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Multipurpose Test Platform

bigbeezy

By: bigbeezy
New: 10-05-2015 11:51
Updated: 10-05-2015 11:51
Views: 2513 times


Multipurpose Test Platform

My goal was to design a simple frame that would allow a team to quickly and easily switch between as many different drivetrain types as possible. The design should be easy to build without requiring the need of advanced machining. The swapping of drivetrains should be fast and simple requiring the least number of steps to be back testing.

This frame can quickly and easily switch between 8WD, 6WD, 4WD, H-drive, Mecanum, and Swerve. For 8WD, 6WD, 4WD, and H-drive all you have to do is swap wheels. Mecanum requires a change in pulley and belt. To use the swerve modules (from Andymark) just remove all other wheels.

I didn't add electronics because I was lazy but they can go on top for easy access. Encoders are not included at this time.

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10-05-2015 14:17

bigbeezy


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

I have renders for the other versions but didn't want to clog up chief with a bunch of similar pictures



10-05-2015 14:18

MikLast


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

why dont you make an album on imgur or on a similar site and post the link here? i bet a lot of people (including myself) would want to see.



10-05-2015 14:22

bigbeezy


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

good call. http://imgur.com/a/feTUF/all

without the belts it may be hard to see. The middle axle (for the 6WD) is powered by the near motor. That belt would always be attached. The middle 2 wheels for the 8WD config are direct driven. A belt then powers the outer axle. The swerve wheels are just above the ground when using the other configs.



10-05-2015 14:49

Clayton Summerall


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

This is really really cool!



10-05-2015 15:01

GeeTwo


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

We are also interested in having a pre-built test platform with several different drive styles. We didn't really consider a design with swerve, though we were interested in most of the others. We opted to go the opposite route, to build a bunch of different platforms that were all the same size with the same mount points, which would allow us to prototype a manipulator set and drop it onto any of our drive platforms. Later, we decided that it would be even easier to just have some chassis kits on the shelf and build them to our needs.



10-05-2015 16:56

Connor McBride


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

This is really cool! Keep up the good work!


FRC 166
2013: mechanical
2014: mechanical, design, human player
2015: mechanical, design, CAD, Driver
2016: ???



10-05-2015 17:00

bigbeezy


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Quote:
Originally Posted by GeeTwo View Post
Later, we decided that it would be even easier to just have some chassis kits on the shelf and build them to our needs.
Could you expand on your chassis kits? Do you have precut material and mounting hardware? Did you use it this year and if so how'd it work?



10-05-2015 19:34

JesseK


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Seems like it lacks an intake bar. This would be a marvelous Week 1 platform to use with prototyping intakes for a game piece.

On that note, it'll probably need a front/rear bumper...



10-05-2015 21:08

Rkant14


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Great idea! This can be really useful to test various strategies for a particular game.



10-05-2015 21:23

bigbeezy


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Quote:
Originally Posted by JesseK View Post
Seems like it lacks an intake bar. This would be a marvelous Week 1 platform to use with prototyping intakes for a game piece.

On that note, it'll probably need a front/rear bumper...
wasn't intended to incorporate an intake. now you could modify where the swerve modules mount to allow you to mount an intake.



10-05-2015 22:09

GeeTwo


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigbeezy View Post
Could you expand on your chassis kits? Do you have precut material and mounting hardware? Did you use it this year and if so how'd it work?
For this build season, it was the KoP AM14U2. Given that we're not up to swerve drive ability, we can build it out as mecanum, omni tank, 6, and 8 wheel drive with minimal cutting. We were also able to make some mounting brackets to convert it to an H drive. While it wasn't as fast as having completed chassis on the shelf, we were able to build each (except the H) in about a Saturday session. This was fast enough that by the time the "working prototype" lift frame was together, one of the drive chassis was ready to go with H-drive, and the other was complete as an omni tank and on its way to being an H-drive.

For 2016, we're looking seriously at using vex versaframe and their gearboxes and shifters, which should allow us to build any of these chassis styles with customizable dimensions and gear ratios and even shifting in only a little more time.



10-05-2015 22:15

orangemoore


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

What is the purpose of putting the mounting point of the swerve modules so high? It seems to add unnecessary complexity to the frame.

Wouldn't it be simpler to run the framing straight across?



Please post again if this gets built.



10-05-2015 22:24

Nebster


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Quote:
Originally Posted by orangemoore View Post
What is the purpose of putting the mounting point of the swerve modules so high? It seems to add unnecessary complexity to the frame.

Wouldn't it be simpler to run the framing straight across?
I think it's so that when there are no wheels on the side rails, the swerve is contacting the ground. However, when wheels are added to the axles on the side, the swerve is lifted slightly off the ground for some clearance so that the side wheels are the ones doing the driving.



10-05-2015 23:19

bigbeezy


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nebster View Post
I think it's so that when there are no wheels on the side rails, the swerve is contacting the ground. However, when wheels are added to the axles on the side, the swerve is lifted slightly off the ground for some clearance so that the side wheels are the ones doing the driving.
Exactly. The original goal is to have a single platform that programming can use to test out control systems for the various drive systems. With the swerve where it is you don't have to remove the module to switch back to tank drive. Just add wheels. I do like the ideas of modifying it to more easily incorporate additional features.



15-05-2015 10:19

Mschmeh144


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

This is epic. Good work, I like how clean it looks, but of course, it may be different in person. I want to see you build one



29-11-2015 08:38

orangemoore


Unread Re: pic: Multipurpose Test Platform

Did this ever get built?



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