FTC Teams Drive Train Process

This post is being provided to provide an overview of the process used by the drive train sub-teams of FTC 329: Chicago Squires and FTC 2813: Teen Girl Squad.

Each subteam discussed several options for the drive train, each choosing the approach they preferred.  See team specific posts for their decision process and progress.

Building Process

Validate components

1. Build prototype chassis to become familiar with Tetrix components
   
2. FTC 329 mounted 2 motors for indirect drive
   
3. FTC 2813 mounted 4 motors for direct drive
   
4. Simulate game play by moving prototype chassis and drive train over various surfaces and down mock-up of ramp
   
5. Connect to control systems to test drivability of prototype
   
6. Analyze prototype for potential issues (movement restrictions, ease of maintenance, etc)
   
7. Analyze 329 prototype (2 wheel indirect drive) and 2813 prototype (4 wheel direct drive) for drivability and compliance with team's design goal(s)
   

Design & Build Drive Train

1. Identify design goals
   
2. Determine final geometry for chassis design with manipulator sub-team
   
3. Determine drive train configuration
   
4. Generate shopping lists for any additional parts needed
   
5. Identify any fabrication needs for custom parts (using aluminum and/or polycarbonate)
   
6. Decide on chassis design with integration and manipulator sub-teams
   
7. Rebuild chassis and drive train to reflect team's decisions
   
8. Connect to control system to test drivability
   

Quality Assurance

1. Validate designed drive train agains design goals and competition constraints
   
2. Test, Analyze, Re-design or tune design as needed until final product meets design criteria
   
3. Self-inspect using inspection checklist; making corrections as needed until "inspection ready"
   

Documentation

1. Fully document the "as built" design with annotated drawings (label all control points!)
   
2. Glue in team journal and add to team competition binder 
   
3. Create 3 copies of BOM, one for team journal, one for team binder, and one for judges
   

Prepare for Competition

1. Create drive train toolkit (maintenance tools, pre-match check list, drive train binder or folder, completed self-inspection checklist)
   
2. Go through pre-match checklist to ensure mechanical stability of drive train
   

We are now competition ready!