Drivetrain and Chassis Research (2021-2022)

Flexible frame styles

• Understanding the variety of ways that the problem of drivetrain flexibility has been solved will help us grow our perspective. This will help us either A) come up with a brand new design or B) find an option that really suits our team

• Styles used in industry
• Styles used by other URC teams
  • How did the team compute their drivetrain geometry
• Analysis of drivetrain styles

• Different ways of styling frame members will have different effects on drivetrain properties such as stiffness, robustness, etc.
• Want to optimize our drivetrain for these qualities as much as possible

• What styles are used in industry and by other URC teams (i.e. tubes, T-extrusion, etc.)
  • What is the main method of manufacturing when working with them?
  • Generally, what strategies are used to assemble a pair of members?
• Properties advantage vs weight

• Our wheels have a huge impact on how we interact with obstacles and the field in general

• Polymer 3D printed wheels, metal wheels, balloon tires
• Tread styles
• Analysis of the differing wheel styles
• Size
• Shape (some teams use 'torx' shape)

• Also contributes to drivetrain robustness
• Large impact on rover weight

• Construction material options and any unique fabrication processes required to use them
• Potential procurement routes
  • Where might this composite be sold and for how much per meter
  • Potential sponsors? 
• CARBON COMPOSITES

• Deciding the type of motors we want, the number we'll need, and how they'll be implemented will affect the EE plan for drive controllers

• Viable motors, gearboxes, and motor+gearbox duos of different types and their pros/cons
• Direct drive vs chain drive and how they are frequently implemented