Omnidirectional Wheel Joint Cushioning for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Omnidirectional moving devices generate a collision sound due to the interaction of joint members, which affects their operational noise and performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cushioning material between the joint members of the wheel, specifically between the first and second ends of the joint members, to absorb the impact and reduce the collision sound, while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If joint members are connected rigidly to form an annular wheel, then structural strength is improved, but collision sound is generated when adjacent joint members rotate and collide
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning member is provided between the first end of each joint member and the second end of the adjacent joint member before collision occurs. This cushioning member absorbs the collision energy and suppresses the collision sound when adjacent joint members rotate and collide during wheel operation, while maintaining the rotational range restriction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member acts as an intermediary element between adjacent joint members. It mediates the interaction during rotation by absorbing impact forces and reducing collision sounds, allowing the joint members to maintain both structural strength and reduced noise operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rotation range of joint members is restricted by having ends abut against each other, then wheel shape stability is improved, but collision sound is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member is positioned between the abutting ends of adjacent joint members to provide beforehand cushioning. This allows the joint members to maintain their rotational range restriction for shape stability while the cushioning member absorbs collision energies and suppresses sounds during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member changes the physical parameters of the interface between joint members by introducing a compliant material that can deform elastically. This allows the system to maintain the geometric constraints for shape stability while reducing the impact forces and collision sounds through material compliance.
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 cushioning material effectively suppresses the collision sound between adjacent joint members, enhancing the quiet operation and performance of the omnidirectional moving device by reducing noise and preventing foreign matter entry into the joint gaps.
Implementation Method 1
A cushioning material is provided between the first end and the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel for an omnidirectional moving device includes an annular core body formed by connecting joint members in an annular shape, and free rollers rotatably supported by the core body. Each of the joint members includes a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a first connecting portion provided at the first end, and a second connecting portion provided at the second end. Each of the free rollers is rotatably supported by the shaft portion of the corresponding joint member. The first connecting portion of each of the joint members is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion of the adjacent joint member. The first end of each of the joint members abuts on the second end of the adjacent joint member so that a rotation range of the adjacent joint members is restricted. A cushioning material is provided between the first end and the second end.