Mobile Robot Weight Redistribution for Heavy-Load Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robots face challenges in maintaining traction and stability when transporting heavy loads, particularly during acceleration, deceleration, reversing, and turning, due to insufficient wheel traction and potential wheel damage from slipping.
Innovation Solution
A kit-of-parts comprising a top module to add weight and a weight redistribution module with a biasing member to pivotally connect driven and non-driven wheels, redistributing load from non-driven to driven wheels, enhancing traction and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If additional weight is added to the mobile robot to increase traction, then traction between driven wheels and ground is improved, but the device complexity and overall weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weight distribution system is segmented into modular components: a top module that can be mounted on the robot body, and separate biasing members positioned at each driven wheel. This segmentation allows the weight addition function to be distributed across multiple simple components rather than requiring a single complex weight distribution mechanism, thereby improving traction while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Biasing members act as intermediary elements between the robot chassis and the driven wheels. These biasing members transmit the weight force from the top module to the driven wheels, enabling indirect weight distribution that improves traction without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex integration of the weight source to each wheel
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile robot is designed for normal load conditions, then the device complexity is kept simple, but the robot cannot handle heavy loads without wheel slipping and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic weight distribution through biasing members that can automatically adjust the force applied to driven wheels based on load conditions. The biasing members function as dynamic elements that respond to varying load requirements, enabling the robot to adapt from normal to heavy load conditions without requiring a completely different design configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The top module and biasing members are pre-configured to provide weight distribution capability before heavy loads are encountered. This preliminary setup ensures that when heavy loads are applied, the weight distribution mechanism is already in place and operational, allowing the robot to immediately handle heavy loads without wheel slipping or damage without requiring complex real-time adjustments
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
Improves traction and stability by redistributing weight, maintaining desired driving behavior even with heavy loads, reducing wheel slipping and damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one weight redistribution module comprising a biasing member configured to redistribute load from the non-driven wheel(s) to the driven wheel(s) of the mobile robot
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A kit of parts (100) is provided, for use with a mobile robot (10) comprising a chassis (12) and a drive assembly (14) having at least one driven wheel (16) and at least one non-driven wheel (18). Said kit of parts (100) comprises a top module (110) configured to be mounted on top of the mobile robot (10) and to add additional weight to the mobile robot (10), and at least one weight redistribution module (120) comprising a biasing member (122) configured to redistribute load from the non-driven wheel(s) (18) to the driven wheel(s) (16) of the mobile robot (10).