8 MINI-CIM SWERVE

[Kevin Ainsworth]

Thanks for all the replies about this topic. We know that the GDC won't change the rules, this was just a fun topic to bring up and discuss.

The ultimate goal would be for teams to have more flexibility on their CIM/ MINI-CIM usage. The intention that started this thread. The flexibility to be creative outside of the standardized FRC robot.

Our personal desire is added acceleration on a 4 wheel swerve drive that would match a 6-CIM tank drive. We currently could run a CIM and MINI-CIM on each wheel according to last years rules so what would dual MINI-CIMs hurt?

I fully agree that the swerve has it's advantages and tradeoffs.

-Running two CIMS on two of the four wheel modules would not be optimal as Aren explained.
-6wd swerves we feel have a hard time keeping all their wheels on the ground and using all the power available.
-3wd swerves remind up of the Reliant Robin and why they made ATC (3-wheelers) illegal. Though I would love to hear from the teams that have successfully used a 3WD swerve.

We understand that other teams have successfully utilized the above designs and appreciate their creativity and desire to try something different.

For those that are arguing there is too much power already.
-The 8 MINI-CIM drivetrain wouldn't be any more powerful than the existing 6-CIM drivetrains, less actually.
-We do not encourage or allow intentional high speed ramming from our drivers. This year we did not feel everyone else felt this way.
-What keeps a team from running (6) CIMS and (4) MINI-CIMS currently? Power/weight/diminishing returns

A special thanks to Brendan for being the open minded voice of reason in this discussion.