pic: Revolution Co-Axial Swerve Module - Team 221 LLC.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Cory

If you need a tensioner, then it doesn't actually work, right?

Actually, it does... The tensioner is usually an encoder's sprocket. The only way to tension the chain is to move the encoder...

Also, remember that the chain can stretch slightly if it's used in a high-stress area like the drive.

[sgreco]

I personally wouldn't be too concerned about the chain, my team went the entire year with a swerve drive and no chain tensioning in the modules and never oncer had a problem with it. My team used 25 chain, which appears to be what it is in the picture, the Robonauts use 35, but either way it shouldn't make a difference. My team's chain did stretch, but through 3 competitions, they never stretched enough to require that they were changed.

It looks really nice though. (Any estimate on cost?)

The only concern I would have whould be on how thin the modules gets at the bottom. I'm not too good at eyeballing, but I'm guessing the side plates are 1/4 inch.

[ajlapp]

These units have not been tested, but I know from experience working and talking with frc118 that they have had module damage due to side loads. Some other designs have addressed this by using much larger cross-sections or creating the wheel saddle from billet....I'm not sure how I'll proceed with this design.

There is no chain tensioning feature designed in. A certain amount of sprocket wear is expected. There is plenty of sprocket wrap to deal with it in my opinion.

Robonauts used #25 chain this season for the final drive without a tensioner.

There is no price on these units. Initial estimates make these far to expensive to manufacture. Miter gears are quite expensive, as are the large turned components.

[Tom Line]

What supports the side loads on the horizontal shaft caused by the bevel gear?

You normally don't want to side-load axial bearings, so I've been scared of using e-clips on the ends of the shaft and having them pushing against the inner race of the axial bearings at each end.

[ajlapp]

The frc118 plan calls for thin walled bushings that hold the miter gear in location and push the thrust loads against the inner race of the bearing.

The prototype pictured has snap rings holding the miter gear in place. The same will be true for the drive sprocket, though they are currently not in place.