Hubless Gear

This project was completed by GHP Technology students Nandan Dave, Avery Andrews, and Archish Chaturvedi

Introduction

In order to understand this project, one must first understand the concept of a hubless wheel. A hubless wheel is basically a wheel with an empty center. Hubless technology is still an emerging field and has a lot of promise for the future. Many applications such as automotive, home, and commercial process could be simplified and streamlined with hubless additions. Here's a PowerPoint Presentation which very simply outlines the parts and uses of a hubless gear. This PowerPoint was used during our technology expo and was a visual aid for our presentation.

Step 1: ​The Product

We first started this concept design to be an externall tool belt to fit around a worker's forearm to make access to tools easier. After numerous attempts and failures, we altered our design to be a concept design for hubless gears because there is so much one can do with hubless technology. For this venture, one must have access to a 3D printer, VEX robot parts, and miscellaneous other electrical and hardware components. Also, some greasing agent should be applied at the end. We used valve oil as our greasing agent. Attached are the pictures of the final product. There are basically three parts which are conjoind. The first is the inner component which houses our hand and is composed of two 3D printed inner gears with VEX Standoffs connecting them. The outer component is similar in assembly as it has two bigger gears with teeth connected by standoffs. The third component, the motor and battery housing is connected to the inner assembly with a 3D printed structure.

Step 2: Fabrication

First, 3D print both outer gears and connect them with a combination of VEX Standoffs. We used two 3 inch and one .5 inch standoffs on each connecting beam (x6). On the inner component, the inner gears were connected by one 3 in and one two inch standoff. The inner gear rotates due to 8 .5 inch standoffs on each side sliding on the outer gear's lip. The structure (outer gear and outer standoffs) was connected by 1.2 inch screws. Once the outer assembly is done, the inner assembly must be created. Then, place the inner assembly with the attached crosspiece inside the outer assembly and screw on the upper outer gear. Once this is done, the vertical brackets can be applied to hold the motor holders. Once the motors are in, time to start the electric work. The motor has a 12 tooth VEX gear on the end. The electric wiring is pretty simple.

One 7.2V VEX battery:

POSITIVE (+)

Connect to Pushbutton-

Pushbutton(splits) to diode to Motor One(-)

Split #2: to diode to Motor Two (+)

Negative of Motor Two and positive of Motor One connect and go to negative of Battery.