Mecanum Suspension Movement

[ChuckDickerson]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

I avoided a split chassis in the end because I felt that attaching upper structure to it would become troublesome, given its flexibility. It's possible to integrate the split chassis into a larger, stiffer frame, but that comes with a significant weight penalty.

I think a spring is an ideal solution, but I didn't feel comfortable making assumptions about how much travel and force would be appropriate from a spring. The tennis ball and the current arrangment allow for us to quickly try different objects. With sufficient testing, I'd feel more comfortable approximating the characteristics of, say, a tennis ball with a spring.

Thanks Madison! We have no experiance with nor plans for Mecanum this season but I really think they are wonderful. I am just trying to understand some of the design issues. I can see how a split chassis could limit the upper structure and without knowing the game requirements it is probably safest to put the suspension at the individual wheel. I love the tennis ball as a low tech but effective solution. Truly K.I.S.S. at work. Thanks teaching me something new today!