Variable Configuration Crawler Axle Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crawler moving systems face difficulties in navigating obstacles, slopes, and staircases efficiently due to limited axle mobility and contact maintenance, which restricts their flexibility and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a configuration with a front axle, rear axle, and central axle, featuring intermediate pivots and bumper axles to allow for adjustable geometry, enabling the front and rear axles to lift and lower while maintaining crawler contact with intermediate wheels, facilitated by linkages and actuators like electrical stepper motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front or rear axle is lifted to pass over obstacles, then the ability to traverse obstacles is improved, but the crawler contact with intermediate axles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The crawler system is divided into multiple independent sections, each with its own crawler and axle assembly. This segmentation allows individual sections to maintain contact with intermediate axles during obstacle traversal while others move, ensuring continuous propulsion and contact throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the crawler tension and axle positions to change continuously during movement. This dynamic adaptation ensures that crawlers automatically maintain contact with intermediate axles even as the front or rear axles lift to clear obstacles, resolving the contradiction between obstacle traversal and contact maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate axles are added to enable axle rotation and obstacle crossing, then the flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each intermediate axle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pivot point for front/rear axle rotation, provides a contact surface for crawler engagement, and serves as structural support for the linkage system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting complexity growth despite increased flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pivot function, crawler contact function, and structural support function into integrated intermediate axle assemblies. By merging these functions into unified components rather than separate elements, the system achieves high flexibility while controlling overall complexity through functional integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the crawler system is designed with fixed geometry, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to climb slopes and staircases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The crawler system incorporates dynamic geometry adjustment mechanisms that allow the axle positions and crawler tension to be modified during operation. This enables the system to adapt its geometry for different terrains such as slopes and staircases while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized base components that accommodate these adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Crawler moving system with variable configuration comprising a front axle (6), a rear axle (2) and at least one central axle (4) suitable for transmitting movement to the others through at least one crawler per side.Between the front axle and the central axle and between the rear axle and the central axle respective intermediate axles (3,5) are foreseen that act as a pivot about which such front and rear axles are able to rotate.