pic: Super Light Chassis System

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Cyberphil

And thats why I ask questions! Do you really need two frame rails to create a geared system? I would imagine that if you created it well enough you could modify this very system so it could be a geared system. If I am wrong please let me know. I am very curious, and obviously ignorant.

I imagine a geared system could be done without two frame rails, but it would certainly be easier to do it with a two rails (or plates). A larger single tube would work, but that would certainly be a LARGE tube.

It's good to inquire, keep it up!

Also, while innovation and continuous improvement are great things, sometimes it's beneficial for a team (such as yours) to only minimally change a system year to year. Sure your base could be lighter when compared with others, but it works, it's been proven year after year, and I imagine you guys are pretty good at making it. The extra time and resources saved can then be used to make the other systems of the robot more competitive.

[Cyberphil]

Thank you very much guys!

I have been experimenting with inventor, teaching myself some stuff, and I decided to do a very simple make of a WCD with gears. I am thinking about uploading it to get some feedback on it. Now, it is HIGHLY inspired by this system and many others (233, 254, etc), and I will say this ahead of time so there is no confusion of claiming to design it. The only thing I did with the DT is made it gear driven. I love the concept of this, and I am a very curious of others opinions.

Also, while innovation and continuous improvement are great things, sometimes it's beneficial for a team (such as yours) to only minimally change a system year to year. Sure your base could be lighter when compared with others, but it works, it's been proven year after year, and I imagine you guys are pretty good at making it. The extra time and resources saved can then be used to make the other systems of the robot more competitive.

I was mainly asking these questions so we could get some information for an off-season project. I think a WCD would be a great learning exercise for our team (Besides the fact that we are an hour from the East Coast) . Its an 8wd, completely gear driven WCD. I know that the clearance is not that much, but we have dealt with this clearance for 3 years now and have faired well.

Any thoughts would be great!

[ajlapp]

Did you review this design by AM? ToughTube Chassis Rail.

[Cyberphil]

Originally Posted by ajlapp

Did you review this design by AM? ToughTube Chassis Rail.

Yes, I have seen this many times before. The only problem I have with this design is that you need a cim on each side, one driving one wheel and the other driving the other two wheels. I would rather a setup where the whole system is connected, maybe allowing for a super-shifter attachment. I will post my design up soon to see what you guys think.