Auxiliary Roller Spring Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary rollers with compression springs have complex constructions due to the opposite pivot motion of the spring and frame, requiring levers and complicated arrangements, which complicates the ground contact and stability of the wheel.
Innovation Solution
A transverse connection links two frame parts, with the compression spring attached to this connection, allowing it to pivot with the frame, eliminating the need for levers and ensuring consistent ground contact by directly acting on the frame, and incorporating a guide rod to prevent spring deflection and accommodate length changes during pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the compression spring acts on the frame via a lever with opposite pivot motion, then the wheel can be loaded for ground contact, but the construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lever component from the system entirely. The compression spring is directly connected to the frame at a fixed point, eliminating the intermediate lever mechanism that caused complexity while maintaining the force transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed point on the frame serves multiple functions: it acts as the pivot point for the frame's movement, the attachment point for the compression spring, and the reference point for maintaining consistent pressing force. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Force
If the compression spring pivots opposite to the frame motion, then the wheel can be pressed onto the ground, but the pressing force becomes inconsistent during wheel lowering
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the spring pivot opposite to the frame motion, the patent inverts the arrangement so that the spring pivots together with the frame in the same direction. The spring is attached at a fixed point on the frame, causing it to rotate along with the frame's movement, which maintains consistent pressing force throughout the wheel's lowering motion.
3Force
If a lever is used to connect the compression spring to the frame, then the spring can act on the frame, but the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring attachment function directly into the frame structure by providing a fixed point on the frame. This eliminates the need for a separate lever component, as the frame itself serves as both the structural support and the force transmission element.
4Ease of operation
If the wheel is raised without motorized assistance, then quick activation is possible in emergencies, but the mechanism requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is configured to automatically press the wheel onto the ground when the frame is in the lowered position. The spring's inherent elasticity provides the force needed for ground contact without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, enabling quick manual deployment.
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 configuration simplifies the structure, maintains consistent pressing force on the ground, and allows the wheel to be raised without motorized assistance, enabling quick activation in emergency situations, while also providing a compact and versatile unit with energy-saving dual electric motors for efficient travel.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (13) which is rotatably linked at one end to the chassis and which loads the wheel (2) with regard to ground contact in the lowered position
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a guide rod to prevent spring deflection and accommodate length changes during pivoting
Data Source
AI summary
An additional roller has a rigid frame, with a drivable wheel which is mounted in the frame and has an axle. The wheel together with the frame can be raised or lowered by pivoting relative to a chassis, on which the additional roller is to be mounted. A compression spring is coupled rotatably at one end to the chassis, in order, in the lowered position, to load the wheel in respect of ground contact. A transverse connection connects two frame parts in the direction of an axle of the wheel. The compression spring is coupled at the other end to the transverse connection. The compression spring together with the frame pivots about the chassis-mounted pivot point during raising and lowering of the wheel.