All Wheel Drive Robotic Vehicle Steering Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic vehicles face instability and self-steering issues when navigating challenging terrains, such as hills and uneven surfaces, which can lead to unintentional turns and damage to the vehicle or the environment.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vehicle with a linkage system between two chassis platforms, featuring an electric brake that can be selectively locked or unlocked based on an initial turning indicator, allowing for stable operation in both straight and turning modes, thereby preventing unintentional turns and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage is made rotatable to allow turning on challenging terrain, then the vehicle's adaptability to terrain is improved, but self-steering and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is designed to be dynamically controllable, switching between locked and rotatable states. The electric brake provides dynamic control, locking the linkage during straight travel to prevent self-steering and allowing rotation during intentional turns, thus adapting to different operational requirements while maintaining stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the electric brake is continuously applied to prevent self-steering, then vehicle stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric brake is applied periodically rather than continuously - it is engaged when straight travel stability is needed and disengaged when turning is required. This periodic application maintains vehicle stability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous braking
3Stability of the object's composition
If the linkage is locked to prevent unintentional turns, then vehicle stability is improved, but the ability to execute turning instructions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the linkage state based on operational mode. During intentional turns, the electric brake is released to allow the linkage to rotate, enabling the vehicle to execute turning instructions. During straight travel, the brake is engaged to lock the linkage and prevent self-steering, thus achieving both stability and maneuverability at different times
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 effectively reduces self-steering and instability, allowing the robotic vehicle to maintain stability and efficiently navigate complex terrains while minimizing energy consumption and wear on the brake system.
Implementation Method 1
an electric brake disposed proximate to a turning shaft of the linkage and being selectively released to allow the second chassis platform to turn about the turning axis
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic vehicle (10) comprising a first chassis platform (200) comprising a first wheel assembly (202) and a second chassis platform (210) comprising a second wheel assembly (212). The first and second chassis platforms (200, 210) is arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The robotic vehicle (10) further comprises a linkage (220) operably coupled to the first chassis platform (200) and the second chassis platform (210). The linkage (220) being coupled so as to be fixed relative to the first chassis platform (200) and so that the second chassis platform (210) is rotatable relative to the first chassis platform (200), wherein the second chassis platform (210) comprises a turning axis (400). Said robotic vehicle (10) further comprising an electric brake (262) disposed proximate to a turning shaft (422) of the linkage (220). The electric brake (262) being selectively applied by processing circuitry (110) to resist turning of the second chassis platform (210) about the turning axis (400) and being selectively released to allow the second chassis platform (210) to turn about the turning axis (400).