Detachable Wheel Assembly for Gantry Mobility on Uneven Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional additive gantry systems face challenges in mobility, particularly when moving on uneven or undeveloped surfaces, as current solutions like caster wheels require tools for attachment and detachment and do not provide adequate rugged mobility.
Innovation Solution
A detachable wheel assembly with an attachment arm and securing pin is designed to securely attach to a gantry truss, allowing the gantry system to be moved by adjusting jacks and coupling wheels at balance points for easy relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If caster wheels are used for gantry system mobility, then the system can be moved on flat surfaces, but tools are required for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separable components (wheel, attachment arm, securing mechanism) that can be independently attached and detached from the gantry truss, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure connection during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from static permanent mounting to dynamic removable connection, allowing the wheel assembly to be quickly attached and detached through simple mechanical engagement without requiring tools
2Ease of operation
If traditional rollers or caster wheels are used, then the system can be moved, but they provide poor mobility on uneven or undeveloped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly parameters (wheel diameter, tread pattern, material composition) are optimized to handle varied terrain conditions, allowing the same assembly to provide effective mobility on both flat and uneven surfaces without requiring different mobility devices
3Productivity
If the gantry system is made larger to form bigger products, then the manufacturing capability increases, but the mobility becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility function is segmented into detachable wheel assemblies that can be attached to any position on the gantry truss, allowing the system to maintain mobility capability regardless of its overall size and enabling easy repositioning of large-scale systems
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes an attachment arm having an axle extending from a first end of the attachment arm. The attachment arm of the detachable wheel assembly further includes a securing portion forming a second end of the attachment arm, the securing portion of the attachment arm including a pin positioned to extend above a first frame member of a gantry truss and to secure the first frame member between the pin and a portion of the attachment arm. The attachment arm also includes a frame support corresponding to a second frame member of the gantry truss such that the frame support supports the second frame member when the assembly is secured to the gantry truss, and the assembly includes a wheel rotatably attached to the axle of the attachment arm.