My team is pondering the idea of building custom tracks using plexi pads to contact the field floor
The plexi pads would be rounded and smooth on all edges.
The only thing the team is worried about is that the rules specify that we cannot use “plastic studs” to contact the floor. when I read “plastic studs” I picture something similar to a studded snow tire.
any thoughts?
Link to a specific product?
Why would you use smooth plastic on your robot? That would give you almost zero traction unless you used plastic studs, which you said are illegal. What is your reason for using plastic on your treads?
When using traction material, particularly when using tracks against carpet the traction ends up being the enemy.
Every point in contact with the floor is required to slip a little bit laterally when turning. Traction just causes binding
A dropped center wheel or rounded wheelbase can reduce the bind, but it also sacrifices traction, which was the entire point of using traction material.
A dropped center keeps traction forward, while reducing the binding when turning. Using a slippery material for the tread reduces traction forward, as well.
Also, what exactly do you mean by “plexi”? An acrylic plastic?
Yes, 60 or so 1"x5" acrylic pads per side. They may be sand blasted to create a textured surface
Acrylic is generally rather fragile…and slippery…I hope you have a back up plan
The stuff we have was donated to us. It isn’t actually acrylic. It’s about 5/16" thick and tinted dark. Pretty rugged - I haven’t been successful in bending and breaking a piece.
Point is, would it be illegal?
The main reason of the idea was because we can build tracks that are wider than many prefab systems. 4-6" wide
R6 Traction devices must not have surface features such as metal, sandpaper, hard plastic studs, cleats, hook-loop fasteners or similar attachments that could damage the ARENA. Traction devices include all parts of the ROBOT that are designed to transmit any propulsive and/or braking forces between the ROBOT and FIELD carpet.
Smooth plastic probably meets this rule, eh?