Adjustable Wheelbase Mechanism for Movable Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fixed wheelbase of movable structures, such as wheelchairs, leads to instability at high speeds and limited versatility in different environments, as the narrow space between wheels restricts maneuverability indoors and outdoors.
Innovation Solution
A wheelbase system comprising a first and second frame unit, a slider unit, a driving unit, and a driving-force-transmitting unit that adjusts the space between the front and rear wheels by moving the slider unit along the lengthwise direction, allowing for adjustable wheelbase length through a motor-driven mechanism with a decelerating unit and bearing unit to enhance stability and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheelbase length is fixed and narrow, then the wheelchair can change direction and rotate in limited indoor space, but the movement becomes unstable at high speeds and cannot adapt to outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelbase structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable one. The patent implements a telescopic mechanism with sliding components that allow the wheelbase length to be changed based on whether the wheelchair is used indoors or outdoors, enabling adaptation to different environments while maintaining stability through appropriate configuration selection
2Ease of operation
If the wheelbase length is fixed and narrow, then the wheelchair is suitable for indoor maneuverability, but it cannot provide stable movement outdoors or at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelbase adopts a dynamic telescopic design that allows users to adjust the length according to the operating environment. For indoor use, the compact configuration maintains good maneuverability, while for outdoor use, the extended configuration provides enhanced stability and reliability, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the space between wheels is narrow for indoor use, then the wheelchair can rotate in limited space, but the movement stability at high speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic wheelbase mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the wheelbase length. When rotating in limited indoor space, the shortened configuration provides tight turning radius. When moving at high speeds outdoors, the extended configuration increases stability, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability for tight spaces and capability for high-speed movement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable wheelbase system enables stable movement both indoors and outdoors by adjusting the length between wheels, improving maneuverability and reducing instability at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-drive unit which generates torque; and a decelerating unit which connects the motor-drive unit with one end of the driving-force-transmitting unit, and transmits the torque of the motor-drive unit to the driving-force-transmitting unit
Implementation Method 2
a bearing unit which is inserted between the slider unit and the driving-force-transmitting unit, and then is fixed, wherein the bearing unit includes a plurality of balls which is arranged along a threaded rod of the driving force transmitting unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a wheelbase for a movable structure, comprising: a first frame unit connected to either a front wheels or a rear wheels; a second frame unit connected to the other of the front wheels or the rear wheels and located below or above the first frame and coupled to the first frame (an accommodation space being formed between the first frame unit and the second frame unit); a slider unit located within the accommodation space and coupled to either the first frame unit or the second frame unit; a driving unit located at a longitudinal cross sectional surface of the other of the first frame unit or the second frame unit so as to generate a driving force; and a driving-force-transmitting unit for interconnecting the driving unit and the slider unit to transmit the driving force to the slider unit. The driving unit moves the slider unit along the lengthwise direction of the other of the first frame unit or the second frame unit so as to adjust the spacing between the front wheels and the rear wheels. The thus-configured wheelbase for a movable structure may adjust the spacing between wheels in order to achieve a suitable state of the movable structure.