Robotics Corner Module Structure for Steering, Traction, and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotics corner modules face challenges in achieving precise steering and traction while maintaining efficient cooling and structural support.
Innovation Solution
A robotics corner module design that includes a steering drive unit with an electric motor and geartrain, a traction drive unit with an electric motor and geartrain, and a support structure extending between the two units, along with a radiator mounted to the support structure for cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the steering drive unit and traction drive unit are synchronized for precise steering and traction, then the control precision and movement accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated control systems and multiple geartrains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering drive unit and traction drive unit into an integrated corner module assembly, where both drive units share a common support structure and are spatially coordinated. This merging approach allows synchronized control while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity by integrating functions rather than treating them as separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical mounting for both drive units, acts as a structural frame for the entire corner module, and serves as a mounting surface for the cooling system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing device complexity while enabling precise coordinated control of steering and traction.
2Temperature
If a cooling system is integrated into the corner module, then heat management effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the support structure, where the support structure serves dual purposes as both mechanical framework and cooling system mounting surface. The cooling system is integrated into the existing structural components rather than being added as a separate subsystem, thereby improving heat management while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure performs multiple functions including structural support, mounting for drive units, and serving as a platform for the cooling system. This multi-functionality allows the cooling system to be integrated without requiring additional structural elements, thus improving temperature management while controlling the increase in device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple planetary gearsets are used in the traction drive unit, then the gear ratio precision and torque transmission are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traction drive unit is segmented into multiple independent planetary gearsets (first and second planetary gearsets), each with its own sun gear, planet gears, and carrier. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each gearset can be produced and tested separately, then assembled into the final drive unit, thereby achieving high gear ratio precision while managing manufacturing and assembly complexity through standardized modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotics corner module includes a steering drive unit, a traction drive unit, and a support structure. The steering drive unit includes an electric motor that drives rotation of a rotor shaft about a rotor shaft axis, and an output shaft coupled with the rotor shaft via a geartrain, such that rotation of the rotor shaft about the rotor shaft axis by the electric motor drives rotation of the output shaft about an output shaft axis that is parallel to and radially offset from the rotor shaft axis. The traction drive unit includes an electric motor that drives rotation of a rotor shaft about a rotor shaft axis, and a wheel hub operably coupled with the rotor shaft of the traction drive unit via a geartrain.