Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: alucard on February 29, 2012, 05:26:53 PM

Title: Wheel differential drive questions
Post by: alucard on February 29, 2012, 05:26:53 PM

 Hi all,

 My robot would have 4 wheels with the rear two wheels differential driven (powered by motors).
I need 4 wheels because it would be driven on a road condition, so I 'd need the stability.

1) How well would this work ? Would the front two wheels provide a lot of turning difficulty ?

2) How do I make (or mount) the front wheels free turning (idler wheels)? I can't seem to find a long rod of 3mm diameter to connect the two wheels. Any ideas ?

Thanks a lot!

Title: Re: Wheel differential drive questions
Post by: Resilient on February 29, 2012, 05:33:25 PM

Why do you want to connect the front two wheels?

Can you not just let them both turn independently, like the front wheels on a shopping cart? That seems like the better way to go here.

Title: Re: Wheel differential drive questions
Post by: Mastermime on February 29, 2012, 05:39:06 PM

Quote

Can you not just let them both turn independently, like the front wheels on a shopping cart? That seems like the better way to go here.

Yes, casters are the way to go unless there is a reason why you can't.  Check at your local surplus store.  I know mine has tons of caster wheels.