pic: WCD Chassis Idea

[Rion Atkinson]

Originally Posted by ADZDEBLICK

I like the cross braces, but the frame will have a tendency to twist without some more support.
Consider where chains/belts will run.
Also as someone suggested a while back, if you model your gearbox with all cims, you won't run into any space issues when you put in the fp/planet.

I'll probably be taking the entire cross brace area actually. It's simply not need. And cutting holes in the metal for the chains would be a pain. It's easier to use the electronics board (The thing made out of glass right now) as the main structure.

With modeling with CIM vs. FP. It actually doesn't matter. I had those things with one CIM in it. Turns out the FP is only like a 1/4 inch shorter. So it doesn't really matter.

Originally Posted by JesseK

I would consider trying to simplify the gearbox to two reduction stages instead of three. This may or may not interfere with an encoder mount on the output shaft, but the tradeoff is that it would lower all of the motors (and thus the c.g.) by an inch or two. I like the frame thus far though; adding a super structure for manipulators or cross bars at either end would solidify it enough I think. Given the previous years' bumper rules, those cross bars may also aid in compliance.

I was actually going to be changing it to a two speed gear reduction today.

As for the cross bars, I do believe you are right. I'll probably have some sheet metal fun and make the belly pan those cross bars as well.

Originally Posted by Peter Matteson

If those cross braces are welded it will be a nightmare to keep your frame true and parallel without very good solid fixturing and welding.

The X-brace also lends itself to allowing you to get bent out of shape and not box when, not if, you get hit from both sides at the same time or sandwiched against a wall. It's a novel idea but I would at least put smaller crossmembers all the way across to make it practical for how rough the games are.

Why would those braces be and harder to weld than anything else? (I'm not a welder so this is a legitimate question.)

I have a feeling that the biggest problems with bending would be on the outside edges rather than in the middle. Which as you said is easily fixed with more cross braces. Or as I said earlier. I belly pan.