Omnidirectional Vehicle Independent Wheel Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional omnidirectional vehicles have limited speed and poor driving behavior on uneven ground due to rigidly attached Mecanum wheels, leading to reduced traction and directional stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an omnidirectional vehicle with independently suspended wheels, allowing for adjustable height and damping, which includes a lifting device and vibration dampers, enabling improved ground contact and vibration-free operation, and the option to switch between omnidirectional and standard wheel modes for enhanced mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If omnidirectional wheels are rigidly attached to the vehicle body, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the driving behavior on uneven ground is poor and wheels may lose contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies independent wheel suspension that allows each omnidirectional wheel to move dynamically relative to the vehicle body, enabling the wheels to adapt to uneven ground surfaces while maintaining contact. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliable ground contact.
2Device complexity
If conventional omnidirectional vehicles are used, then the structure is simple, but the driving speed is limited to around 6 km/h
Solution Approach 1:
The independent wheel suspension system enables the vehicle to maintain all wheels loaded on the ground, improving traction and allowing higher driving speeds. The dynamic adaptation to terrain prevents wheel lift-off that would limit speed in conventional rigidly attached designs.
3Ease of operation
If omnidirectional wheels are rigidly suspended, then the vehicle is easy to control, but the directional stability is poor on uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The independent wheel suspension maintains directional stability by allowing each wheel to independently adapt to ground irregularities while remaining controllable. The suspension system provides stability through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent wheel suspension with height adjustment is implemented, then the vehicle can compensate for sloping floors and obstacles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements height-adjustable independent wheel suspension that can compensate for sloping floors and obstacles. Each wheel's height can be independently controlled to maintain contact with uneven surfaces, providing terrain adaptability despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle body and the ground, absorbing terrain variations through controlled wheel movement. This intermediary function enables the vehicle to operate on uneven surfaces without directly transmitting shocks to the vehicle body.
5Device complexity
If omnidirectional wheels are rigidly attached, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the risk of overloading is high
Solution Approach 1:
The independent wheel suspension ensures that all wheels remain loaded on the ground by allowing dynamic adjustment to terrain variations. This prevents wheel lift-off and distributes the vehicle weight evenly, reducing the risk of overloading individual wheels or the vehicle body.
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
This design enhances traction, stability, and speed by maintaining wheel contact on uneven surfaces and allows for quick movement in different operating modes, reducing the risk of overloading and improving directional stability.
Implementation Method 1
The independent wheel suspension can have damping that at least partially damps the corresponding omnidirectional wheel during operation of the vehicle according to the invention.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an omnidirectional vehicle (118), a driving module (20), and a mobile industrial robot (111). The omnidirectional vehicle (117) comprises omnidirectional wheels (119) and a vehicle body (117) on which at least one of the omnidirectional wheels (1, 119) is mounted by means of an individual suspension (23).