Amalgam

This design is an adaptation of various concepts; blending multiple aspects of previous designs with new features. The wheel consists of a tire providing traction and long-term terrain adaptability, and is supported by the rim, which bears the bulk of the rover. The tire is made of nitinol wire mesh (simulated by perforations in the model). The rim, hubcap, and spokes/shock absorbers of the wheel are an aluminum-nickel-lanthanum alloy. Nitinol has shape memory and pseudoelasticity at various temperatures, and Al-Ni-La is durable, light, and flexible, perfect for maintaining the rover. Embossed features have been integrated as grousers, to provide all terrain traction, adaptability and sustainability. One of the embossed grousers has a slightly different design - this will provide an odometry marker. Unlike a complete mesh wheel, the mesh tire and solid rim work in tandem to preserve the integrity of the rover.

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