Omnidirectional Wheel Segmentation for Utility Vehicle Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles, such as compact utility loaders, face limitations in turning due to singular rotational axes of their wheels, leading to wheel slip and increased power consumption during turns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of omnidirectional wheels, which feature a body portion rotating about a wheel axis and rollers rotating about separate roller axes, allowing for multidirectional movement and reducing energy required for turning by minimizing friction during lateral motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional wheels with singular rotational axes are used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but wheel slip and power consumption increase during turns
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional wheel is segmented into multiple independent rollers arranged around a central axis, each roller capable of rotating independently about its own axis perpendicular to the central wheel axis. This segmentation allows the wheel to achieve omnidirectional movement by coordinating the rotation of individual rollers, eliminating wheel slip during turns while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-axis rotation to multi-axis rotation by adding rollers that rotate about axes perpendicular to the main wheel axis. This dimensional change enables the wheel to move not only forward and backward but also laterally and rotate in place, significantly reducing power consumption during turning maneuvers by eliminating the need for differential steering and wheel slip
2Device complexity
If conventional wheels are used, then the wheel structure is simple, but turning capability is limited due to wheel slip
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional wheel is segmented into multiple independent rollers arranged around a central axis, each roller capable of rotating independently about its own axis perpendicular to the central wheel axis. This segmentation allows the wheel to achieve omnidirectional movement by coordinating the rotation of individual rollers, eliminating wheel slip during turns while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-axis rotation to multi-axis rotation by adding rollers that rotate about axes perpendicular to the main wheel axis. This dimensional change enables the wheel to move not only forward and backward but also laterally and rotate in place, significantly improving turning capability and vehicle adaptability
3Use of energy by moving object
If omnidirectional wheels are used, then turning capability and energy efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional wheel is segmented into multiple independent rollers arranged around a central axis, each roller capable of rotating independently about its own axis perpendicular to the central wheel axis. This segmentation allows the wheel to achieve omnidirectional movement by coordinating the rotation of individual rollers, eliminating wheel slip during turns while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional wheel design provides multi-functionality by enabling the vehicle to move in multiple directions (forward, backward, lateral, and rotational) using a single wheel type. This universal movement capability eliminates the need for separate steering mechanisms and differential drives, ultimately reducing overall system complexity despite the increased complexity of individual wheels
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 omnidirectional wheels enhance turning capabilities and reduce power consumption by enabling smoother lateral movement compared to conventional wheels, while maintaining vehicle stability through the combination with conventional wheels.
Implementation Method 1
Each omnidirectional wheel of the two omnidirectional wheels may include a body portion and a plurality of rollers. The body portion may be adapted to rotate relative to the frame about a wheel axis.
Implementation Method 2
Each roller of the plurality of rollers may be adapted to rotate relative to the body portion about a roller axis. The roller axis of each roller may be separate from one another.
Implementation Method 3
allowing for multidirectional movement and reducing energy required for turning by minimizing friction during lateral motion
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle having an omnidirectional wheel on one side of one or both of a front end of the vehicle and a rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle including a frame carrying a prime mover, the frame having the front and the rear end spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. The frame further having left and right sides spaced apart along a transverse axis. The vehicle including ground engaging member operatively attached to the frame and carrying the frame above a ground surface. The ground engaging member include an omnidirectional wheel and a conventional wheel, both nearest the front end and/or rear end of the frame on opposite sides of the frame.