Removable Wheel-Drive Assembly for Mobile Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have complex and time-consuming motor drive assembly replacement processes, which are not field replaceable, leading to significant downtime, productivity loss, and safety hazards due to contamination and poor sealing.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot design featuring a removable wheel-drive assembly with a well-sealed motor drive unit, allowing for easy field replacement with minimal tools and time, and incorporating a mounting bracket system that supports different motor drive assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor drive assembly is designed as a fixed integrated unit, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the replacement time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The motor drive assembly is divided into separable components: the motor drive unit (MDU) can be independently removed from the wheel assembly. The MDU includes a motor, gearbox, and axle assembly that can be detached as a unit from the wheel well, allowing rapid replacement without removing the entire wheel or disassembling sealed housing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor drive unit is pre-configured with all necessary mounting brackets, fasteners, and sealing interfaces during manufacturing. The axle assembly is pre-attached to the motor and gearbox, and the entire MDU is pre-sealed as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for field assembly or sealing operations during replacement.
2Ease of repair
If the motor drive assembly uses multiple discrete components, then the ease of replacement is improved, but the sealing quality and safety decrease due to exposure to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The motor, gearbox, and axle are combined into a single sealed motor drive unit assembly. This integrated MDU maintains internal sealing while allowing the entire unit to be replaced as one component, preventing contaminant entry during replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed motor drive unit is extracted as a complete assembly from the wheel well, including the axle and all internal components. This allows the sealed unit to be removed and replaced without breaking seals or exposing internal components to contaminants in the facility environment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the wheel assembly requires removal of external covers and disconnection of wiring for motor replacement, then the manufacturing precision and sealing are maintained, but the device complexity and skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into the wheel well and the motor drive unit, with the MDU designed as a self-contained module. This segmentation allows the MDU to be removed and replaced without affecting the wheel well structure or its sealing, eliminating the need to remove external covers or disconnect wiring during replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor drive unit is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that accommodate different wheel well configurations. The MDU serves multiple functions (motor, gearbox, axle assembly) in a single integrated unit that can be installed in various positions and orientations without requiring complex adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot having a removable wheel-drive assembly, comprising a mobile base having a chassis and a first wheel well member with a flange. There is a removable wheel drive assembly with a mounting bracket. There is a motor drive unit disposed on the mounting bracket and a wheel/tire connected to the motor drive unit via an axle. There is a second wheel well member on the mounting bracket and positioned between the motor drive unit and the wheel. The second wheel well member includes a central section having an aperture through which the axle passes and a top surface. The top surface of the central section of the second wheel well member engages with the flange of the first wheel well member of the mobile base.