Mecanum Wheel Locking Tool for Fast Secure Wheel Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mecanum wheels require frequent service and replacement, with increased wear and complexity due to multiple moving parts, necessitating a simple and reliable system for mounting and releasing wheels from wheel supports without specialized expertise.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring an interlocking mechanism with a guiding slot and guided structure on the wheel support, combined with a locking tool comprising lever arms and pivot structures, allowing easy mounting and releasing of mecanum wheels using a guided structure that transitions from circular to linear motion for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mecanum wheels are used to enable omnidirectional movement, then mobility and versatility are improved, but wear increases and service frequency increases due to multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The mecanum wheel is divided into a stationary section and a rotational section with rollers. The stationary section contains the mounting interface and remains fixed, while only the rotational section with rollers moves. This segmentation reduces wear on the mounting components while maintaining omnidirectional mobility capability.
2Reliability
If frequent service and replacement of mecanum wheels is required, then wheel wear is addressed, but time loss and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into stationary and rotational sections that can be independently serviced. The rotational section with wear-prone rollers can be replaced or serviced separately from the stationary mounting section, reducing overall service time and allowing faster maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational wheel section is designed to be extractable from the stationary support. This allows the rotational section to be removed and replaced without disturbing the stationary mounting components, enabling rapid wheel replacement and minimizing operational downtime.
3Strength
If specialized tools and expertise are required for wheel replacement, then secure mounting is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting and release mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the use of a simple release tool that interacts with release protrusions and slots. Users can perform wheel replacement without specialized expertise by using the provided tool to engage release protrusions and slide the wheel section out, maintaining secure mounting during operation while enabling easy replacement.
4Ease of operation
If a simple release mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but mounting security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Release protrusions and corresponding slots act as intermediary elements between the wheel section and support. These intermediaries provide a simple mechanical interface for release while maintaining secure positive engagement during operation. The protrusions fit into slots to prevent accidental disengagement while allowing controlled release when the tool is applied.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a system for locking and releasing a wheel (1) to and from a wheel support (2). The system comprises an interlocking mechanism (3) comprising a guiding slot (4) on the wheel support (2), and a guided structure (5), positioned on a stationary wheel section (6) of the wheel (1), mating with the guiding slot (4). The system further comprise a U-shaped locking tool (7) comprising two lever arms (8a, b) joined by a gripping bridge (9) at one end, and having an arm pivot structure (10) interacting with a wheel pivot structure (11) positioned on the stationary wheel section (6). The locking tool further comprises a pushing arm (13) interacting with a support slot (16) in the wheel support (2) for pushing the guided structure (5) into the guiding slot (4) when mounting the wheel, and for pushing the guided structure (5) a first distance (D1) out of the guiding slot (4) when releasing the wheel.