Auxiliary Wheel Link Structure With Compact Gear-Driven Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing link structure for auxiliary wheels in purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) is complex and requires a large space due to the numerous components, necessitating a larger vehicle body.
Innovation Solution
A compact link structure with reduced components, comprising a first, second, and third link, a gear part, and a motor part, allows the auxiliary wheel to be contained or withdrawn, using a motor to rotate a gear part that moves the links in an upward/downward direction, reducing the number of components and space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional link structure with multiple links is used to move the auxiliary wheel, then the wheel can be contained or withdrawn, but the structure becomes complicated and occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate links (first link, second link, third link) into a single integrated telescopic link structure that performs the same wheel containment function. This consolidation reduces the number of components from five separate links to one unified mechanism, directly addressing the complexity issue while maintaining the wheel containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic link employs a nested structure where link sections are arranged in a telescopic manner, allowing one link to contain another. This nesting approach enables the link to change length dynamically for wheel containment while minimizing the space occupied when retracted, resolving both the complexity and space occupation problems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional link structure with multiple links is used to move the auxiliary wheel, then the wheel can be contained or withdrawn, but the space occupied by the vehicle body needs to be large
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic link uses a nested configuration where link sections are arranged concentrically, allowing the structure to compact to a minimal radius when retracted. This enables the auxiliary wheel to be contained within a smaller vertical space, directly reducing the space occupation requirement for the vehicle body while maintaining full wheel containment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple links to a vertical telescopic arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension for link extension and retraction, the structure achieves wheel containment capability while occupying minimal horizontal space, effectively resolving the space occupation issue.
3Ease of operation
If multiple links are used in the link structure, then the auxiliary wheel can be moved, but the number of components increases making the structure complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines five separate link components into a single telescopic link assembly. This merging reduces the component count from five to one while integrating all the necessary movement functions into the telescopic mechanism, directly addressing the issue of excessive component quantity while preserving wheel movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single telescopic link performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across five separate links: supporting the wheel, enabling vertical movement, providing structural connection, and facilitating containment. This multi-functional design reduces component quantity while maintaining full operational capability.
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 compact design minimizes space occupation, reduces weight and costs, and enhances durability by simplifying the operating method and reducing the likelihood of device failure.
Implementation Method 1
a gear part connected to the other end of the third link and configured to allow the third link to rectilinearly move, and a motor part connected to the gear part and configured to provide a rotational force to the gear part
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment link structure for a wheel of a vehicle includes a first link having a first end connected to a center of the wheel, a second link having a first end connected to a second end of the first link, a third link having a first end connected to a second end of the second link, a gear part connected to a second end of the third link and configured to allow the third link to move rectilinearly, and a motor part connected to the gear part and configured to provide a rotational force to the gear part.