AGV Chassis Torsion Caster Layout for Stable Uneven-Ground Handling

Solution Overview

Problem

Current unmanned guided carriers experience instability due to uneven ground or load, leading to shaking, and have high costs associated with four drive wheel set modules.

Innovation Solution

A chassis with two driving wheel set modules and a torsion shaft caster module, where universal wheels are mounted on supports with elastic members to provide elastic support, reducing shaking and cost by using fewer modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If four drive wheel set modules are used to achieve omnidirectional movement, then the flexibility of cargo handling is improved, but the cost of the chassis increases and the stability deteriorates due to shaking on uneven ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveomnidirectional movement capabilityVSAvoidchassis stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into functional modules: two driving wheel set modules for propulsion and one torsion shaft caster module for directional control and stability. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall complexity and cost compared to using four identical drive modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The torsion shaft caster module incorporates elastic members (springs) that provide dynamic adaptation to uneven ground. The elastic members allow the caster module to flex and absorb shocks, maintaining contact with the ground while reducing transmission of vibrations to the chassis body, thereby improving stability on uneven surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If four drive wheel set modules are used for omnidirectional movement, then the cargo handling flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveomnidirectional movement capabilityVSAvoidchassis manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into functional modules: two driving wheel set modules for propulsion and one torsion shaft caster module for directional control and stability. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall complexity and cost compared to using four identical drive modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The torsion shaft caster module uses a simpler, less expensive mechanism compared to four full drive modules. The caster module with elastic members provides necessary stability and directional control at a lower cost, making the overall chassis more economically viable while maintaining omnidirectional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If elastic members are added to the torsion shaft caster module to reduce shaking, then the chassis stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechassis stabilityVSAvoidchassis structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torsion shaft caster module incorporates elastic members (springs) that provide dynamic adaptation to uneven ground. The elastic members allow the caster module to flex and absorb shocks, maintaining contact with the ground while reducing transmission of vibrations to the chassis body, thereby improving stability on uneven surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic members act as flexible elements within the caster module, allowing it to adapt to ground irregularities. This flexibility is achieved through spring elements that compress and extend, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for shock absorption without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution stabilizes the chassis by balancing the universal wheels through elastic deformation, reducing shaking amplitude and lowering costs compared to four-wheel systems.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member is provided between said other end of each of the two supports mounted with the universal wheel and the chassis body, the elastic member applies an elastic force to the universal wheel to make it cling to a ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12012166B2Unmanned guided carrier and chassis therefor

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 HANGZHOU HIKROBOT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a chassis for an unmanned guided carrier, wherein the chassis comprises a chassis body (100), two driving wheel set modules (200) and a torsion shaft caster module (300) mounted on the chassis body (100), the torsion shaft caster module (300) comprises a torsion shaft (310) rotatably mounted on the chassis body (100) and two supports (320), one end of each of the two supports (320) is fixed to one of both ends of the torsion shaft (310) respectively, an universal wheel (330) is mounted at the other end of each of the two supports (320), an elastic member (340) is provided between said other end of each of the two supports (320) mounted with the universal wheel (330) and the chassis body (100), the elastic member (340) applies an elastic force to the universal wheel (330) to make it cling to a ground.