Octomecanum Shifting Question

[Aren_Hill]

Originally Posted by orangemoore

I am currently trying to design a Octomecanum drive train for fun and possibly as a drive train for my team to use in the future and I have come to a point where I have gotten a little confused. Every example uses pneumatic cylinders to shift from mecanum to tank and I was wondering how people prevent the pistons from bending due to the stress. If anyone who has experience with this or some insight that would be really helpful.

Optimally your piston should be a simple two force member, that is, only experiencing direction extension or compression loads. Many times this is accomplished via ball joint fittings, or having enough play in its pivot that it doesn't take any load.

Keep check on load paths through the module and it should be easy enough to be sure the piston isn't taking any bending loads.

-Aren