Stronghold Meeting - 26-Jan-2016

Competition Season Meeting

Meeting Date	Meeting Time	Location	Attendees
26-January-2016	5:00-9:00PM	TCHS Brandywine

CAD & Design

Final decision to use tracked tank drive had been made via email conference during the snowstorms. Mentor Andrew Weissman summarized the team's thinking an a 23-Jan email:

My thoughts on the drivetrain decision:

Based upon the evidence presented by both the video from 1635 and our modded kitbot, both are able to drive over Category B and D defenses. However, the 8WD bot showed considerable difficulty driving over the moat at a level consistent with what is required for this game (at least that was the impression I got driving over it). Also, while driving over some of the obstacles, the bounce experienced would be enough to potentially cause removal of a boulder from robot possession (depends on other mechanisms). This problem was exaggerated by the lightweight nature of the 8WD bot, but may still remain present with a fully loaded bot(mechanisms-pending). The tread drive appeared to climb over all Category B and D defenses without much issue (except the ramparts, but that was a design flaw with the robot they used with having too low of a bellypan).

I still believe that the treads pose a considerable risk, but the 8WD did not perform as well as required for this game with all B and D defenses, making the treads a better option for crossing the defenses.

Significant design effort took place during the snowstorm period and its aftermath. Major equipment has been ordered. Belts and Drive Sprockets are from Brecoflex and utilize TK10K13 belt pattern having a 10mm pitch. The belt is 1870mm long. Sprocket is 30 tooth.

The decision was made tonight to simplify manufacture by eliminating the planned 0.125" deep wells in he track side plates intended to support the idler axle ends. Idler axles will be supported by bolts (1/4-20 for large idlers - 10-32 for small idlers).