Mecanum Wheels
Bengt Ilon invented this type of wheel while working for the Swedish company Mecanum AB. The Mecanum-style drive base uses 4 wheels, including 2 right wheels and 2 left wheels. One right and left is on each side of the robot. Each wheel is driven independently. More info on Mecanum drive methods can be found on Wikipedia.
We offer 8" wheels and 6" wheels. We are working on prototypes of 10" and 21" wheels with much highr payloads
All of these wheels have the rollers positioned at 45 degree angles.
The load capability for each wheel is as such:
6" Wheel: 40 kg (80 pounds)
8" Wheel: 40 kg (80 pounds)
10" Wheel: 200 kg (440 pounds)
21" Wheel: 1000 kg (2200 pounds)
(Pricing and availability of the 10" and 21" may be available upon request.)
On the 8" wheels, the side plates are made of 1/8" thick aluminum, while the wheels consist of 12 rollers. Each roller has a 3 inch long #10 screw holding it in place and a 2 inch long brass tube as a bearing. On either side of the roller, there are 2 washers, enabling the roller to move consistently. A Nylock nut captures the roller in between the side plates. Near the center bore of the wheel, 6 aluminum spacers and screws are tightly holding the 2 side plates together.
On the 6" wheels, 16 rollers are assembled between 2 steel plates. The steel is 0.04" thick, welded together and zinc plated. These smaller rollers are tapered, providing a smooth roll on the 6" wheel. Each roller uses a brass tube riding on a 3mm screw. A M3x0.5 Nylock nut fastens each screw into position, holding the roller loosely so it can spin on the screw.
Structure
Our version of the Mecanum wheel utilizes 2 bent sheet metal plates and rubber rollers.We offer 8" wheels and 6" wheels. We are working on prototypes of 10" and 21" wheels with much highr payloads
All of these wheels have the rollers positioned at 45 degree angles.
The load capability for each wheel is as such:
6" Wheel: 40 kg (80 pounds)
8" Wheel: 40 kg (80 pounds)
10" Wheel: 200 kg (440 pounds)
21" Wheel: 1000 kg (2200 pounds)
(Pricing and availability of the 10" and 21" may be available upon request.)
On the 8" wheels, the side plates are made of 1/8" thick aluminum, while the wheels consist of 12 rollers. Each roller has a 3 inch long #10 screw holding it in place and a 2 inch long brass tube as a bearing. On either side of the roller, there are 2 washers, enabling the roller to move consistently. A Nylock nut captures the roller in between the side plates. Near the center bore of the wheel, 6 aluminum spacers and screws are tightly holding the 2 side plates together.
On the 6" wheels, 16 rollers are assembled between 2 steel plates. The steel is 0.04" thick, welded together and zinc plated. These smaller rollers are tapered, providing a smooth roll on the 6" wheel. Each roller uses a brass tube riding on a 3mm screw. A M3x0.5 Nylock nut fastens each screw into position, holding the roller loosely so it can spin on the screw.
Roller Tension
Tension on the roller can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the Nylock nuts on the perimeter screws. Tighten the Nylock nut for a more restricted roll. Loosen the nut for a more freely spinning roller.
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