Frictional Propulsion Drive Disk Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frictional propulsion devices for omni-directional vehicles require complex and costly manufacturing processes, with mechanically unstable and large structures due to the need for numerous slots and grooves, and complex assembly procedures for drive rollers.
Innovation Solution
A frictional propulsion device with a drive disk structure comprising a hub, disk member, and holder beams that provide robust support for drive rollers, eliminating the need for slots or grooves and simplifying assembly, using a simple and compact design with holder beams connected between the hub and disk member for enhanced mechanical strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slots are formed in the disk member to support drive rollers, then the drive rollers can be rotatably supported, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The drive disk is segmented into three independent components: hub, disk member, and holder beams. The holder beams are separate elements that connect the hub to the disk member, eliminating the need for complex slots to be formed in the disk member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
Holder beams are introduced as intermediary components between the hub and the disk member. These beams serve as mediator elements that provide support structures for the drive rollers without requiring complex modifications to the disk member itself. The holder beams act as intermediate support structures that simplify the overall manufacturing process.
2Volume of moving object
If drive rollers are supported by brackets in grooves, then the structure can be compact, but the mechanical strength is insufficient without increasing overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into holder beams that are distributed between the hub and disk member. Each holder beam provides localized support for drive rollers, creating multiple reinforcement points throughout the structure. This segmentation allows the compact design to maintain adequate mechanical strength through distributed support rather than requiring a single large reinforcing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder beams extend in the radial dimension between the hub and disk member, creating a three-dimensional support framework. This radial arrangement of support beams provides mechanical strength in multiple directions while maintaining a compact overall structure, avoiding the need for increased size to achieve adequate strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous slots are formed by milling, then drive rollers can be accommodated, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodation function is segmented from the disk member to separate holder beams. Instead of forming numerous slots in the disk member, the holder beams are manufactured as separate components with simpler geometries that can be produced using less complex and more cost-effective manufacturing processes, then assembled to provide drive roller support.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot-forming function is extracted from the disk member and transferred to the holder beams. The disk member is taken out from the complex slot-cutting operation and retained in its simpler form, while the holder beams are introduced to provide the necessary support structures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
4Reliability
If drive rollers are assembled with bearings in slots, then the assembly is complete, but considerable work hours are required
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly structure is segmented into modular components (hub, disk member, holder beams) that can be prepared separately and then quickly assembled. The holder beams are pre-formed with appropriate features to support drive rollers, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly operations and reducing overall assembly time while maintaining complete 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 solution results in a mechanically stable, compact, and economical drive disk design that minimizes manufacturing costs and facilitates easy assembly and servicing, while maintaining high mechanical strength and stiffness, thus addressing the issues of complexity and cost in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of drive rollers (78) arranged along a peripheral part of each drive disk and each rotatably supported by the drive disk about a rotational center line at an angle with respect to both a tangential line of the drive disk and the rotational center line of the drive disk, at least part of the drive rollers engaging the driven rollers of the main wheel
Data Source
AI summary
In a frictional propulsion device comprising a frame, a main wheel including driven rollers rotatably supported by an annular core member about a tangential direction and a pair of drive disks each carrying drive rollers rotatable about a rotational center line at an angle with respect to both a tangential line of the drive disk and the rotational center line of the drive disk such that the drive rollers at least partly engage the driven rollers, each drive disk includes a hub rotatably supported by the support shaft, a disk member attached to a peripheral part of the hub, and holder beams arranged circumferentially between the hub and the disk member such that each holder beam is attached to the hub at a first end thereof and to the disk member at a second end thereof, each drive roller being rotatably supported by a corresponding adjoining pair of holder beams.