Automatically moving wheeled vehicle without a driver seated or walking behind the vehicle, also called a robot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling machines with automatic movement, such as robot vacuum cleaners and mowers, face inefficiencies in energy consumption and size due to the need for multiple motors and differential steering, leading to higher costs and risks of slippage.
Innovation Solution
A rolling machine design featuring a compact electromechanical assembly with a motor unit and battery housed within a single drive and steer wheel, reducing overall dimensions and slippage risk, while maintaining constant speed during direction changes using a brushless motor and epicyclic gear train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motorized wheels are used for propulsion and steering, then the robot can achieve independent wheel control for turning, but energy consumption increases and motor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the propulsion motor and steering motor into a single integrated motor unit located in the steering wheel. This single motor performs both functions by varying its output characteristics, eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining independent wheel control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor in the steering wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both propulsion force and steering torque. By controlling the motor's output angle and torque independently, the system achieves both forward movement and directional control with one motor, improving energy efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motorized wheels are used for propulsion and steering, then the robot can vary wheel speeds for turning, but the size of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the propulsion and steering mechanisms into a single integrated assembly within the steering wheel. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate motor housings and control systems, significantly reducing the overall volume of the robot while maintaining the capability to vary wheel speeds for turning
3Volume of moving object
If a guiding and driving wheel configuration is used, then the robot size is reduced, but the risk of slippage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the motor and battery weights strategically within the steering wheel assembly, concentrating mass at the steering wheel location. This local concentration of weight increases the normal force and friction at the steering wheel-ground interface, reducing slippage risk while maintaining a compact robot size
4Ease of operation
If motors operate at variable speeds for turning, then steering is achieved, but motors do not operate at maximum efficiency point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the single motor's output characteristics, varying the motor's output angle and torque in real-time based on steering requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the motor to operate more efficiently across different operating conditions while still achieving effective steering through controlled variation in wheel forces
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
This design enhances motor efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes the size and slippage risks of the machine, achieving lower power requirements and a more compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a motor unit for driving the wheel in rotation, at least one energy supply battery for the motor unit
Implementation Method 2
using a brushless motor and epicyclic gear train for efficient propulsion and steering
Implementation Method 3
the motor and the batteries forming the ballast of the wheel... reduced risk of slipping
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatically moving wheeled vehicle (20) without a driver seated or walking behind the vehicle, also called a robot, said vehicle (20) comprising at least vehicle movement drive means, a control unit (12) for the vehicle movement drive means, means (9) for supplying input data to said control unit (12), said control unit (12) being configured to control said vehicle movement drive means using said input data, said vehicle movement drive means comprising at least three wheels. One of said wheels is a drive and steering wheel (2), housing a motor unit (3) for driving rotation of the wheel and batteries (11) for supplying energy to said motor unit (3).