Belt Driven instead of Chain driven

[kramarczyk]

Originally Posted by Hawiian Cadder

This white paper does a good job of quantifying the bending problems on a standard 2010 robot. the frame bent enough to throw #35 (i think) chain, so belts would be out of the question.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2398

Yes, it was #35 chain thrown off that chassis, but be careful not to take this one data point as a universal problem with the kit chassis.

Originally Posted by Chris is me

The 2010 frame was substantially different than the 2011 frame, since the axle mounts were stood off several inches (6? 8? more?) from the actual chassis. The issue that really caused the bending and flex wasn't the kitbot profile as much as the modules that wheels were mounted to. The parts flexed relative to one another and your end result is thrown chain.

As Chris points out this is an issue of structure. In the case of the 2010 kitobt it is a lack of triangles supporting the chain path and the open section of the wheel risers that cause the problem.

The kit frame should only be one portion of your entire robot's structure. Step back and look at the whole robot. Use the other systems to reinforce the chassis and use the chassis to reinforce the other systems.

I used #25 chain on a kit frame this year with no issues.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Many teams have used belt drives in the past. They need less maintenance and are quieter. They are much more difficult in some designs to replace though. (Most belting doesn't allow you to thread one end through the drive system and then connect the ends together) Teams have been able to use toothed belts and sprockets to great advantage in the past. While the robot rules have not been released for 2012, I would not expect a change making belting illegal. Please check the rules when they are published. Be aware, that belts can inflict personal injury the same way chain can. This might require some protection of the mechanism to prevent injuring anyone who will be exposed to the mechanism, including field volunteers.