Hinged AGV Sub-Frame for Rough Terrain Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have poor adaptability to varying ground conditions due to their rigid wheel assemblies, which limits their mobility and loading capacity on rough surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a main frame and a sub-frame that are hinged together, allowing the sub-frame to swing up and down relative to the main frame, ensuring that both sets of wheels remain in contact with the ground, and includes a motion limiter and spring for enhanced stability and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the driving wheel assembly is rigidly connected to the vehicle body, then the structure is simplified, but the adaptability to the ground deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidadaptability to the ground

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle body is divided into a main frame and a sub-frame, with the sub-frame carrying the driven wheel assembly. This segmentation allows the sub-frame to move independently relative to the main frame, enabling the driven wheels to adapt to ground irregularities while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the main frame and sub-frame is made dynamic through a hinge assembly, allowing the sub-frame to swing up and down relative to the main frame. This dynamic connection enables the driven wheel assembly to automatically adjust to ground conditions, improving adaptability without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sub-frame is allowed to swing freely relative to the main frame, then the adaptability to rough ground is improved, but the movement stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to rough groundVSAvoidmovement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A motion limiter is introduced to change the parameter of the sub-frame's swing angle, restricting it within a specific range. This ensures that the sub-frame can adapt to ground irregularities through controlled swinging while preventing excessive movement that would compromise the vehicle's stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enhances the AGV's adaptability to rough ground surfaces, increases loading capacity, and improves movement stability by maintaining wheel contact and applying a larger pressing force on the ground.

Implementation Method 1

a spring is disposed around the motion limiter post, between the motion limiter plate and the sub-frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the main frame is hinged to the sub-frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11584460B2Auto-guide transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 HANGZHOU HIKROBOT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An automated guided vehicle includes a main frame (1) and a sub-frame (2); wherein, a driving wheel assembly (11) is mounted on the main frame (1), a driven wheel assembly (21) or a driving wheel (11) is mounted on the sub-frame (2), and the main frame (1) is hinged to the sub-frame (2).