6-Wheel WCD Drivebase Design

Reference 3

An FRC Design of a 6-wheel WCD in 3D Render

Courtesy of FRC Team 4817: One Degree North

This 6-wheel west coast drivebase (WCD) example is taken from Team 4817's 2023 FRC Basic CAD Training.

The FRC drivebase is a very good mechanism for new members to learn design, CAD and assembly skills. The simplest FRC drivebase is the tank drivebase. The WCD introduces a slight complexity with a much upgraded capability.

Image of the wheel configuration of a WCD

Diag. 2.5, Taken from Preparing for the Game Drop

In a WCD, one set of centre wheels is dropped slightly. In the resting position and forward and backward motion, only 2 sets of wheels have ground contact. The slight imbalance allows the drivebase to turn more effectively.

For a full overview of the macro design of WCD and other FRC drivebases, refer to Macro Design: Preparing for the Game Drop chapter 2.

3D Render: 6 Wheel WCD ExampleMechanisms: West Coast Drivebase

* Further explanation of West Coast Drivebase in FRC Handbook Volume 1.