Linked Pivot Arm Running Unit for Stable Wheel Ground Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running units with complex structures and multiple drive parts increase production costs and maintenance frequency, while compromising flexibility in equipment design.
Innovation Solution
A running unit with a simplified swing motion transmission system, featuring rockable rotating elements, rotating transmission elements, and elongated transmission elements connected by a linking shaft, allowing coordinated movement of left and right wheels to maintain ground contact and improve stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the left and right wheels are linked via direction-changing member, tilting members, and string member, then the wheels can be tilted flexibly and ground pressure is maintained uniform, but the structure becomes complex with many drive parts increasing production cost and maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the direction-changing member and tilting members into a single integrated pivot arm structure. The pivot arm directly pivots about the pivot shaft to tilt the wheel, eliminating the need for separate direction-changing members and string members while achieving the same functional effect of flexible wheel tilting and uniform ground pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the string member from the mechanism, replacing it with a direct mechanical connection through the pivot arm. This eliminates the need for flexible connections while maintaining the tilting functionality, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If the direction-changing member and tilting members are spaced a certain distance apart with certain size requirements, then the mechanism can function properly, but the flexibility of equipment design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pivot arm structure that can adapt its configuration based on operational requirements. The pivot arm's geometry and pivot point position can be adjusted to accommodate different equipment designs and operational conditions, providing both reliability and design flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pivot arm serves multiple functions: it acts as both the direction-changing member and the tilting member, while also providing structural support and mounting points for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, increasing equipment design flexibility without compromising mechanism functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple drive parts are used to link the wheels, then coordinated movement can be achieved, but production cost and maintenance frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive parts into a single integrated pivot arm mechanism. The pivot arm directly transmits motion from the pivot shaft to the wheel, eliminating the need for separate direction-changing members, tilting members, and string members. This reduction in component count lowers production costs while maintaining coordinated wheel movement through the shared pivot shaft connection.
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 reduces production costs and maintenance frequency while enhancing equipment design flexibility, ensuring reliable ground contact and improved running stability for the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a first rockable rotating element that rotates in conjunction with a pivoting movement of one of the pivot arms, a second rockable rotating element that rotates in conjunction with a pivoting movement of the other one of the pivot arms, a first rotating transmission element that transmits rotation via the first rockable rotating element
Data Source
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AI summary
A running unit (100) comprising a main body (110), a pair of left and right pivot arms (112) provided to a swing motion transmission (120) so as to be pivotable about a pivot shaft (111), and wheels (113) provided to the pivot arms respectively. The swing motion transmission includes a first rockable rotating element (121) that rotates in conjunction with one pivot arm (112R), a second rockable rotating element (122) that rotates in conjunction with the other pivot arm (112L), a first rotating transmission element (123) to which rotation is transmitted via the first rockable rotating element and a first elongated transmission element (126), and a second rotating transmission element (124) to which rotation is transmitted via the second rockable rotating element and a second elongated transmission element (127). The first rotating transmission element and the second rotating transmission element are connected together by a linking shaft (125). The first rockable rotating element and the second rockable rotating element are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other and in opposite directions.