Sprag clutch?

[Tpdingo]

Instead of a differential, could it be feasible to put two sprag/roller/freewheel clutches on the axle. I think I've seen this done on some trike builds before. It won't give power to both wheels in a turn, more like a live axle in straight away's and like a auto-selecting single wheel drive in turning situations. I think it might be better as the power is sent to the wheel spinning slower, not faster, so in theory off-road performance should be better. Also should be cheaper. Thoughts?

 

[bob58o]

 

[Randy H]

Something like this?

http://www.mikeclementsracing.com/accessories.html

Or a couple of these, strategically placed on a split axle.

 

[anickode]

You can, but it effectively makes it one wheel drive in the corners, and it's always the inside wheel. Ever drive a one wheel peel kart? They turn like mad when the driven wheel is on the outside, and not so great when it's on the inside.

The reason a diff makes turning easier is because it allows the wheels to turn at different speeds, but the speed of the two wheels will always average out to the same speed as if the kart was running straight. Dual freewheeling hubs won't do that. They allow the outside wheel to overrun, but don't allow the inside wheel to slow down.

Plus, and this is the BIG issue here, you must have brakes attached directly to both hubs. An axle mounted brake is useless with freewheeling hubs.

Would it work? Yes, kind of. But there are far more useful applications for freewheel bearings on go karts.

 

[Tpdingo]

You can, but it effectively makes it one wheel drive in the corners, and it's always the inside wheel. Ever drive a one wheel peel kart? They turn like mad when the driven wheel is on the outside, and not so great when it's on the inside.

The reason a diff makes turning easier is because it allows the wheels to turn at different speeds, but the speed of the two wheels will always average out to the same speed as if the kart was running straight. Dual freewheeling hubs won't do that. They allow the outside wheel to overrun, but don't allow the inside wheel to slow down.

Plus, and this is the BIG issue here, you must have brakes attached directly to both hubs. An axle mounted brake is useless with freewheeling hubs.

Would it work? Yes, kind of. But there are far more useful applications for freewheel bearings on go karts.

I have driven one before, just one with so little power that cornering was basically all done with momentum, not the motor. Haven't driven it in probably a year.