Dual-Axis Robot Axle With In-Wheel Motors for Precise Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots face challenges in achieving low propulsion consumption while maintaining effective steering and navigation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A robot design featuring a chassis with a first axle housing a transversal axle equipped with motors for steering and propulsion, a hinge allowing dual-axis rotation, and electronic controls for independent motor control, combined with a center of gravity between wheels and a frontal cutting module, along with obstacle detection and navigation strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If independent motor control is implemented for each wheel, then steering precision and navigation capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines steering and propulsion functions into a single motor unit at each wheel. Each motor assembly integrates the drive mechanism with the steering mechanism, allowing independent control of each wheel while avoiding the complexity of separate steering and drive systems. This merging approach enables precise navigation through differential motor control without requiring complex additional steering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual-axis hinge rotation is added to the axle housing, then adaptability to terrain and navigation flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axle housing with dual-axis hinge capability serves multiple functions: it provides steering rotation, propulsion rotation, and adaptive terrain adjustment. This multi-functional design allows the same structural component to handle various motion requirements without adding separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby improving navigation flexibility while controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If obstacle detection and avoidance strategies are implemented, then reliability of operation is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of operationVSAvoiduse of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robot employs obstacle detection systems that provide real-time feedback about the environment ahead. When obstacles are detected, the control system processes this information and adjusts the motor commands to avoid collisions. This feedback mechanism enables reliable operation by continuously adapting to environmental conditions, allowing the robot to navigate safely while managing energy consumption through intelligent path adjustment rather than brute-force approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The design achieves reduced propulsion consumption and efficient navigation with obstacle avoidance, ensuring stable movement and precise destination reaching.

Implementation Method 1

each motor having a stator part intended for to be fixed to the first transversal axle and a rotor part to be rotatably mounted to a respective wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a hinge having a first degree of freedom in rotation around a first axis which is vertical and a second degree of freedom in rotation around a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGimbal mechanism: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentEP3772887B1Robot and method for controlling the robot
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 VITIROVER
  • EP3772887B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3772887B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3772887B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Robot comprising a first axle (100; 200) and a second axle (200; 100), the first axle housing comprising a first transversal axle connected to a rigid structure (2) by a hinge having a first degree of freedom in rotation around a first axis which is vertical and a second degree of freedom in rotation around a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis and to the first transversal axis, and the axle of the first transversal axle being equipped on either side with a motor (210, 230), each motor having a stator part intended for to be fixed to the first transversal axle and a rotor part to be rotatably mounted to a respective wheel (202, 204) to provide steering and propulsion functions.