Omnidirectional Toy Car Steering With Compact Nested Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote-controlled toy vehicles have limited steering angles, typically allowing only 18-25°, resulting in cumbersome steering and large turning radii, and lack omnidirectional steering adjustment, with complex steering structures occupying vehicle space.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled toy vehicle with omnidirectional adjustable steering, featuring a vehicle body with a remote control receiving circuit, steering means comprising a steering drive means, pivot rod, connecting rod, swivelable member, and wheel bracket, allowing independent control of front and rear wheels, and incorporating wheel drive means to power each wheel independently, enabling 360° swiveling and fine-angle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional steering mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the steering angle is limited to 18-25° resulting in large turning radii
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is divided into multiple independent modules: steering motor, transmission gear set, lateral linkage assembly, and longitudinal linkage assembly. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve complex omnidirectional steering through coordinated operation of segmented components, thereby increasing steering angle while managing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable steering angles through independent control of lateral and longitudinal linkage assemblies. The steering mechanism can adapt its configuration in real-time, switching between different steering modes (lateral steering for direction changes, longitudinal steering for angle adjustment), enabling variable steering angles from 18° to over 90° based on operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If increased wheel turning angles are achieved through complex steering mechanisms, then steering angle reaches 45°, but the structure occupies significant space within the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission gear set is nested within the steering motor housing, and the lateral and longitudinal linkage assemblies are integrated into the vehicle chassis structure. This nesting approach allows multiple steering components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, reducing the overall volume required for the steering mechanism while maintaining the enhanced 45° steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering mechanism serves multiple functions: lateral linkage assembly handles primary steering direction, longitudinal linkage assembly adjusts steering angles, and the integrated transmission system provides both steering and stability control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby saving vehicle body space while achieving enhanced steering angles.
3Ease of operation
If multiple motors independently drive each wheel for steering, then steering control is achieved through differential speed, but simultaneous control of multiple wheel motors makes fine-tuning steering angles challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple wheel motors into a unified steering control system. Instead of independently controlling each wheel motor for steering, the lateral and longitudinal linkage assemblies mechanically coordinate the wheels, reducing the control burden to a single steering motor while maintaining differential wheel control for fine-tuning steering angles through mechanical advantage rather than electronic coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention discloses a remote-controlled toy vehicle with omnidirectional adjustable steering, comprising: a vehicle body having a remote control receiving circuit; a remote control device capable of communicating with the remote control receiving circuit; at least one steering means mounted on the vehicle body; and a plurality of wheels; wherein each steering means comprises a steering drive means, a pivot rod, a connecting rod, at least one swivelable member, and at least one wheel bracket, with the number of swivelable members. The present remote-controlled toy vehicle with omnidirectional adjustable steering can steer at various angles, enabling flexible control over its driving direction, while having a simple structure and offering convenient control and adjustment operations.