Chassis with Pivoting Wheel Modules for Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile transport systems face challenges in maintaining wheel contact with uneven ground and achieving precise maneuverability and steerability, particularly in technical installations with obstacles and varying terrain.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design featuring pivotable wheel modules with dual-axis movement capabilities, driven by electric motors through superimposed transmissions, allowing wheels to pivot and rotate independently for enhanced steerability and ground contact on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed wheel arrangements are used, then the structure is simple, but the wheels cannot maintain contact with uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel modules are made dynamically adjustable through dual-axis pivoting mechanisms. Each wheel module can independently pivot about a vertical pivot axis and a horizontal steering axis, allowing real-time adaptation to uneven ground surfaces while maintaining reliable contact. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the wheels to actively respond to terrain variations rather than remaining fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis is divided into independent wheel modules that can operate autonomously. Each wheel module includes its own pivoting and steering mechanisms, allowing individual adjustment to maintain ground contact. This segmentation enables each wheel to adapt to local terrain conditions independently, solving the problem of maintaining reliable ground contact on uneven surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If conventional steering mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but precise maneuverability and steerability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive and steering functions are merged into a single wheel module structure. Each wheel module incorporates both the drive wheel and the steering mechanism, with the wheel being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis for steering and rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation for propulsion. This integration enables precise maneuverability and steerability in any horizontal direction while maintaining a relatively compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wheel module serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion through rotation about the horizontal axis, steering through pivoting about the vertical axis, and adaptation to uneven ground through the combined pivoting mechanisms. This multi-functionality achieves excellent maneuverability and steerability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the chassis has a high profile, then it can accommodate more components, but it increases the vertical dimension and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel modules utilize angular positioning in horizontal dimensions rather than vertical stacking. By allowing wheels to pivot and steer in multiple horizontal directions, the system achieves high adaptability and versatility without increasing the vertical profile. The dual-axis pivoting enables the wheels to orient themselves in any horizontal direction, providing functional complexity without vertical height.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a chassis (10) for a mobile transport system, comprising a vehicle frame (12) and at least four wheel modules (21, 22, 31, 32), each of which has at least one wheel (41, 42, 43, 44), the mobile transport system (10) comprising a swinging rocker (14), which can be pivoted relative the vehicle frame (12) about an axis of swing (13) extending in an longitudinal direction (X), wherein at least two of the wheel modules (21, 22, 31, 32) are attached to the vehicle frame (12), the wheels (41, 42, 43, 44) of said wheel modules (21, 22, 31, 32) each being mounted for pivoting relative to the vehicle frame (12) about a pivot axis (61, 62, 63, 64) extending in a vertical direction (Z) and for rotation relative to the vehicle frame (12) about an axis of rotation (51, 52, 53, 54) extending in a horizontal direction, and at least two of the wheel modules (21, 22, 31, 32) are attached to the swinging rocker (14), the wheels (41, 42, 43, 44) of said wheel modules (21, 22, 31, 32) each being mounted for pivoting relative to the swinging rocker (14) about a pivot axis (61, 62, 63, 64) extending in the vertical direction (Z) and for rotation relative to the swinging rocker (14) about an axis of rotation (51, 52, 53, 54) extending in a horizontal direction. The invention also relates to a mobile transport system, more particularly for transporting objects in a technical installation, the mobile transport system comprising a chassis (10) according to the invention.