3D Log Spiral Foot Structure for Rugged Terrain Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation systems, including wheels and exoskeletons, struggle to traverse rugged and irregular terrain efficiently, with modern solutions being costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A biomechanically inspired transportation system utilizing two spiral 'feet' that mimic human lower body mechanics, producing torque through torsion spring-like movements to achieve continuous forward motion, with components analogous to human bones, muscles, and joints, and incorporating a control system for stability and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wheels are used for transportation, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to traverse rugged and irregular terrain is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into multiple independent spiral elements (log spiral segments) that can move and deform independently. Each spiral segment acts as a separate functional unit capable of adapting to terrain variations, allowing the overall structure to traverse rugged terrain while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The log spiral wheel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic deformable structure. The spiral segments can change their configuration and orientation in response to terrain conditions, enabling adaptation to various surfaces while the underlying mechanical framework remains relatively simple
2Adaptability or versatility
If exoskeletons and powered mobility products are developed to improve terrain traversal, then the ability to navigate rough terrain improves, but the cost increases and practical feasibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The log spiral wheel design enables self-propulsion through passive mechanical means without requiring external power sources. The spiral geometry naturally converts rotational motion into forward propulsion and terrain negotiation, eliminating the need for costly motors, batteries, and control systems while maintaining practical manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex powered mechanical systems (motors, actuators, sensors) with a purely passive mechanical structure based on log spiral geometry. This substitution achieves terrain traversal capabilities through clever mechanical design rather than expensive powered systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If wheel diameter is increased to improve off-highway vehicle abilities, then the capability to overcome obstacles improves, but the design is constrained by practical limits
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing wheel diameter in a single dimension, the log spiral wheel introduces a new dimensional aspect through the spiral geometry that extends radially outward. This allows the effective working diameter to be much larger than the structural diameter, overcoming obstacles without requiring prohibitively large wheel sizes
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
Enables efficient traversal of varied terrain with continuous forward motion and stability, reducing the need for additional power sources beyond muscle contractions, and providing adaptive mobility for individuals and vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The invention includes two spiral 'feet' that function like torsion springs, winding and unwinding serially and symmetrically to produce torque at the tread hub
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a transportation device that utilizes an alternative biomechanics framework for the human lower body that may be used in any transportation vehicle in conjunction or as an alternative to wheels whereby the bones, muscles, and connective tissue of the lower body function together to produce the mechanics of a single wheel rather than the conjoined pendulums of the leading inverted pendulum model of biomechanics.