Omni-directional Wheel Variable Support Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Omni-directional wheels face durability issues due to the transmission of impact forces to their supporting structures, which can lead to deterioration when peripheral wheels collide with obstacles, and existing designs lack flexibility in material selection and part replacement.
Innovation Solution
The omni-directional wheel incorporates variable supports with elastic components and a distinct material structure, allowing the center wheel and support frames to absorb impact forces by changing the distance between the center wheel and peripheral wheels, thereby reducing instantaneous force and increasing absorption time, while enabling a wide range of material choices and facilitating part replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peripheral wheels are directly supported on the center wheel, then structural simplicity is maintained, but impact forces are transmitted directly causing durability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to dynamically change its characteristics based on operating conditions. The variable support includes an elastic part that allows the support distance to change elastically under impact loads, transforming the rigid static support into a dynamic adaptive support system that absorbs shocks while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic part is introduced as an intermediary element between the center wheel and peripheral wheels. This elastic component acts as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates impact forces, preventing direct transmission of shock loads to the rigid support structure and thereby improving durability
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed material composition is used for center wheel and support frame, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The omni-directional wheel is divided into separable components with distinct material compositions: the center wheel, support frame, and peripheral wheels can be manufactured from different materials optimized for their specific functions. This segmentation allows independent material selection and facilitates modular manufacturing and replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs different materials for different components based on their functional requirements. The center wheel and support frame can use materials optimized for structural strength and impact resistance, while peripheral wheels can use materials optimized for rolling contact and wear resistance, creating a composite structure with overall superior performance
3Strength
If rigid support structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but impact absorption capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic part is pre-installed in the variable support structure to provide cushioning before impact occurs. This elastic element is positioned and pre-loaded to immediately absorb impact forces when peripheral wheels encounter obstacles, preventing shock transmission before it can damage the rigid support frame
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
This configuration enhances the durability and impact resistance of the omni-directional wheel by reducing the magnitude of instantaneous forces and increasing absorption time, while allowing for a lightweight design and flexible material selection, thus improving overall performance and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part configured to exert an elastic force to the support frame in a direction away from the first rotation axis of the center wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An omni-directional wheel includes: a center wheel configured to rotate about a first rotation axis extending in a first direction; a plurality of peripheral wheels arranged along a circumference of the center wheel and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and a plurality of variable supports provided on the center wheel and configured to respectively support the plurality of peripheral wheels. At least one of the plurality of variable supports is configured to absorb, when an impact force is applied to at least one of the plurality of peripheral wheels being supported by the at least one of the plurality of variable supports, the impact by changing a distance between the center wheel and the at least one of the plurality of peripheral wheels.