Crazy Drive Train Ideas

[Jared Russell]

Originally Posted by Hawiian Cadder

augers would work, two augers with oposite direction helixes, the spin the opposite direction of each other to go forward or backward, altering the speed that each one drives would achieve holonomicacy. to go sideways, both spin in the same direction, due to the way the screws are set up it will not be vulnerable to pushing from one side while traveling at 90 degrees like mechanum is to some degree, i think ill ask on Q&A next year if that would be legal.

Think of the interactions between the "ribs" of the auger and the ground. In order to move, there will necessarily be slip. Slip means that you have (sometimes significantly) less available tractive force - remember the differences between static and dynamic friction. So you will accelerate more slowly - and push with less force - than with a mecanum wheel.

Additionally, it is hard to find a material that can slip against the carpet, yet still have traction, yet won't destroy either the carpet or itself very quickly. The analogy would be if you made a "kiwi" drive (wheels at 45 degree angles to the body) with regular wheels - everything would scrub the ground all the time. It kills your wheels, it kills the carpet, and it kills your efficiency.

All of this goes out the window (somewhat) if you are driving in sand, but otherwise I would think long and hard before implementing this.