Omnidirectional Wheel Segmented Tread for Wheelchair Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing omnidirectional wheels for wheelchairs face challenges such as high complexity and assembly difficulties, excessive friction, and limited flexibility, which restrict mobility on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional wheel design featuring a central hub with radially arranged wheels or sleeves connected by a shaft section with free-rotating rings and spacers, along with bearing rings to reduce friction and enhance mobility, allowing easy assembly through a modular approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wheels with runners are used, then forward movement is achieved, but lateral movement is hindered by ground friction
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into multiple independent rolling elements (runners) arranged radially around the hub. Each runner can rotate independently on its axis, allowing the wheel to achieve lateral movement through coordinated rotation of these segments without sliding friction against the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The runners are designed to rotate dynamically on their axes while the entire wheel assembly rotates on its main axis. This dynamic configuration allows the wheel to adapt its rolling direction and achieve omnidirectional movement by coordinating the rotation of multiple dynamic elements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple runners are mounted on the wheel, then lateral mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple runners are merged into a single integrated wheel assembly with a common hub and shared structural elements. The runners, hub, and connecting arms form a unified structure that achieves multidirectional mobility through coordinated motion of its components rather than through separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides forward movement through main axis rotation, lateral movement through runner rotation, and structural support for the wheelchair. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different movement directions.
3Ease of operation
If castors are used for lateral movement, then mobility is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral movement function traditionally provided by separate castors is merged into the main wheel structure itself. The runners are integrated directly onto the wheel hub, eliminating the need for separate castor assemblies and their associated mounting mechanisms, thereby simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly provides both forward movement and lateral movement capabilities within a single structure, eliminating the need for separate components dedicated to different movement directions. This universal design reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the overall system.
4Strength
If rigid tread structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility on uneven terrain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is segmented into multiple independent runners that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the tread to conform to uneven terrain as each runner can independently adjust its position and rotation, while the overall structural strength is maintained through the rigid hub and connecting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread structure incorporates dynamic elements (rotating runners) that can adapt their configuration in response to terrain variations. This dynamic capability allows the wheel to maintain contact with uneven surfaces while preserving the structural integrity of the overall assembly.
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 design provides enhanced lateral mobility and flexibility, enabling smooth movement in all directions, including uneven terrain, while simplifying assembly and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
bearing rings, which can be arranged on the shaft section between two spacers, facilitates the rotation of said rings around said shaft section by reducing friction
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an omnidirectional wheel including a central hub; and a tread peripherally mounted on the central hub. The tread includes the juxtaposition of wheels or sleeves arranged along radial planes. The wheel also includes spokes connected, two-by-two, via a shaft section. The shaft section is coaxial to the hub, which has a round cross-section, and onto which freely rotatable rings are fitted. The shaft section includes struts inserted between each ring and shaped such that rings remain in a radial position. The shaft section also includes a series of a plurality of abutting tubular segments. The invention further relates to a module for assembling an omnidirectional wheel.