Non-Circular Wheel Radius Compensation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-circular wheels with varying radii pose challenges in maintaining a smooth ride for vehicle frames, as existing designs require specially formed surfaces or significant modifications to the vehicle frame, limiting their use and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radius compensation mechanism, such as a cam-based system or electronically compensating linear actuator, that adjusts the mounting point of the vehicle frame to maintain a constant ride height despite changes in the wheel's radius, allowing non-circular wheels with arbitrary shapes to roll smoothly on flat surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If non-circular wheels with varying radii are used, then visual impact and entertainment value are enhanced, but the vehicle frame experiences varying ride height and uneven motion
Solution Approach 1:
A radius compensation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the non-circular wheel and the vehicle frame. This mechanism includes a mounting structure with adjustable mounting points that compensate for the varying radius of the non-circular wheel, maintaining a consistent vertical position of the vehicle frame relative to the ground while allowing the wheel to maintain its non-circular shape for visual impact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If specially formed rolling surfaces are used to maintain constant ride height, then ride smoothness is improved, but the system is limited to rolling on very specifically formed and shaped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for specially formed rolling surfaces with a radius compensation mechanism that uses adjustable mounting points and linkages. This mechanical substitution allows the vehicle to maintain constant ride height on flat, conventional surfaces while using non-circular wheels, eliminating the limitation of requiring specifically formed catenary surfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If constant diameter wheels of differing shapes are used, then smooth ride is provided on flat surfaces, but significant modifications to the vehicle frame are required and only constant diameter shapes are useful
Solution Approach 1:
The radius compensation mechanism is designed as a universal attachment system that can accommodate various non-circular wheel shapes with different diameters. The adjustable mounting points and linkages can be configured to work with any non-circular wheel shape, eliminating the need for significant frame modifications and allowing the same mechanism to serve multiple wheel shape configurations.
4Illumination intensity
If non-circular wheels with varying radii are used, then visual impact is enhanced, but the wheel radius varies causing the vehicle frame to move up and down
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the mounting points to move relative to the wheel center in response to the varying radius. This dynamic compensation mechanism automatically adjusts the frame mounting position as the wheel rotates, maintaining smooth ride operation while preserving the visual impact of the non-circular wheel shape.
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 the use of non-circular wheels with varying radii to provide a smooth and consistent ride, enhancing visual impact while being modular and compatible with existing vehicle frames, without the need for extensive modifications.
Implementation Method 1
the radius compensation mechanism includes a cam and a follower
Data Source
AI summary
A non-circular wheel assembly for vehicles. The wheel assembly includes a wheel body having a first radius and a second radius, measured from a center of rotation of the wheel body. The wheel assembly includes a compensation mechanism compensating for changing height values of the center of rotation with respect to an external contact surface of the wheel during rotation. The compensation mechanism includes a linear support member with a first connector mounting a vehicle frame to the wheel body. A second connector adjustably connects the compensation mechanism to the wheel body and is positioned at the center of rotation but apart from the first connector. The compensation mechanism includes a linear position assembly adjusting positions of the second connector relative to the first connector during rotation, which allows a distance between the first connector and the outer contact surface to remain constant to provide a single ride height.