Questions about an Idea for a drivetrain.

[Matt Adams]

Originally Posted by Radiator251

We had an idea for a new transmission to power train chain assembly, and we're wondering if anyone's ever used this before, and if so, has it worked? Thanks.

What are your thoughts on this design?
Why are you sharing it?
Why do you think this design is worthwhile?

Share some more of your thoughts - it will get you more feedback!

Matt

[Tom Bottiglieri]

I'm no mechanical engineer, but by driving the front 2 wheels off the same chain, you are reducing the amount of sprocket teeth off the transmission "sunk" into the chain from about 1/2 to 1/6.

My opinion... I wouldn't trust it. Those CIM motors are pretty torquey, and if you hit someone hard im not sure if you would break something.

But then again, it is #35 chain.

Ahh, the beauty of design decisions!

[Radiator251]

We wanted, as we are a rookie team, to determine whether the lower amount of chain necessary for this design (as opposed to the split design with the transmission driving both rear wheels). We are especially concerned about the pressure on the transmission sprocket and the requisite % of the transmission sprocket that must be actively contacting the chain. Thanks for your advice.

[Donut]

I'm pretty sure our team used something similar last year with the same motor and wheel setup for a 6-wheel design, only we powered all 3-wheels on each side by a single chain. We used a roller between the middle wheels and wheels farthest from the motor to make the chain lower, that way the chain would catch on more teeth on the drive sprocket.

[EricH]

Two things on this--One is your tranny-to-wheel setup. The only thing I can say is: You're pushing it. Be prepared to use the split setup, but test your robot hard ASAP to make sure. Two, using #35 on the back is OK, but using a lighter chain (say, #25) in front is iffy. We've had bad experience and now use it only for prototyping, if at all. You may be able to get away with it though. Once again--TEST! Don't wait until Thursday at L.A. to find out that something doesn't work.

[Tim Delles]

What i would tell you to do is have 2 sprockets attached to your ourput shaft. One that goes to the lead wheel. And then one that leads to the middle wheel. Then from the middle wheel power your back wheel (as you have in the picture.) That way if one of the chains pops in a match you are still life with at minimium of 1 wheel on that side still driving, so you aren't a sitting duck in the middle of the field. But overall its pretty sweet.

[KenWittlief]

Originally Posted by Tim Delles

What i would tell you to do is have 2 sprockets attached to your ourput shaft. ....

I REALLY like this approach. Nothing breaks your heart more than seeing a bot on the field, going in tight circles, and you can see a motor spinning the air and nothing else.

[Mr.G]

Are you steeling our design.

I think you idea is great and worked for us last year.