Hub-Mounted Motor Wheel for Compact Heavy Load Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorized wheels for vehicles, especially those used in military and agricultural sectors for heavy load transport, have large dimensions, high center of gravity, and are inefficient on uneven ground due to their design.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a motor and reduction gear within the hub of one wheel, with a second idle wheel housing the motor, allowing for compact design and lower center of gravity, and the use of self-levelling hinges and steering mechanisms for improved terrain adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motors are arranged alongside the wheels connected directly to the axle, then the wheels can be operated independently, but the lateral extension of the platform is very limited due to the large dimensions of the motors
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and wheel are merged into a single integrated unit where the motor is housed within the wheel structure itself. This combination eliminates the need for separate motor mounting spaces alongside the wheels, allowing independent wheel operation while significantly reducing the lateral extension requirements of the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is nested inside the hub of the wheel, with the motor housing formed within the wheel's internal structure. This nesting arrangement places the motor in the most space-efficient location, eliminating lateral protrusions and maximizing platform space while maintaining independent wheel control.
2Strength
If large dimensions wheels with wide and high tyres are used to transport heavy loads, then the load capacity is sufficient, but the centre of gravity of the load becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the motor and wheel into a single integrated unit with the motor housed in the wheel hub, the overall height of the wheel assembly is reduced. This allows heavy load capacity to be maintained while lowering the centre of gravity, improving vehicle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is positioned horizontally within the wheel hub rather than vertically above it, changing the dimensional arrangement from a vertical stack to a horizontal integration. This dimensional reorganization reduces the vertical height of the wheel assembly, lowering the centre of gravity while maintaining torque output for heavy load capacity.
3Strength
If traditional motorized wheels are used, then they can transport heavy loads, but they are not very efficient for use on uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated motor-wheel design allows for dynamic adjustment of wheel parameters such as diameter, width, and tread pattern depending on the terrain requirements. The motor can independently control each wheel's characteristics, enabling adaptation to uneven ground while maintaining heavy load transport capability through real-time parameter optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The appliance (1) with motorized wheels comprises a first wheel (3), a second wheel (4), a motor (2) able to put in rotation the first wheel (3) and a housing (5) which contains the motor (2) and is obtained in the hub (6) of at least one of first and second wheels (4).