Foldable Wheel With Axis-Pivoted Spokes for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible wheels have significant radial dimensions and weight due to multiple components and articulations, making them difficult to maneuver and store, and they lack reliability in resisting impacts in the extended condition.

Innovation Solution

The spokes are pivoted to the hubs on the wheel axis, allowing the rim sectors to fold longitudinally, reducing overall dimensions and enabling a roller-like configuration for easy dragging, and the hubs can receive omni-directional rollers for versatile applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the spokes are pivoted at the peripheries of the hubs (prior art), then the wheel structure is stable, but the radial overall dimension is considerable in collapsed configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial overall dimensionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pivoting location of spokes from the periphery of hubs to substantially on the wheel axis, representing a dimensional change in the articulation point. This axis-aligned pivoting allows the rim sectors to fold longitudinally between the hubs, reducing radial dimension from a considerable size to a compact configuration where sectors extend axially rather than radially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of pivoting spokes at the outer periphery of hubs as in conventional design, the invention inverts the approach by pivoting them on the wheel axis itself. This inversion of the pivoting location fundamentally changes the collapse geometry, enabling the rim sectors to align with the wheel axis rather than forming circumferential groups, thereby achieving compact radial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components and articulations are used (prior art), then the wheel can achieve foldable function, but the weight increases and maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoldable functionVSAvoidwheel weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel is divided into modular components: a central shaft with two hubs, multiple rim sectors, and spoke groups. Each spoke group contains first and second spokes that pivotly connect hubs with rim sectors. This segmentation enables independent folding of each sector while maintaining overall structural integrity, achieving foldability without excessive weight accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

In the collapsed configuration, the rim sectors are arranged longitudinally between the two hubs, nesting compactly along the axial direction. The first and second spokes of each group nest alongside each other, with the second spoke pivoted to the first in a scissor-like fashion. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume and weight distribution, improving maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple articulations are used (prior art), then the wheel can fold, but the manufacturing complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoldable capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel structure is segmented into standardized repeating units: each spoke group consists of a first spoke connecting a hub to a rim sector, and a second spoke connecting the other hub to the same sector with a scissor-like pivot. This modular segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of identical components that can be assembled through repetition, simplifying production despite the foldable capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the locking system uses prior art design, then the sectors can be locked in extended condition, but the resistance to impacts is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking members feature curved or arcuate engagement surfaces that conform to the geometry of the rim sector interfaces. This curvature distributes impact forces more evenly across the locking interface, enhancing resistance to shocks and impacts while maintaining the locked configuration. The curved geometry provides progressive engagement rather than abrupt contact, improving reliability under impact conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3344472B1A foldable wheel and vehicles equipped with such a wheel

Publication Date: 2022.04.27 MOCELLIN ANDREA

Figure 1~3
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7

AI summary

Foldable wheel including a double hub (3, 4), a rim (2) with rubberised sectors (6), and spokes (12, 13) pivotly connecting each hub (3, 4) with the sectors (6) of the rim (2). The sectors (6) of the rim (2) can be figured, starting from an extended condition (1A) of forming the wheel (2) in which the hubs (3, 4) are mutually approached, in a collapsed condition (1B) in which the hubs (3, 4) are mutually spaced apart along the wheel axis (9). The spokes (12, 13) are pivoted to the hubs (3, 4) substantially on the wheel axis (9) and in the collapsed condition (1B) the sectors (6) of the rim (2) extend longitudinally between the two hubs (3, 4).