Multi-Axis Wheel Assembly for Adaptive Ground Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility devices powered by electric motors are limited by ground environments, restricting their travel and development potential.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with multiple degrees of freedom, incorporating a driving module with three motors: a first motor for axial rotation, a second motor for radial rotation, and a third motor for steering, allowing the wheel to adapt to changes in external factors like ground environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single-motor wheel structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different ground environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates three motors that can independently control the wheel's rotation about three different axes (first rotation axis for forward motion, second rotation axis for lateral movement, third rotation axis for steering). This dynamic multi-axis control system enables the wheel to adapt to various ground environments by adjusting its orientation and movement direction in real-time, transforming a static single-function wheel into a dynamic multi-functional mobility unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly integrates multiple functions into a single wheel structure: the first motor provides forward propulsion, the second motor enables lateral movement, and the third motor controls steering direction. This multi-functional design allows a single wheel to perform multiple mobility tasks that would traditionally require separate mechanical components, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple motors are added to the wheel assembly, then the mobility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate motor functions (forward propulsion, lateral movement, and steering) into a single integrated wheel assembly. Rather than using three separate wheels or complex mechanical linkages, the invention combines all three functions into one wheel unit with three co-located motors, each controlling rotation about a different axis. This merging approach improves mobility performance while containing complexity within a compact modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-axis wheel rotation to three-dimensional multi-axis rotation control. The first motor rotates the wheel about a vertical axis for forward motion, the second motor rotates about a horizontal axis for lateral movement, and the third motor provides steering rotation. This dimensional expansion from 1D to 3D rotation control enables superior mobility performance by allowing the wheel to move and orient in multiple directions simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly includes a wheel, and a driving module connected to the wheel. In particular, the driving module includes: a first motor defining a first rotation axis extending in an axial direction of the wheel and configured to rotate the wheel about the first rotation axis, a second motor that rotates the wheel about a second rotation axis spaced apart from the first rotation axis in a radial direction of the wheel, and a third motor that provides a driving force for steering the wheel in a third rotation axis that extends in a direction crossing the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The second motor is disposed to be spaced apart from the third rotation axis in a first direction that crosses the second rotation axis and the third rotation axis.