Pendulum-Driven Unmanned Vehicle Compact Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pendulum-driven unmanned vehicles face inefficiencies in packaging due to the need for large hollow spaces to accommodate the movement of pendulum masses, limiting the maximum output torque and requiring significant volume within the vehicle's shell.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical pendulum assembly with left and right rotating members that rotate coaxially about a central axis, allowing for 360-degree movement and efficient propulsion, while maintaining a compact design by integrating the pendulum mass within the vehicle's structure, and incorporating sensor and communication units for navigation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pendulum masses are used with independent rotational axles, then the vehicle can achieve movement and steering, but the packaging efficiency deteriorates due to large hollow spaces required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent rotational axles into a single shared axle structure. The left and right pendulum masses are mounted on the same axle, allowing both to rotate about it simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate axles and reduces the hollow space required in the shell, directly resolving the packaging efficiency problem while maintaining full movement and steering capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shared axle serves multiple functions: it supports both left and right pendulum masses, enables forward/backward movement through coordinated rotation, and provides steering capability through differential rotation. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated axles for each function, optimizing space utilization.
2Force
If pendulum masses are positioned far from the center of mass, then the output torque increases, but the vehicle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the left and right pendulum masses relative to the vehicle's center of mass. By placing them at different radial distances or angular positions, the system generates asymmetric torque distributions that can be controlled to achieve both high output torque and maintained stability through differential activation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotation angles and speeds of the left and right pendulum masses based on operational requirements. During high-torque operations, both masses rotate in the same direction; during steering, they rotate in opposite directions. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the balance between torque generation and stability maintenance in real-time.
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 solution enables enhanced mobility and navigation capabilities, including forward, backward, and rotational movements, while maintaining a compact and efficient design, allowing the vehicle to operate effectively on both land and water surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The pendulum mass rotates, the effective center of mass rotates accordingly, and the robotic ball rolls to equilibrium
Implementation Method 2
A cylindrical pendulum assembly with left and right rotating members that rotate coaxially about a central axis, allowing for 360-degree movement and efficient propulsion
Implementation Method 3
A cylindrical pendulum assembly with left and right rotating members that rotate coaxially about a central axis, allowing for 360-degree movement
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned vehicle is provided that includes a housing configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The housing supports a pendulum drive assembly having coaxial first and second drive axles that are coaxially aligned with the rotational axis. A first rotating member is mechanically coupled to the first drive axle and configured to rotate with the first drive axle. A second rotating member is mechanically coupled to the second drive axle and configured to rotate with the second drive axle. The pendulum drive assembly includes a first electrical motor and corresponding first transmission system that are operably coupled to the first drive axle as well as a second electrical motor and corresponding second transmission system that are operably coupled to the second drive axle. The first electrical motor, the first transmission system, the second electrical motor, and the second transmission system contribute to an effective pendulum mass disposed within the housing that rotates about the rotational axis of the housing relative to the housing and driven by operation of at least one the first electrical motor and second electrical motor to propel the unmanned vehicle.


