Flexible Robot Base for Uneven Ground Wheel Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse self-driven robots with more than 3 wheels face instability due to uneven ground and misaligned wheels, leading to loss of traction and control issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible base with an adjusting mechanism between the chassis and the carrying plate, ensuring that all wheels remain in contact with the ground by dynamically adjusting the position of the driven wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a self-driven robot with more than 3 wheels is used, then the robot can carry goods in warehouse automation, but the robot may lose traction and control when the ground is uneven or wheels are not mounted at the same height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the base structure movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The adjusting mechanism dynamically modifies the relative positions of the chassis and carrying plate, allowing the wheel positions to adapt to uneven ground conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures all wheels maintain contact with the ground, resolving the contradiction between automation capability and operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ground is uneven or wheels are not mounted at the same height, then the robot can operate on varied terrain, but some wheels will lose contact with the ground and lose traction
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism enables dynamic adaptation to terrain variations by continuously modifying the base structure's configuration. When the robot encounters uneven ground, the mechanism adjusts the relative positions of the chassis and carrying plate to ensure all wheels remain in contact with the ground, maintaining both adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism operates autonomously to maintain wheel-ground contact without external intervention. The system self-adjusts by utilizing the mechanical connection between the chassis and carrying plate, allowing the robot to automatically compensate for terrain variations and maintain reliable wheel contact.
3Reliability
If an adjusting mechanism is added between the chassis and carrying plate, then wheel contact with the ground is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the chassis and carrying plate. This intermediate structure enables the transmission and coordination of movements between the two main parts, allowing the system to achieve reliable wheel contact while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through a focused adjustment function.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Provided are a flexible base and a self-driven robot. The flexible base includes: a chassis, a carrying plate and an adjusting mechanism. The bottom of the chassis is provided with at least one second driven wheel and at least two driving wheels. A disposing position of the second driven wheel does not coincide with disposing positions of the driving wheels. The bottom of the carrying plate is provided with at least a first driven wheel, and a disposing position of the first driven wheel does not coincide with disposing positions of the second driven wheel and the driving wheels. The adjusting mechanism is configured to connect to the carrying plate and the chassis or connect to the carrying plate and the second driven wheel. When the ground is uneven, the adjusting mechanism is configured to dynamically adjust the second driven wheel in such a manner that the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel and the driving wheels are in contact with the ground.