Front Suspension Wheel for Mobile Robots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robotic devices often get stuck on flooring transitions and small obstacles due to limitations in their front leading wheel design, leading to inefficiencies in navigation and obstacle avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A front suspension wheel system for robotic devices that can move in and out of the main body, equipped with sensors to collect data and determine if the device is stuck, allowing for self-diagnosis and remedial actions, and an encoder to measure wheel speed, enabling the device to traverse larger obstacles and thresholds without getting stuck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front wheel is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot overcome obstacles and thresholds effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The front wheel is designed with a suspension mechanism that allows it to move dynamically between extended and retracted positions. The wheel can extend forward to overcome obstacles and thresholds, then retract to maintain stability during normal operation, providing adaptability without permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The front wheel assembly is segmented into movable and fixed components, allowing the wheel to be positioned independently relative to the main device body. This segmentation enables the wheel to be extended for obstacle crossing while keeping the main device structure relatively simple
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel extends forward to overcome obstacles, then the ability to traverse obstacles improves, but the device stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system allows the front wheel to dynamically adjust its position based on terrain conditions. During obstacle crossing, the wheel extends forward while the suspension absorbs shocks, maintaining device stability. During normal operation, the wheel retracts to a stable position, preventing instability
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel suspension operates in periodic cycles of extension and retraction. The wheel extends periodically when obstacles are detected, crosses them, then retracts to maintain stability, creating a rhythmic pattern that balances obstacle crossing capability with overall device stability
3Extent of automation
If sensors and encoders are added to the wheel, then the self-diagnosis capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly includes sensors and encoders that enable it to self-monitor its own status, including position, speed, and operational health. This self-service capability allows the wheel to detect and report issues without requiring external diagnostic systems, improving automation while managing complexity through localized intelligence
Data Source
AI summary
A front suspension wheel for mobile robotic devices that can be compressed into or decompressed out of a main body of a mobile robotic device to facilitate driving the mobile robotic device over obstacles, thresholds and the like. The wheel will provide the mobile robotic device with information such as how fast the wheel is traveling. The wheel is easily removable by hand by the user.