pic: Concept 6W Drive Train

[Deke]

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[Christopher149]

Any particular reason for cutting off the corners? Does it help much in giving more area for a given perimeter?

Definitely have to concur that simple is good.

[Munchskull]

Looks solid.

[asid61]

Looks a little too solid IMO. There's a ton of 1x1 on there.
However, 34 lbs is still pretty light for six cims (actually that's very light) so adding in a shifting gearbox would make good use of that drivetrain I think. It's only a couple pounds more, and allows for safe top speeds of 18fps+ without worrying about main breaker trips.

[mman1506]

What makes this drive train better than a kitbot with nitrile treads and 6 cim gearboxes? If you want to keep it simple why not go that route?

How is that any simpler than this?

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Andrew Lawrence

How is that any simpler than this?

It's not.

[asid61]

Oh I just noticed:
Your main gearbox shaft is attached to the out frame member. If the outer frame becomes damaged in a collision and bends a little, it will damage the efficiency of the gearbox, and possibly render you immobile on one side.
Also, what's the reasoning behind cutting the corners? It seems like extra work to me.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Andrew Lawrence

How is that any simpler than this?

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

It's not.

They are trying to work within their existing resources, and this is a simple design that fits within those resources. I would probably find it reasonable to assume that they don't anticipate having the funding to buy Versa, or to buy Versa and still do X, Y, and Z that they want to or need to do. Or that they're one of the teams that prefers making over buying (there are a few out there).

Is a WCD simpler? Maybe. But if you're doing all the machining for it, there are some advantages to NOT doing a WCD (like having more time!). Even if you are thinking of buying one, there could still be advantages to not doing one (dead-axle setups tend to be a trifle easier than live-axle setups in terms of manufacturing, something about no keyway or hex).

[Dunngeon]

Are the gussets at the corners supposed to be seperate strips or angle iron? If they are seperate strips, it looks like a hard hit to the upper member could severely bend it inwards.

Edit: The upper 1x1 above the wheels

Originally Posted by EricH

They are trying to work within their existing resources, and this is a simple design that fits within those resources. I would probably find it reasonable to assume that they don't anticipate having the funding to buy Versa, or to buy Versa and still do X, Y, and Z that they want to or need to do. Or that they're one of the teams that prefers making over buying (there are a few out there).

Is a WCD simpler? Maybe. But if you're doing all the machining for it, there are some advantages to NOT doing a WCD (like having more time!). Even if you are thinking of buying one, there could still be advantages to not doing one (dead-axle setups tend to be a trifle easier than live-axle setups in terms of manufacturing, something about no keyway or hex).

A full versachassis can get expensive, I'll admit that, but just using some of the parts can greatly simplify this design and make it not only more effective, but more reliable as well. You don't need to buy an entire drivetrain setup, but using what your resources will allow can greatly simplify things.

You don't need to break bank on COTS parts to make a great drivetrain, but ignoring the cost effective resources available to teams isn't the answer either.

[T-Dawg]

Is there a particular reason why the corners of the chassis are cut off?
The only reason I can think of is if you're trying to make the chassis fit within the 112 inch frame perimeter.
Otherwise, I don't see a structural benefit of cutting the corners off.

[Spoam]

Originally Posted by T-Dawg

Is there a particular reason why the corners of the chassis are cut off?
The only reason I can think of is if you're trying to make the chassis fit within the 112 inch frame perimeter.
Otherwise, I don't see a structural benefit to cutting the corners off.

If I had to guess it would be that they're trying to keep all the 1x1s the same length for convenience? Then cut ends to keep it flush. Personally though if that's it then I might rather have the extra support from corners.

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by Andrew Lawrence

A full versachassis can get expensive, I'll admit that, but just using some of the parts can greatly simplify this design and make it not only more effective, but more reliable as well. You don't need to buy an entire drivetrain setup, but using what your resources will allow can greatly simplify things.

You don't need to break bank on COTS parts to make a great drivetrain, but ignoring the cost effective resources available to teams isn't the answer either.

I smell no bias here. Nope.

WCD and even the Versachassis is not the answer for every team.

[JesseK]

(nvm)