Omnidirectional Wheel Suspension for Uneven-Floor Medical Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing C-arm X-ray devices with omnidirectional wheels struggle to maintain reliable and precise maneuverability on uneven ground due to inconsistent ground contact, leading to potential loss of traction and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
Employing a device carrier with at least two pairs of motor-driven omnidirectional wheels, each equipped with a double wishbone wheel suspension, ensuring continuous floor contact and stability even on uneven surfaces, and optionally incorporating spring suspension elements for impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If omnidirectional wheels are used for flexible movement in all directions, then maneuverability is improved, but on uneven ground only three of four wheels remain in contact with the ground causing loss of traction and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel suspension system allows the wheels to dynamically adapt their position relative to the ground, enabling continuous contact adjustment. The suspension mechanism permits vertical movement of wheel assemblies while maintaining omnidirectional capability, ensuring all four wheels remain engaged with uneven surfaces during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel suspension acts as an intermediary element between the rigid chassis and the ground surface. It absorbs ground irregularities and maintains consistent wheel-to-ground contact, mediating the interaction between the omnidirectional wheel system and uneven terrain to prevent traction loss.
2Reliability
If simple spring axles or flexible rubberized wheel surfaces are used to maintain ground contact, then ground contact is improved, but only part of the running surface and rollers remain in contact with the ground or rollers are covered
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into multiple independent rollers arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing selective engagement with the ground. The suspension system enables individual rollers or small groups to contact the ground while others remain elevated, ensuring full running surface utilization without roller coverage while maintaining ground contact on uneven terrain.
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
Ensures reliable maneuverability and precise movement in all directions, protecting sensitive components and reducing wear, while maintaining image quality and diagnostic capabilities on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The double wishbone wheel suspensions enable a constant pressure to be consistently exerted on the floor in a simple manner, even in the case of uneven floors
Implementation Method 2
each wheel suspension has at least one (e.g., two) spring suspension elements. In this way, the device and its sensitive components are protected against damage from impacts even on an uneven floor
Implementation Method 3
Providing full contact between the omnidirectional wheels and the floor causes the motorized drive to function reliably and provides exact and advantageous maneuverability of the omnidirectional wheels using the rollers
Data Source
AI summary
For particularly good maneuverability, a mobile medical device is provided with a device carrier. The device carrier includes at least three wheels, of which at least two are motor-drivable omnidirectional wheels. At least two of the omnidirectional wheels are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of a chassis of the device carrier using a wheel suspension in each case. The wheel suspension is formed by a double wishbone wheel suspension.