pic: Swerve! (Module)

[Greg Needel]

Originally Posted by from description

This is a close up of one of my modules.

I'm hoping to connect all the miter gears and sprockets (the lower sprocket is attached to the wheel) to the shafts with setscrews to limit machining.

From the bottom of the wheel to the top of the module is about 6" (not including the vertical shaft!)

Can you see anyway to make this simpler?
Comments appreciated.

I looked at your overall design and I like it there are just a few things that jumped out at me.

1) why don't you uses gears instead of the sprocket and chain for the last reduction? With this design you will need proper alignment of your shafts anyway and I can't see that chain being fun to fix if it ever breaks.

2)using setscrews for an application like this is a bad idea. They only have minimal engagement with the shaft and under load are very likely to release from the shaft. I would recommend using a key way on that shaft. If you are worried about machining, just know you can buy shafts with key ways already cut in them and it is very minimal to broach the gear and wheels. Even if you have to pay someone to do it for you it is a very cheap thing to do and only takes about 10 mins max.

3) how are you attaching your rotating plate to the wheel framework? it looks as though you are going to need access to the inside of this module for adjusting your miter gear alignment. A bolt hole pattern on the slim edge of your top plate, if you made that a touch smaller so it fits inside would seem to be a good solution.

Keep us up to date on your progress...I think you have a very elegant design.