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Wheels

Overview & Design Intent

The rover uses a non-pneumatic, cellular wheel design. The goal of this was to provide compliant deflection, passive damping, and terrain conformity without the risk of punctures or pressure loss. While technically these wheels would not be feasable on the martian surface due to temperature fluctuations and radiation, these wheels will be fine since the competition takes place on earth.

The deep dive into the engineering, geometry, and finite element method (FEM) optimization lives in the companion report: "Design and Development of a Rover Drivetrain". Check that document if you need to understand the structural load calculations or deformation simulations.


Requirements

  • Primary Role: Provide ground traction, terrain conformity, and passive shock absorption for the drivetrain.
  • Target Load: 12.5kg per wheel
  • Outer Diameter / Width: The diameter of 200mm was chosen due to the torque requirements in the worst case scenario being to high. The width was chosen to be 140mm because the original motor and gearbox combination that was supposed to be used with these wheels was that length.


Material Specifications

  • Flexible Tire: TPU 95A
  • Rigid Drive Hub: PA6-CF20, Fiberon PETG rCF-08 and Polymax Polycarbonate (can be distinguished by the colors)

Manufacturing & Assembly Guide

(Next engineer: Fill in these practical details before deployment)

1. 3D Printing RecipesSettings

  • TPU 95A Tire Settings: asdsa
  • PA6-CF20 Hub Settings: asdsad

2. Component Interfaces

  • Tire-to-Hub Interface: adsad
  • Hub-to-Gearbox Interface: asdsad

3. Maintenance & Lessons Learned

  • Wear Indicators: asdsad
  • Spares & Replacements: asdasdas






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