Spiral Drive

[ashoji12]

what if you had 4 independently rotating spirals as a drive train do you think that this would work?

[Captain Fink]

Sounds like it would work but could u draw a quick sketch? not quite sure what you mean

[EricH]

Originally Posted by ashoji12

what if you had 4 independently rotating spirals as a drive train do you think that this would work?

Nobody's tested it yet, that I know about.

One caveat, and this may be the deal breaker: If it damages the carpet extensively, or is made of metal, it will not pass inspection. (<R08> governs traction items.)

It may be possible, but you'd have to test it.

[MrForbes]

Like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBjlSJf4274

[ashoji12]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBjlSJf4274

yes that is exactly what i meant, kind of like those machines that shape half pipes in snow

but would this work like a crab drive?

[MrForbes]

My guess is that snow is one of the very few surfaces that that type of drive can work on. And since we don't see vehicles like that in common use on snow, it's probably not a very good idea.

But it is interesting

[gorrilla]

It would work, but I would be concerned about the screws tearing up the carpet..

[EricH]

Originally Posted by ashoji12

but would this work like a crab drive?

Probably. But you're reinventing the mecanum wheel, to some extent.

Take a look at http://www.andymark.biz/mecanumwheels.html and see if those are pretty close to what you mean.

[gorrilla]

Originally Posted by EricH

Probably. But you're reinventing the mecanum wheel, to some extent.

Take a look at http://www.andymark.biz/mecanumwheels.html and see if those are pretty close to what you mean.

should'nt these screws be way less efficient than a wheel?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by gorrilla

should'nt these screws be way less efficient than a wheel?

Didn't say they wouldn't be. A screw like that would be like locking all the rollers on a mecanum wheel. (And then reducing the friction on said mecanum wheel, hopefully.)

[Nurnburger]

It seems like one of the key elements is that its digging into the snow, so I doubt it would be very FIRSTable.

[solopilot]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBjlSJf4274

That is so cool... Thanks for sharing it.
Looks like something out of a old old James Bond movie.
I guess track drives are more functional.

[AllenGregoryIV]

http://www.amazon.com/Tyco-Radio-Con.../dp/B00027P7RM

I have two of these at my house and have always wanted to make a larger one, but have never gotten around to it. Turning is not easy they have to tilt the screws and travel in an arc.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBjlSJf4274

For 1929 that is insanely impressive. Neat idea, I'd love to see it working on someone's robot within the coming weeks.

[MrForbes]

It might be allowed, but it's hard to say. The rule about what you can have in contact with the field seems to make it unlikely.

<R08>  ROBOT wheels, tracks, and other parts intended to provide traction on the FIELD may be 
purchased or fabricated (“traction devices” include all parts of the ROBOT that are designed 
to transmit any propulsive and/or braking forces between the ROBOT and the FIELD). In no 
case will traction devices that damage the carpet or other playing surfaces be permitted. 
Traction devices shall not have surface features such as metal, sandpaper, hard plastic 
studs, cleats, or other attachments. Anchors (i.e. devices that are deployed/used to keep 
one’s ROBOT in one place and prevent if from being moved by another ROBOT) shall not 
use metal in contact with the carpet to “stay put.” Gaining traction by using adhesives or 
Velcro-like fastener material is not allowed.