Meshing Gears

[team222badbrad]

Thanks for the comments.

The gears were not spaced apart. However we did grease/oil them. We greased them about once a regional.
The transmissions were sealed pretty well from leakage. They were not full of oil but if FIRST saw a little oil on the carpet the wouldnt like it... And yes our robot was uprighted several times and we never found any oil spots on the carpet

The non-engaged ball bearings didnt seem to cause much friction at all. The only time the ball bearings could accually enter the slots in the gears is when one hole is |- | upside down like this, so gravity can pull it out.
Even then |O| both the slots and the holes would have to do so at the same time. As soon as that would occur the ball bearings would just be forced back up in the shaft. I have easily pushed the robot along the floor when the robot is in neutral.

The transmissions are still working great! So far the robot's transmissions have been through 2 regionals, nationals, and 3 minis. We have only had to oil them and check set screws! Never even had to change a CIM motor!

The only drivetrain related problem we had this year was a shattered 4 wheel drive sprocket. Not a big deal considering we still made it up to the top platform with 3 wheel drive and it was just a practice round...

Next year we are going to make it even better!

www.tigertrons.com/2004/transmission222 Link includes Powerpoint,white paper, and Chiefdelphi Links.

[camtunkpa]

Just to fill in some gaps here and there:

1) Our design didn't use the balls in the shaft to create a ball bearing like assembly when the gears were not engaged.

2) Though simple in concept, these transmissions take a while to build for the first time (get prototyping!!!!).

3) Spring load your shifting device!!!! One thing I've seen with the designs is that everyone uses air or some sort of device to engage gears.....Air is good, but at the same time air along with a spring load is less harsh and more accurate at engaging the gears and will tend to solve SOME of the syncro. grindage. The spring load allows for error in shifting with no damage to your machine.

Happy Shifting!