Updated wheels for Cubelets modular robot, with freewheel option

thingiverse

This is an expansion and upgrade of my previous Cubelets wheels. I've created these for quickly building highly functional robots using Modular Robotics' system. The new wheels are designed to connect directly with the Rotate Cubelet, allowing you to create wheeled vehicles, Mars rovers, and other projects that require mobility. The key updates include a fresh design that looks sleeker and more futuristic compared to my previous steampunk-inspired version. Additionally, there's now a free-wheel variation that can be attached to any Cubelet and used as a non-driven wheel. This offers several benefits: it allows you to build four-wheeled vehicles using just two Rotate cubelets, and it prevents issues associated with multiple motors not being perfectly synchronized in speed. The freewheel version features a plain hub, while the version that locks onto a motor has a decorative element to help distinguish between them. This feature is essential for building complex robots and ensuring they operate smoothly. You can customize various aspects of these wheels using the attached OpenSCAD file. For instance, you can adjust the diameter of the wheels, O-Rings, bearing size, and more. However, be aware that there's limited flexibility when it comes to the size of the washers, as they need to match closely with the diameter of the Cubelets connector. Print Settings: - Printer Brand: MakerBot - Printer Model: MakerBot Replicator 2X - Rafts: No - Supports: Yes Important Print Note: The key thing to keep in mind when printing these wheels is to use support material, especially for filling in the well where the connector snaps in. This ensures that the printer's bridge span doesn't create a weak point. If your printer struggles with bridging, using support will greatly improve the print quality. Assembly Instructions: To assemble these wheels, you'll need the following parts: - Steel washers (1" OD, 1/2" ID, 1/8" thick) - Roller bearings (22mm OD, 8mm ID, 7mm thick) - O-rings (2 7/8" OD, 2 1/2" ID) - Magnets (optional) - 1/8" x 1/8" cylinder Make sure your washers are made of ferrous metal. I initially ordered fancy washers from McMaster Carr that were nickel alloy and didn't work. The cheap ones from the hardware store worked perfectly. Assembly Steps: For the Basic Version: Print the "future wheel deco" with support material to fill in the well. Also, print the "sleeved connector" piece. Remove the support from the wheel, place a washer into the connector, and then snap it into place. You can use glue for extra stability. For the Freewheel Version: Print the "future wheel freewheel" with support, along with the freewheel pin, freewheel hub, and sleeved connector freewheel (which has a socket for the pin). Remove the support from the wheel. Place a washer in the connector and snap it into the freewheel hub. Snap the freewheel pin into the socket on the back of the connector, ensuring it's seated properly. Next, insert the bearing into the deep part of the well and press it all the way in. The bearing should be recessed about 1mm past the edge, thanks to the little nubs around the edge of the well. Carefully press the pin into the bearing until it snaps crisply into place. Slide the O-Rings over the wheel, and you're ready to go! Remember to reprogram your Rotate cubes using Cubelets Flash to spin counter-clockwise for conventional drive. Important Safety Note: Using small magnets around children can be hazardous if they're ingested. However, using these magnets does improve connectivity. If your kids are old enough or closely supervised, consider using the magnets. The connector includes holes for 1/8" by 1/8" cylindrical magnets, with a single layer of filament at the bottom to allow for bridging. Clean out the hole using a knife if necessary. When installing magnets, ensure they repel the magnets on the Cubelet connector, allowing them to seek out the strike plates when attached to a robot.