Rear Axle with Electromagnetic Locking for Dodgem Car Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rear axle of dodgem cars is typically rigid, leading to controlled movement and limited enjoyment due to lack of slipping effect, but making it completely free results in difficult maneuverability outside the track.
Innovation Solution
A rear axle design with rotatable wheel groups that can switch between locked and free states, allowing limited spinning motion and adjustable arc angle, facilitated by an electromagnetic locking mechanism and adjustable end-stop, enabling uncontrolled slipping while maintaining maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rear axle is made rigid and cannot turn, then the car's movement is controlled and stable, but the slipping effect and lateral skidding are reduced, decreasing driving enjoyment
Solution Approach 1:
The rear axle is transformed from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where wheel groups can rotate relative to the axle beam. This is achieved through pivot pins allowing the wheel groups to swing between locked and free positions, enabling the axle to adapt its rigidity based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The degree of freedom of the rear axle is made variable through the electromagnetic locking mechanism. When locked, the axle maintains rigid parameter settings for controlled movement; when unlocked, the parameter changes to allow wheel rotation and slipping effect, enhancing driving enjoyment.
2Ease of operation
If the wheel groups are allowed to spin freely, then uncontrolled slipping effect is achieved during operation, but the structural stability and control during normal operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structural stability of the rear axle is made dynamic rather than static. The wheel groups can rotate on pivot pins to provide slipping effect, while the electromagnetic locking mechanism restores structural rigidity when needed, creating a dynamically stable system that adapts to operational requirements.
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
Enhances the uncontrolled driving experience by allowing lateral skidding, increasing amusement, while ensuring easy maneuverability on and off the track.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic locking mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A rear axle (5; 5') of a dodgem car is described, which comprises a beam (6, 6') that mainly extends in a longitudinal direction (X; X') and is provided with respective wheel groups (7; 7') at opposing axial ends, each wheel group comprising a fork (9; 9') for rotatably supporting the corresponding wheel (10; 10'), each fork bearing a pin (11, 11') that is rotatably mounted on the beam such that the wheel (10, 10') spins in a vertical direction, said forks (9; 9') being secured to one another by a connecting member (14; 14') so as to simultaneously move the forks at the same angle relative to the beam, the connecting member (14; 14') being selectively lockable relative to the beam (6; 6') of the axle so as to selectively prevent the free spinning movement of the wheels (10; 10') in the vertical direction.