Omnidirectional Wheel Drive with Selective Sub-Wheel Gearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not effectively addressed the need for a vehicle that can move in all directions with high power transmission efficiency and compatibility with existing suspension structures.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional rotation drive apparatus is developed with a wheel body and sub-wheel units, utilizing gear units and two motors to enable selective driving of sub-wheels, allowing movement in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional omni wheel structures are used, then omnidirectional movement capability is achieved, but power transmission efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous sub-wheel structure into discrete, independently controllable sub-wheel units. Each sub-wheel unit can be selectively driven by individual motors, allowing power to be transmitted only where needed, thereby improving power transmission efficiency while maintaining the omnidirectional movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that selectively activates sub-wheel units based on the required movement direction. By dynamically adjusting which sub-wheels are driven and at what speed, the system optimizes power transmission efficiency for each operational scenario while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional omni wheel structures are used, then omnidirectional movement is enabled, but compatibility with existing suspension structures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wheel assembly with a standardized interface that can accommodate existing suspension structures. The main wheel body serves multiple functions: it provides the primary rolling surface, houses the sub-wheel units, and interfaces with the suspension system, thereby improving compatibility without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the sub-wheel units within the main wheel body structure. This nested arrangement allows the omnidirectional capability to be integrated into the existing wheel-suspension interface without requiring separate mounting structures, thereby improving compatibility with existing suspension systems.
3Ease of operation
If selective sub-wheel driving is implemented, then omnidirectional movement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driving function from a single centralized motor and distributes it to multiple independent sub-wheel motors. This allows selective driving of individual sub-wheel units, improving movement precision and control, while the modular motor design actually simplifies maintenance and replacement compared to a complex single-motor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gear units as intermediary mechanisms between the sub-wheel motors and the sub-wheel units. These gear units provide mechanical advantage and precise speed control, enabling accurate omnidirectional movement while keeping the motor specifications reasonable and the overall system manageable in complexity.
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 apparatus achieves efficient omnidirectional movement by selectively rotating the wheel body and sub-wheels, providing compact design and flexible driving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
gear units connected to the sub-wheel drive shaft to transmit rotational force from the sub-wheel drive shaft to the sub-wheel units
Data Source
AI summary
An omnidirectional rotation drive apparatus includes: a knuckle connected to a vehicle body, a main wheel drive shaft rotatably supported on the knuckle, a sub-wheel drive shaft rotatably supported on the main wheel drive shaft, a wheel body fixed to the main wheel drive shaft to rotate simultaneously with the main wheel drive shaft, sub-wheel units rotatably supported on the wheel body, and gear units connected to the sub-wheel drive shaft to transmit rotational force from the sub-wheel drive shaft to the sub-wheel units. In particular, the sub-wheel units are rotated based on an angular velocity difference between the main wheel drive shaft and the sub-wheel drive shaft.