery box into the frame. There should be some pictures of how 971 does it somewhere, or you can read my suggestion in Madison's thread.

Austin