pic: Swerve!

[=Martin=Taylor=]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I must be missing something here. To me, it looks like you gear up by a factor of about 2 from gearbox to module then gear down by a factor of about 2.5 in the module to the wheel. Also, I'm not seeing how the globe motor actually connects to the modules to rotate them.

Your powers of observation do not deceive you. That is exactly correct.

I designed it to move at the conventional 8 fps. Using the KOP transmissions and 4" wheels the chain reduction worked out to be about 1:1. However, using a 10:28 reduction in the modules allowed them to be made smaller, so I decided to gear the speed up outside of the module and then gear it back down again.

From the looks of it I forgot to replace the sprocket on the transmission with a 28 tooth to give me a perfect 1:1, but you get the picture.

As for the globes they will be turning chains that enter the frame through a slit an inch down.

As Tytus said I am still working on how to tension all the chains. So I have not added them in the CAD yet.

Originally Posted by sanddrag

How much does Inventor say it all weighs (with material properties properly set of course)?

Each module - 4.3 lbs.
The Frame - 25 lbs.
Transmissions w/o Motors - 5-7 lbs.? (not sure)
Chain - 10 lbs.?
Total - 64.4 lbs.

Keep in mind that this is still in the prototype phase. There is a LOT of weight that could be removed. After I’ve worked out all the details then I’ll focus on making it lighter.

Originally Posted by Tytus Gerrish

those 4 lower box tube members look like they are asking to get smashed in.

By all means smash away!

That frame is there simply to protect the modules. It provides little structural support and can be bent and twisted. I am probably going to cover it with poly-carb to add additional armor.