I have seen the right angle gearbox as a go kart driving solution. It seems quite simple.
Well there are actually about 8 different ways to route the transmission system and the right angle gearbox is just one of them.
Option #1 Right Angle Gearbox
The right angle gearbox takes the vertical rotational motion and translates it 90 degrees to the horizontal. It usually has flanges that mount the gearbox to a plate. The gearbox has an input side and an output side.
Where do I find it?
However, finding a gearbox like that is another story. They are not the kind of garden variety units that just turn up in a junkyard. In any case, you will need to go to McMaster Carr, Grainger, or some other reputable industrial supplier to purchase a right angle gearbox. They cost around $200 to $300.
For most, this is already the budget gokart, making the right angle gearbox out of the question. But more specifically, a right angle gearbox can weigh more than other systems and, in some cases, pose some packaging mounting problems. In addition, the duty cycle of the gearbox must be taken into account. In other words, can it spin all the time or will it overheat? Also, is the amount of horsepower you’re putting through it too much?
power to gearbox
There are several ways to get power through the gearbox. You can either mount a clutch to the engine and then drive the gearbox at a right angle or you can mount the clutch to the output side of the gearbox. Clutches range from belt drive style, chain drive style, or even a belt clutch.
A word about strap clutches… Strap clutches are essentially straps that suddenly tighten to engage the load. The problem with a belt clutch is that it should be in disconnected mode by default. In other words, when no human interaction with the go kart is taking place, the belt clutch should disengage.
The reason for this is security. If the engine was inadvertently started (with the belt clutch engaged), the drive system would engage and you could have a runaway go kart. This is a very serious problem.
To remember…
So to recap, if money is not an issue, go to McMaster Carr, Grainger or some other manufacturing house and buy a 90 degree gearbox. Or if you come across a 90 degree gearbox lying around, you might want to use it.
To feed it, I clutch either the input side or the output side.
Next time… How about a transaxle off of a lawn mower?