pic: 4587-Sheet Metal Chassis V.2

[Cash4587]

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV

Cooper, what if you took the pinions out of the gear train and just had the gears interact with each other. The pinions could mesh under each of the gears. Also you might be able to mount the gears with tube axle and a plate that is supported off the outer frame member (hex side) that would also act as your stand off for that frame member.

That setup would provide support to the outer rail, allow you to remove motors to save weight (if needed) but maintain the power from the remaining motors going to all wheels on the side.

Something like this
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bwvy...VCLVdvdlU/edit

That was extremely quick CAD just to show the idea. The MiniCims are 12:54 and the CIMs are 12:48 that should have the 48 and 54 tooth gears all spinning at around 1300rpm unless I did my math wrong, which is very possible.

Wouldn't that mean I would have to spin every other motor in opposite direction? Seems like a good idea but after all this, I don't know if I would be that comfortable spending a lot of money on gears just to leave a little extra room for electronics. Although this type of drive would be better if the motors were within the drive rail, I don't know if it will end up being that way in my final design.