Collapsible Wheel With Nested Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional collapsible wheels do not efficiently reduce size for storage and transportation while maintaining stability and support capabilities, as they either become too large or lose stability when collapsed.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible wheel design featuring a hub assembly with multiple concentrically stacked wheel sections, each with spokes and rims, allowing for expansion to a full circular shape and collapse to a compact form, utilizing an expansion angle mechanism and tire configuration for stability and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If more wheel sections are added to increase stability and support capabilities, then stability is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel is divided into multiple independent wheel sections (first wheel section, second wheel section, third wheel section, fourth wheel section) that can be stacked concentrically. Each section has its own hub section, rim, and spokes, allowing the wheel to achieve stability through multiple contact points while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel sections are arranged in a nested concentric configuration where each wheel section is positioned around the central axis at different radial distances. The first and second wheel sections are positioned at a first radial distance, while the third and fourth wheel sections are positioned at a second radial distance, creating a compact nested structure that provides multiple ground contact points without excessive size or complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If wheel sections are stacked concentrically to reduce size for storage, then volume is reduced, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevolumeVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly includes an expansion mechanism that allows the wheel sections to dynamically transition between a collapsed nested configuration for storage and an expanded configuration for operation. The wheel sections can be rotated about the central axis to expand or collapse, enabling easy transformation between states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel sections are pre-configured in a nested concentric arrangement that naturally collapses to a compact volume when not in use. The hub assembly and axle are designed to maintain this collapsed state by default, requiring only simple rotational action to expand for operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3778260A1Collapsible wheels
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 KARSTEN MFG CORP
  • EP3778260A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3778260A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3778260A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.