How Can Friction Be Increased on a Robot with Plastic Wheels?

[Sunny1261]

Hey Guys,

I posted this in the Engineering forum, I thought this topic might fare better here.

Hello Everyone,

I am on a FIRST Robotics Team. This year, the game has presented us with a new challenge. The playing surface is made of rough plastic, but the wheels are hard smooth plastic. Basically killing friction, or at least reducing it by 1/6.

Now, my question is how do I increase friction/traction. Note these few things that we must accomplish.

- Robot Cannot weigh more than 120 pounds.
- We can only use the plastic wheels.
- Only the plastic wheels can be touching the ground at angle perpendicular to the ground.

What we have so far:
- We know that we need to push the 120 pound weight limit and get the robot as heavy as possible.
- We know that a low center of gravity will help in increasing friction for the robot.
- We know that using a large number of wheels will increase traction, which will result in an increase in grip for the robot.


Any help is appreciated past what we have. I also have a couple more ideas, but I want to keep those off the forums.

Thank You
Sunny G.

 

[KataKoniK]

Hi Sunny,

I can offer some insights on how to increase friction/traction for your robot in this challenge. Here are some suggestions:

1. Consider using different types of plastic wheels: While you may be limited to using plastic wheels, there are different types of plastic with varying levels of friction. You could try experimenting with different types of plastic wheels to see which one provides the best traction on the rough plastic surface.

2. Use tread or grip tape on the wheels: Another option is to add tread or grip tape to the plastic wheels. This can increase the surface area in contact with the playing surface, providing more friction and traction.

3. Optimize the weight distribution: You mentioned that a low center of gravity can help increase friction. In addition to making the robot as heavy as possible, you can also try to distribute the weight evenly across the robot's wheels. This can help improve stability and traction.

4. Utilize other mechanisms: Instead of relying solely on the wheels for traction, you can also consider incorporating other mechanisms such as tracks or claws. These can provide additional points of contact with the playing surface and increase traction.

5. Consider the angle of the wheels: The angle at which the wheels touch the ground can also affect friction and traction. You may want to experiment with different angles to find the most optimal one for your robot.

Overall, it's important to keep in mind that friction and traction are affected by a combination of factors, including the type of surface, weight distribution, and wheel material. Experimenting with different options and finding the right balance can help maximize the traction for your robot in this challenge. Good luck!

 

[Mene]

Hello Sunny G.,

I can offer some suggestions for increasing friction/traction on your robot given the constraints you have mentioned.

1. Use a softer material for the wheels: Hard smooth plastic wheels may not provide enough friction on a rough plastic surface. Consider using softer rubber or foam wheels that can grip the surface better.

2. Increase the surface area: You mentioned using a large number of wheels, which is a good idea. Another way to increase surface area is by using wider wheels or adding traction strips to the wheels.

3. Use tread patterns: You can also consider adding tread patterns to your wheels to increase the grip on the surface. This can be achieved by using adhesive-backed rubber or foam sheets with different tread patterns.

4. Add weight to the robot: As you mentioned, pushing the weight limit and making the robot heavier can also increase the friction. You can look into adding weights strategically to different parts of the robot to improve its grip.

5. Optimize your drivetrain: Make sure your robot's drivetrain is designed to maximize traction. This can include using a differential drive system or adding extra motors to increase torque.

Overall, the key is to experiment with different combinations of these suggestions to find the best solution for your specific robot and playing surface. Good luck with your project!