Interconnected Hollow Units for Flexible Reconfigurable Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices comprising interconnected units, such as those made from PET bottles, face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, particularly in changing configurations without disconnection, as they lack the ability to move laterally and adjust to non-planar arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising hollow units with a tapered region and a flexible elongate member that secures the units in a ring configuration, allowing for lateral movement and reconfiguration, with the flexible member providing tension and friction to maintain the structure's integrity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If units are interconnected in a rigid structure, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility and ability to change configuration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the interconnected units movable relative to each other within the plane of the ring. The units can rotate about the circumference of the ring, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic flexible one. This allows the structure to change configuration while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ring structure into multiple discrete hollow units that are interconnected but can move independently. Each unit is a separate segment that can be repositioned relative to adjacent units, enabling the overall structure to flex and reconfigure while maintaining connectivity through the interconnection mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If units are allowed to move laterally for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements controlled dynamics by allowing lateral movement and rotation of units within the plane while maintaining their interconnection. The movement is constrained to be within the plane of the ring, preventing complete disconnection and maintaining structural integrity even as the configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible interconnection mechanisms that allow the units to move laterally and rotate while remaining connected. The interconnection structure acts as a flexible element that maintains structural integrity while permitting the adaptability needed for lateral movement and reconfiguration.
3Strength
If a rigid wheel structure is used, then structural integrity is improved, but ability to change direction without rotating entire structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wheel into multiple movable units that can be independently repositioned within the plane of the ring. This segmentation allows individual units to be adjusted to change the direction of the wheel without requiring rotation of the entire wheel structure, while the interconnection maintains overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the wheel structure by allowing units to move and rotate within the plane. This enables the wheel to adapt its configuration for directional changes without rigid rotation, combining structural integrity with directional flexibility.
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 device achieves increased flexibility and structural integrity by allowing lateral movement and reconfiguration, enabling non-planar arrangements and additional degrees of freedom in movement, similar to a conventional wheel but with the ability to change direction without rotating the entire structure.
Implementation Method 1
the circumferential walls of the interconnected first and second units abut each other and the interconnected units are secured together
Implementation Method 2
a flexible elongate member extends longitudinally through the interconnected units
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A device comprising a plurality of hollow units (11), each unit comprising a circumferential wall (12) having a first end region (5) and a second end region (13), wherein the first end region is narrower than the second end region and the plurality of units are in an interconnected arrangement, such that the first end region of a first unit (14) of the plurality of units is received within the second end region of a second unit (15) of the plurality of units, and a flexible elongate member (3) extends longitudinally through the interconnected units, whereby the circumferential walls of the interconnected first and second units abut each other and the interconnected units are secured together.