Hybrid rover suspensions?

[willpittenger]

I know that there are some here that prefer rovers with legs over wheeled rovers. However, since the legged variety would not move as fast as those with wheels, I suggest that rovers be equipped with both wheels and legs. As I see it, there are two ways to combine them:<li>Make the two types independent. This type would have the legs fold up when not in use.<li>Put the wheels on the ends of the legs. This would require each wheel to lock when the leg is moving the rover. However, the leg could be combined with the wheel to increase mobility. It would also allow more options when the rover's wheel locks into position (like Spirit's wheel) by using just that leg.<br /><br />What do people think?</li></li> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Will Pittenger<hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Add this user box to your Wikipedia User Page to show your support for the SDC forums: <div style="margin-left:1em">{{User:Will Pittenger/User Boxes/Space.com Account}}</div> </div>

 

[webtaz99]

Tanker truck full of fail.<br /><br />K.I.S.S. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[j05h]

Will - you just described ATHLETE.<br />Webtaz - you are hilarious. "tanker truck full of fail" is to funny. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />Josh <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div align="center"><em>We need a first generation of pioneers.</em><br /></div> </div>

 

[usn_skwerl]

I agree. K.I.S.S.<br /><br />With the amount of bounce they faced on moon 1.0, and today's knowledge we've gained in Baja races, dune buggies in Iraq, monster truck suspension, etc, that knowledge could be applied to a vehicle that could, if not go faster, drive smoother. <br /><br />We know the moon is fine powder, 1/6th the gravity on earth, conventional as well as electronically assisted shocks, among many other innovations. the drivetrain and suspension could even be little more modified than that designed for a snowmobile; maybe more vertical travel, for instance. <br /><br />Add a solar panel roof, and it changes from a rover to a quick halftrack golfcart, with shade. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[earth_bound_misfit]

"K.I.S.S."<br /><br />Bordering on Ad Hominem there <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />Hmm Interesting idea, wheels on legs. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>

 

[j05h]

It's already been invented. It's called ATHLETE:<br />http://www-robotics.jpl.nasa.gov/systems/system.cfm?System=11<br /><br />Josh <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div align="center"><em>We need a first generation of pioneers.</em><br /></div> </div>

 

[usn_skwerl]

Modular design; outstanding. Wheels on legs; brilliant. Voice/gesture command; awesome. Grappling hook, vertical climbing ability; batmobile-esque.<br /><br />can I have one? <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[henryhallam]

"Keep It Super Simple"? <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />