Tank Tracks

thingiverse

This is an ongoing project featuring an autonomous tracked vehicle. The final vehicle will boast two roller chain tracks, separated by plastic spacers called Tread Base. Pictures illustrate completed tracks. The Tread Base not only separates and aligns the roller chains but also serves as a mounting point for individual Tread Plates. To save costs, Tread Base is kept separate from Tread Plates, which may need replacement due to wear. Each track will be driven by a keyed hub with two idler wheels. Both hubs and idlers are split for easy printing. Designations like ISplitHub and OSplitIdler signify the inside or outside portions of the split. Each hub/idler assembly comprises an inner and outer half sandwiched between universal gears and secured by bolts. Drive shafts hold hub assemblies, while idlers can be bolted or bearings-pressed for varying loads. Sketchup designs are included for potential improvements or modifications. Updates will follow as the project progresses. Currently, only one each of hub and idler assemblies have been printed for creating master molds through casting - an attempt he's documenting for first-time learners. Updates include Basic Tread files (easy print patterns), a realization about insufficient combined width of roller chain parts, added Dimple Tread option, and new illustrations showcasing completed tracks. A previous OSplitHub file was accidentally uploaded instead of the OSplitIdler but corrected later.