pic: 114's new tensioner

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by 114ManualLabor

We used a similar system in the 07 season, and have never had any issues with the bolt backing out or loosening. Doing the other setup is actually more parts, and more machining needed.



I've been trying to work on a one op setup, but I'm not sure exactly how to do it yet. The reason for putting the bearings on the outside is to allow as much stability on the axle as possible, which still keeping the setup as small as possible. As for the adjustment size, you have to be a lot more precise with your chain length if you shorten the adjustment size. We prefer to keep as much precision out of something like that as possible, for when you need to do those hasty repairs in between matches. Instead of only 1 link of travel, we prefer to have at least 3 to 5, so it's simple to swap out when we need to.

The next iteration should be 1 op, we'll see how that goes.

Thanks for the feedback!

294's post 2004 prototype and the 2006 base both used the team 60 inspired tensioning method you are talking about.

Each bearing block was simply a block of 3/4" Al (that was slightly thinner actually). All the necessary features fit on there (The bearing holes, the threaded hole for tensioning...) and it was much simpler to make; Just one piece per wheel. It wasn't all that heavy either, a lot of material was able to be removed to lighten them.