pic: Swerve Module Concept (View 1)

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Dave McLaughlin

Daniel,

I appreciate the concern and the suggestions. I completely understand that you're not picking on my poor little module I have considered adding a ring like you suggested. Possibly out of delrin or something of the like. It seems like there is a definite divide on Delphi between the 111 style and the 118 style module.

From what I have seen on Delphi and in person, there are numerous swerves without support rings that have worked just fine. I'm planning on CADing up a version with the ring to see how I would have to alter the frame and module to make it work, but I find that I am of the persuasion that prefers the no-ring approach. I would like to here more about the pros and cons off adding a ring if you would humor me with the discussion...

Both designs have tradeoffs and their use truely depends on design intent.

Since I'm of the pro ring design, I'll put forth what I see as it's biggest pros and cons:

Pro: Less stress on the whole module -- with the ring low (near the ground) you have a significantly shorter lever arm and therefore much lower stress (see above post). This will allow you to make your side plates thinner (and lighter) while increasing their robustness.

Con: More framework. The frame must contact the module at 2 rings that are not close to each other. That means more framework and possibly a heavier chassis.


Ring designs tend to have less ground clearance as well, but with the side gear that low in your design I don't see that as much of an issue.


If anyone else would like to chime in, I'd like to hear y'alls opinion as well.