Build ideas.. thinking out loud

[JasonM]

First of all I have never built a super and I don't plan on it, but the bench racer in me has had a few ideas floating around that I thought I would get some feedback on.

The main idea is to eliminate the traditional axle configuration and mount the (most likely stubby due to wheel width constraints) motors to the knuckles on the inside of the wheels, where most are mounting supplemental weights, and drive a female gear attached to the wheel.

By eliminating the need for axle shafts the main axle structure could be moved up and toward the center of the vehicle to maximize clearance.

Weight and the number of rotating parts would be potentially reduced by having the direct wheel drive, along with the ability to control each wheel independently (one wheel drive, skid steering, etc.)

The major problem as I see it would be the need for an extremely rigid wheel as any deflection or loss in concentricity would cause gear stripping. A possible solution to this would be allowed by the design. Being that the wheel is no longer driven by/attached to the axle shaft a much stouter spindle and hub arrangement can be utilized. Namely larger, more widely spaced bearings on a solid spindle.

Another potential issue would be obtaining enough gearing, but with the new generation of 6-7" plus wheels I believe enough reduction can be achieved.

I haven't searched much on this topic so if it has been done I would love to see it, otherwise please share your thoughts.

[Curcal]

Go for it.

[Byrd-Shooter]

that's similar to quad copters. The hardest part would be finding an esc that can handle 4 motors, or somehow integrate the hardware from a quad copter.