Caterpillar Drive

thingiverse

This is a work-in-progress design for my caterpillar drive on an RC base that can be used as both an ROV and Robot chassis. All components are made from high-quality ABS material. Idler wheels feature internal springs for added stability. I've designed the parts to utilize readily available off-the-shelf components, ensuring ease of assembly and maintenance. The driver wheel is equipped with a Pololu 1083 Universal Aluminum Mounting Hub for 6mm Shaft Pair, featuring 4-40 holes for secure attachment. The drive wheels are directly connected to geared motors via a 6mm shaft, utilizing a differential drive controller on an RC interface to regulate speed across various RPM ratings. Each Idler wheel incorporates a single Abbott MF115zz Flange Sealed Bearing, with the option to use unflanged 11mm bearings for added versatility. Pre-printed templates are included for the drive wheels, which bolt directly onto the aluminum mounting hub, and for the Idler wheels, each utilizing one bearing. The wheel shafts are temporary placeholders for fitment purposes, secured with 1 1/4" 4/40 machine screws to the aluminum frame. Motor mounts are designed for left or right installation on a 1" angled aluminum frame. Drive and Idler wheel segments share a common center piece and two flange pieces, sealed together using acetone on facing surfaces, or secured with small 4/40 machine screws. Idler wheel bearings are sealed in place using the bearing plug, sealed with acetone. Tread segments are joined using lengths of 16 Gauge brass wire, sealed at one end with Loctite G0-2 glue that can be removed for adjustment or replacement of pins and tread segments. Tread faces feature flanges for optimal traction in one direction, allowing for bi-directional optimization by simply alternating the flange orientation.