Omnidirectional Wheel Brake Module for Simultaneous Major and Minor Wheel Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brake modules for omnidirectional wheels fail to effectively brake both the major and minor wheels, posing safety risks for users with disabilities, particularly when used in wheelchairs or walkers.

Innovation Solution

A brake module design that includes a base, a first brake arm, a first major brake block, and a first minor brake block, where the brake arm pivots to simultaneously engage and brake both the major and minor wheels when the brake cable is pulled, ensuring comprehensive braking of the omnidirectional wheel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional V-type brake module or C-type brake module is used, then the brake block can brake the major wheel, but it cannot brake the minor wheel, resulting in insufficient braking effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking effectivenessVSAvoidability to brake both major and minor wheels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brake block is divided into two separate braking components: a first brake block for braking the major wheel and a second brake block for braking the minor wheel. This segmentation allows each brake block to independently target its specific wheel type, ensuring both major and minor wheels can be effectively braked simultaneously without interference between the braking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brake arm is designed to pivot in multiple dimensions, enabling it to simultaneously engage both the major wheel and minor wheel from different spatial orientations. The brake module transitions from a single-plane braking mechanism to a multi-dimensional braking system, allowing comprehensive coverage of both wheel types through rotational and angular adjustments of the brake arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single brake block design is used for omnidirectional wheels, then the structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously brake both major and minor wheels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake module structureVSAvoidsafety of user

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake module combines multiple braking functions into a single integrated brake arm structure. The first and second brake blocks are mounted on the same brake arm, which pivots from a common pivot point on the base. This merging approach consolidates what could be separate braking systems into one unified mechanism, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the capability to brake both major and minor wheels simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The brake arm is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple braking functions. By pivoting the brake arm to different orientations, the same brake arm can engage either the major wheel, the minor wheel, or both simultaneously, making the brake module adaptable to different braking scenarios without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the brake block only brakes the major wheel, then the brake module design is simple, but the user with disabilities cannot effectively brake the omnidirectional wheel, posing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking controlVSAvoidsafety risk for user

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The brake module incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the pivoting brake arm mechanism. The brake arm can dynamically change its orientation and engagement points based on the braking requirements. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions, ensuring effective braking control while minimizing safety risks through comprehensive engagement of both major and minor wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution ensures that both the major and minor wheels are effectively braked, enhancing user safety when the module is used on wheelchairs or walkers by providing a reliable braking mechanism for omnidirectional wheels.

Implementation Method 1

the first major brake block abuts the major wheel, and the first minor brake block abuts one of the minor wheels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10518756B1Movable vehicle and brake module thereof

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A brake module is provided. The brake module is for braking at least one omnidirectional wheel, and the omnidirectional wheels include at least one major wheel and a plurality of minor wheels. The brake module includes a base, a first brake arm, a first major brake block and a first minor brake block. The first major brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. The first minor brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. When the first brake arm is in a first orientation, the first major brake block and the first minor brake block are separated from the omnidirectional wheel, and when the first brake arm is in a second orientation, the first major brake block abuts the major wheel, and the first minor brake block abuts one of the minor wheels.