DEWBOT VII Minibot

Analysis of Minibot deployment considerations and concepts. Updated 23 Jan 2011, Siri.

Early Analysis of the Minibot Problem

Email from Clem (1/24): I've adapted my 2008 robot drive-train model to the problem of FRC's 2011 MiniBot race. Model and some sample results are attached. I am not sure that all physical parameters (normal force on wheels to the pole, coefficients of friction,...) are correct. The model and results are provided as samples of what a model can provide.
I used a 0.5:1 gear reduction for the sample cases. I assumed 10 lb normal force holding the minibot to the pole and high-friction wheel surfaces (probably not so realistic).
I ran the cases for 4.5, 5.0 & 5.5 lb robots. Wheel radius was varied between 1.5 and 2.3 in in 0.1 in steps.
The primary factor affecting climb time is minibot mass. No big surprise here. The lighter, the faster.
However, wheel radius (a.k.a. gear ratio) plays a significant role and there is an optimum which is a function of robot mass. Given that we have fixed geal ratios (based on the Tetrix gears), the ability to turn a custom-radius wheel could provide a useful competitive advantage. Optimizing wheel diameter/gear ratio can cut tenths of a second off the climb time.
So, to win the Minibot race:
1. Minimize Minibot mass (seconds to be saved here)
2. Deploy quickly
3. Optimize wheel diameter/gear ratio (tenths of seconds to be saved)
Regards, Clem

Will my magnetic minibot fall off the pole when the power starts up? What do I do? Find out here & do the math! - 24 Jan 2011, Clem

The effects or minibot mass and drive wheel radius was explored in detail - 31 Jan 2011, Clem

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