Continuous Track Attachment Assembly for Conveying Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying equipment, such as wheelchairs or walkers, often encounter impediments that cause wheels to stop rotating, leading to potential tipping hazards due to the lack of effective attachment solutions that enhance stability and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A continuous track attachment assembly is provided, featuring a pair of side plates with wheel mounting openings, support wheels, and a continuous track that allows rotation and engagement with the ground, reducing the likelihood of equipment tipping by distributing the weight and force more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a wheel assembly is attached to conveying equipment to facilitate movement, then mobility is improved, but the equipment becomes vulnerable to tipping when encountering impediments
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into multiple independent support wheels (typically three or more) arranged in a triangular or polygonal configuration, each capable of independent rotation and ground contact. This segmentation distributes the load and provides multiple contact points with the ground, enhancing stability while maintaining mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support wheels are arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration (e.g., triangular arrangement with wheels at different positions along the x and y axes) rather than a single-line arrangement. This spatial distribution creates a stable base that resists tipping moments while allowing the assembly to navigate obstacles.
2Reliability
If a single wheel encounters an impediment, then the wheel stops rotating, but this causes the conveying equipment to tip
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-wheel configuration provides redundant support paths before an impediment is encountered. When one wheel hits an obstacle, the other wheels continue to provide support and maintain the center of gravity within the stability polygon, cushioning against the tipping hazard before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stability parameter by transitioning from a single-point contact (one wheel) to a multi-point contact system (multiple wheels forming a polygon). This parameter change in the stability base area allows the system to tolerate wheel stoppage without tipping.
3Ease of manufacture
If wheel assemblies use a simple shaft and receiver attachment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the attachment lacks stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The support wheel assembly is designed with universal mounting features (e.g., standardized frame connections, adjustable positioning) that allow the same basic structure to be attached to various types of conveying equipment while maintaining stability. The multi-wheel configuration itself provides multiple functions: support, stability, and obstacle negotiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous track attachment assembly adapted be used on conveying equipment is disclosed. The assembly includes a pair of spaced apart side plates having a plurality of wheel mounting openings therethrough. The side plates have a frame connection opening therethrough. The assembly further includes a plurality of support wheels disposed between the side plates, each of the support wheels including a wheel axle receiving opening therethrough. A center support wheel has a diameter that may be greater than the diameter of two outer support wheels. The assembly further comprises an axle disposed through the wheel mounting openings of the side plate and through the shaft receiving openings of the support wheels to thereby support the support wheels between the side plates while allowing rotation of the support wheels. The assembly further comprises a continuous track disposed about the support wheels.