Autonomous Vehicle Body Structure for Stable Skid-Steer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous traveling vehicles with skid-steer drive mechanisms face instability in wheel support due to the need for cantilevered rotational axles when using endless belts for wheel attachment and detachment, making maintenance complicated.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body structure with side frames, drive units, and a drive transmitting member configuration that includes rotatable bearings and removable coverings for easy attachment and detachment of the drive transmitting member, allowing stable wheel support and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the autonomous traveling vehicle uses a cantilevered rotational axle structure to allow endless belt attachment and detachment from the side of the chassis, then maintenance becomes easier, but the support of the wheels becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is divided into separable components: the rotational axle assembly with wheel attachment and the casing with opening portions. This segmentation allows the endless belt to be detached by removing only the casing cover, maintaining wheel support stability while enabling easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening portions in the casing act as intermediaries that provide access to the rotational axle and endless belt without requiring complete disassembly. This intermediary structure enables maintenance while preserving the structural integrity and stability of the wheel support system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous traveling vehicle uses a compact four-wheeled skid-steer drive configuration, then the vehicle becomes suitable for narrow areas and easier to control, but the wheel support structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational axle assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the wheel, transmits drive force from the endless belt, and provides a mounting structure for the opening portions. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the compact skid-steer drive configuration suitable for narrow areas.
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 configuration ensures stable wheel support and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing straightforward attachment and detachment of the drive transmitting member, enhancing maintenance performance.
Implementation Method 1
the covering member includes: a first bearing part that rotatably supports the drive shaft; and a second bearing part that rotatably supports the axle
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a vehicle body structure for an autonomous traveling vehicle equipped with wheels arranged to a chassis thereof, including; side frames arranged on both sides in a width direction of the chassis and each extended in a longitudinal direction of the chassis; a first drive unit having a drive motor, a drive shaft, a first pulley and a first pulley box; a second drive unit having an axle for supporting the wheel and a second pulley and a second pulley box; and an endless belt. The first pulley box has a first opening formed on a side surface, with respect to an axial direction of the drive shaft while the second pulley box has a second opening formed on a side surface with respect to an axial direction of the axle. The vehicle body structure includes bearing covers for covering the first and second openings.