Fluid-Bearing Wheel Pad for Heavy Loads on Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional casters and mobility apparatuses struggle to efficiently move heavy loads across uneven or irregular surfaces and small obstructions, leading to instability and increased resistance, which complicates directional changes and increases the risk of tipping.
Innovation Solution
The wheel pad utilizes a combination of fluid flotation and ball bearing mobility to provide low resistance movement, omnidirectional capability, and stability, allowing it to seamlessly transition over non-planar areas and obstructions while maintaining a low driving moment, thus preventing impediment to movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional casters are used to move heavy loads across surfaces, then the load can be transported, but the apparatus cannot effectively traverse uneven or irregular surfaces and small obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is divided into a rim and a tread, with the tread being a separate replaceable component that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the tread to be optimized for specific surface conditions while the rim maintains structural integrity, enabling the wheel to adapt to uneven surfaces without compromising overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly incorporates a pivot mechanism that allows the wheel to dynamically adjust its orientation and angle of attack when encountering obstructions or uneven surfaces. This dynamic adjustment enables the wheel to roll over obstacles rather than being blocked by them, improving adaptability while maintaining stability through controlled movement.
2Strength
If the support post is offset from the wheel axle to provide stability, then structural support is provided, but a tipping moment is produced that increases instability
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly features an asymmetric configuration where the support post is offset from the wheel axle, creating an intentional imbalance that generates a stabilizing moment counter to the tipping moment. This asymmetric design allows the wheel to self-correct and maintain stability during operation on uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset support post creates a counterbalancing moment that acts as a mechanical counterweight to the tipping moment generated by the load. This counter-moment stabilizes the wheel assembly by preventing excessive tilting or tipping when the wheel encounters obstructions or uneven terrain.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wheel axle is positioned lower to reduce tipping moment, then stability improves, but the load elevation increases making loading and unloading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates a vertical articulation dimension that allows the wheel to pivot and adjust its angle of attack when encountering obstructions. This additional degree of freedom enables the wheel to maintain a lower axle position for stability while still effectively traversing uneven surfaces without compromising loading ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly features a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the wheel to adjust its orientation and angle of attack when encountering obstructions or uneven surfaces. This dynamic adjustment enables the wheel to maintain a lower axle position for stability while still effectively traversing uneven surfaces.
4Reliability
If conventional carriage assemblies are used on uneven surfaces, then the apparatus can operate, but efficiency is substantially decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is designed with a removable tread component that can be pre-configured or pre-positioned to match anticipated surface conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the wheel to efficiently traverse uneven surfaces without requiring adjustments during operation, maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly allows for changes in operational parameters such as wheel angle, orientation, and tread configuration to optimize performance for different surface conditions. These parameter adjustments enable the wheel to maintain high efficiency while operating reliably on uneven surfaces by adapting to specific terrain requirements.
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 pad effectively and efficiently moves large and heavy objects across various surfaces, including uneven or irregular areas, with enhanced stability and ease of directional changes, reducing the risk of tipping and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A wheel pad mobility apparatus utilizing fluid flotation and ball bearing technology to provide low resistance, omnidirectional movement, and stability
Implementation Method 2
A wheel pad mobility apparatus utilizing fluid flotation and ball bearing technology to provide low resistance, omnidirectional movement, and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel pad for moving an object across a surface having a non-planar obstruction to allow movement of the object over the obstruction. The wheel pad utilizes a contact pad that comprises an outer skin that forms a pad chamber in which is a fluid, liquid or compressed gas, and a torus bearing comprising a plurality of bearings connected to adjacent bearings with a connector.