Electromagnetic Wheel Locking for Low-Force Mobile Body Brakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel locking mechanisms require a predetermined force for operation, which can be challenging for users with weak pedal stepping force, such as women or elderly individuals, leading to incomplete locking and unintended movement of mobile bodies.
Innovation Solution
A wheel unit with an electromagnetically activated stopper portion that generates a magnetic force to lock the wheel, allowing for reliable locking with a simple operation and preventing unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pedal-based mechanical locking mechanism is used, then the wheel can be locked by manual operation, but a predetermined force is required that may be difficult for users with weak pedal stepping force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pedal-based locking system with an electromagnetic locking system. The stopper portion generates magnetic force through electromagnetic actuation to lock the wheel, eliminating the need for manual pedal operation and the associated strength requirements. This substitution of mechanical force with electromagnetic force directly resolves the contradiction by making the locking mechanism operable by users with weak physical strength.
2Reliability
If a mechanical pedal locking mechanism is used, then the wheel locking function is provided, but the locking may be incomplete leading to unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic locking system provides more reliable wheel locking compared to mechanical systems. The magnetic force generated by the stopper portion ensures complete and consistent engagement with the wheel, eliminating incomplete locking issues. The system maintains simplicity through automated electromagnetic actuation rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic locking system can be actuated automatically or with minimal user input, reducing the complexity of the locking operation. The system self-regulates the locking force through electromagnetic control, ensuring reliable engagement without requiring the user to apply precise mechanical force or perform complex操作步骤.
3Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic locking system is implemented, then reliable locking with minimal effort is achieved, but additional components such as electrode terminals and lead wires are required
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both the electromagnetic actuator and the locking mechanism. By integrating the electromagnetic coil and the stopping function into a single component, the patent reduces the number of separate parts needed. The electrode terminal portion also serves dual purposes as both electrical connection and structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electromagnetic actuation system with the locking mechanism into an integrated assembly. The stopper portion merges the electromagnetic coil, the magnetic force generation, and the physical locking action into a single unified component, reducing overall system complexity despite adding electromagnetic functionality.
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 wheel unit can be reliably locked with minimal effort, effectively preventing unintended movement of mobile bodies, even for users with limited strength or familiarity with the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a stopper portion (70) connected to the electrode terminal portion via a lead wire (60) and generating a magnetic force by energization
Implementation Method 2
generating a magnetic force by energization, and a wheel and tire assembly portion (10) having a wheel portion (12) supported by the main body portion via an axle portion (30) so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel unit 1 is composed of a stopper portion 70 installed in a main body portion 20 and a stopped portion 14 installed in a wheel and tire assembly portion 10. The stopper portion 70 is an electromagnet. When a voltage is applied to the stopper portion 70 at the time of turning a power source on with an electrode terminal portion 50 nested in a main shaft portion 40 as a contact, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field and is magnetically attached to the stopped portion 14 formed of a metal piece, whereby the rotation of the wheel and tire assembly portion 10 can be restricted.