Deformable Wheel Spoke Structure for Stair-Climbing Mobility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheels for mobility devices face challenges in moving smoothly on various terrains, particularly stairs, due to their complex structures or inability to deform effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring a deformable part with an inner and outer region and spoke regions that can reversibly deform under external forces, allowing for stable movement on diverse terrains by adjusting shape and supporting loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an airless type wheel with a physically hard tire is used, then the wheel structure is simple, but the wheel cannot be greatly deformed in shape making it difficult to move on stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel transitions from a static hard tire structure to a dynamic structure with a deformable part that can change shape in response to terrain. The deformable part includes spoke regions that can elastically deform when external force is applied, allowing the wheel to adapt its shape for moving on stairs and other terrains while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel changes its physical parameters by allowing the deformable part to alter its shape characteristics. When external force is applied during movement on stairs, the spoke regions deform to change the wheel's effective diameter and contact properties, enabling it to overcome obstacles while returning to its original shape afterward.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an active wheel with shape control devices is used, then the wheel can actively control its shape for various terrains, but the structure becomes excessively complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel employs a self-service mechanism where the deformable part automatically deforms in response to external forces applied during terrain interaction. The spoke regions passively respond to loads encountered when climbing stairs or moving on uneven surfaces, eliminating the need for active control devices while maintaining terrain adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex active mechanical control systems with a passive elastic deformation mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control algorithms to adjust wheel shape, the design uses the natural elastic properties of the deformable part with spoke regions that automatically adjust to terrain conditions through mechanical deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spoke region has asymmetric design with first spoke region longer and thicker than second spoke region, then the wheel can effectively deform for stairs, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel employs asymmetric design in the spoke regions where the first spoke region is longer and thicker than the second spoke region. This asymmetry is strategically designed to optimize deformation characteristics when climbing stairs, with the thicker first spoke region providing structural support while the longer configuration enables effective elastic deformation to overcome steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures stable and efficient movement on various terrains, including stairs, with reduced structural complexity and improved ride quality through controlled deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable part configured to be reversibly deformed in shape by external force
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel includes a deformable part reversibly deformable in shape by an external force, wherein the deformable part includes an inner region having a shape extending in a peripheral direction, an outer region having a shape extending in the peripheral direction and spaced apart outward from the inner region in a radial direction, and a spoke region provided between the inner region and the outer region and having a first side connected to the inner region and a second side connected to the outer region. The spoke region includes a first spoke region having a section protruding in a first of two peripheral directions and a second spoke region disposed at a first side of the first spoke region based on a second of the two peripheral directions opposite the first peripheral direction, wherein the second spoke region has a section protruding in the second peripheral direction.