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Friction drive rig idea

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by benj, Dec 8, 2014.

  1. benj

    benj Member

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    Hi Everyone,

    I can't stop thinking about this crazy idea to try and develop a friction drive idea for a motion sim. I am terrible with 3D software, so I will try and convey using the equivalent of MS Paint skills and text!

    I suppose it's kind of like a compact joyrider. It would use friction between a wheel and a metal hoop to move the simulator. Time for a picture:
    [​IMG]

    I don't have much of a mechanical mind, but I can't see why this wouldn't work. Of course there should be a pivot point at the front of the seat as well to add strength. Adding the 2nd DOF would be possible without too much hassle I think.

    I think this idea could give a huge range of motion in a very small footprint.

    Would anyone care to comment on this idea - happy to hear your worst comments ;)
  2. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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  3. benj

    benj Member

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    Nice @Pit ;) Not just sway - I think a 2DOF is the minimum requirement really - pitch and roll, but my drawing skills and mind to paper interpretation is pretty bad!! (note to self: new year resolution = learn 3d cad!!)
  4. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    OK, as far as I see you can simulate roll or sway, but how you want to add the 2nd DOF (Pitch, surge) and especially heave?
  5. bsft

    bsft

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    its been done before on other forums, like 2 sort of half moons rolling on top of each other.
    • Informative Informative x 1
  6. benj

    benj Member

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    Thanks @bsft - I will research a bit more, that sounds like the kind of solution I was thinking.

    @Pit - not sure about heave, my picture was simplified to 1dof just to discuss the merits and problems with this kind of system.
  7. SeatTime

    SeatTime Well-Known Member

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    I had friction systems on my surge and traction loss axis for a short while, but they slipped due to inertia on fast changes in direction and the rubber wheel was wearing out quickly. Changed them out with chain drives.
    • Informative Informative x 1
  8. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    why not use a cable drive instead of the rubber drive...

    Attached Files:

    • Agree Agree x 1
  9. RacingMat

    RacingMat Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

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    hello,

    you have designed a small lever so you will have to deliver a stronger force.
    But friction mechanism cannot deliver high forces.

    Follow @Pit's advice
    or use gears
    or rack and pinion
  10. benj

    benj Member

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    Thanks everyone, really interesting stuff from y0u all.

    I can see that friction is not ideal for quick movements and slippage would occur which increases the wear on the rubber.

    So yes, changing to cable or gears would solve that, but that seems to be more complex and my theory was to try and simplify. If you had access to some big metal working tools this might be a fun option to explore, but I certainly don't!

    Overall, the motors and levers of a more traditional rig are brilliant for a compact design, and work very well in reality. Hard to beat that!
    • Agree Agree x 1
  11. Pit

    Pit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gold Contributor

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    There are many ways, but why to make it too complicated... :) The most of us are not engineers so the common and approved way is the easiest and the most successful way to get the best of the world of simulation :)