Omnidirectional Platform Using Grooved Rollers and Single Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing omnidirectional moving platforms are complex, require large spaces, generate noise, and pose safety and cleanliness concerns due to the need for multiple motors and large gaps between moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A platform with a pair of moveable members and a drive system that allows for independent movement in multiple directions using grooved surfaces and rollers, reducing the need for multiple motors and minimizing space while enhancing safety and cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are used to provide omnidirectional capabilities, then omnidirectional movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single motor by using two moveable members (belts or chains) that share a common drive system. The moveable members are configured with different orientations and surface features, allowing one motor to generate forces in multiple directions through the interaction of rollers with grooved surfaces, thereby achieving omnidirectional movement without requiring separate motors for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide propulsion, directional control, and omnidirectional capability. The grooved surfaces and rollers work together to convert single-motor rotation into multi-directional movement, making the drive system universal for all movement directions rather than requiring specialized motors for each axis.
2Reliability
If large spaces are provided between moving parts, then safety and cleanliness are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable members are segmented into discrete components (rollers on belts or chains) that can be closely spaced while maintaining safety. The segmentation allows for controlled interaction between rollers and grooved surfaces, enabling precise movement control without requiring large gaps between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooved surfaces act as intermediaries between the rollers and the moveable members, allowing for controlled engagement and disengagement. This intermediary mechanism enables safe, close-spaced configurations by providing a defined interaction path that prevents unintended contact or contamination while maintaining operational reliability.
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 efficient, quiet, and safe omnidirectional movement with reduced complexity and space requirements, allowing objects to be moved in any direction without the need for extensive real-space movement of components.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first surface features and the plurality of second surface features are adapted to interact with the object to move the object in any direction along the exterior surfaces of the first and second moveable members
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for providing omnidirectional movement includes a first moveable member, a second moveable member, and a drive system. The first moveable member has an exterior surface adapted to support an object and has a plurality of first grooves therein. The second moveable member has an exterior surface adapted to support the object and has a plurality of second grooves therein. The drive system is operably coupled to the first and second moveable members and is adapted to independently drive the first and second moveable members in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The pluralities of first and second grooves are adapted to interact with the object to move the object in any direction along the exterior surfaces of the first and second moveable members when the drive system is driving at least one of the first and second moveable members.