Modular Electric Farm Robot With Direct-Drive Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural robots are limited by the use of transmission mechanisms between motors and wheels, leading to reduced energy efficiency, increased maintenance needs, and restricted speed and load capabilities, while also being costly and mechanically complex.
Innovation Solution
A modular, reconfigurable electric robot with a symmetrical chassis and direct coupling of brushless electric motors to wheels, eliminating the need for transmission mechanisms, allowing high-speed operation and high-load transport while maintaining stability and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transmission mechanisms are used between motors and wheels, then speed and torque can be controlled, but energy efficiency is reduced and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transmission mechanism (gearbox, differential, etc.) from the system entirely. Each wheel is directly driven by its own brushless electric motor, eliminating the intermediate transmission components that cause energy loss and maintenance requirements. This direct-drive approach maintains speed and torque control capabilities through electronic control of the motors while avoiding mechanical transmission losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical transmission system with an electrical control system. Instead of using mechanical gears and differentials to control speed and torque, the system uses electronic control of brushless electric motors to achieve the same functions with higher efficiency and reduced maintenance.
2Power
If transmission mechanisms are used between motors and wheels, then speed and torque can be controlled, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex mechanical transmission system including gearboxes, differentials, and associated lubrication systems. Each wheel assembly is simplified to contain only the essential components: brushless electric motor, wheel, and suspension elements. This extraction of the transmission mechanism dramatically reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining control capabilities through electronic means.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional agricultural vehicles are used, then high loads can be transported, but soil compaction occurs due to weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic suspension systems and hydraulic wheel lift mechanisms to manage the robot's weight distribution and reduce soil compaction. The hydraulic system allows the wheels to be lifted or adjusted to minimize ground contact pressure while maintaining load capacity, thus protecting the soil structure.
4Stability of the object's composition
If agricultural robots work at low speeds, then stability is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transmission systems with directly controlled brushless electric motors on each wheel. This allows for precise electronic control of wheel speed and torque, enabling the robot to operate at higher speeds (up to 20 km/h as mentioned in the background) while maintaining stability through sophisticated control algorithms that adjust motor output in real-time.
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 solution enables the robot to operate at speeds up to 20 km/h with high loads, adapt to various agricultural conditions, and reduce maintenance needs, while improving energy efficiency and mechanical simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
each wheel assembly located at the front of the chassis comprises a wheel with an electric motor directly coupled to the wheel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~3A
AI summary
A modular and reconfigurable autonomous electric robot capable of adapting to any type of condition and work in an agricultural environment, comprising: a symmetrical chassis comprising a front part, a middle part and a rear part; a power supply located at the front of the chassis; an implement located at the rear part of the chassis; two wheel assemblies each located at transversely opposite ends of the front of the chassis and two wheel assemblies each located at transversely opposite ends of the rear of the chassis; a GNSS unit to geolocate the electric robot in real time; and a processing and control module that controls the electric robot and is in data communication with the GNSS unit, where each wheel assembly located at the front of the chassis comprises a wheel with an electric motor directly coupled to the wheel.