Robotic Wheel Assembly External Power Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional caster wheels with power and brake assemblies located within the wheel circumference are prone to damage from environmental conditions and limited maneuverability due to entangled electrical wires, especially in extreme conditions or when subjected to forceful impacts.
Innovation Solution
A robotic platform design where the power assembly, including a drive belt and bevel gear, is positioned entirely outside the wheel circumference, allowing for 360-degree rotation without wire entanglement and protecting components from environmental damage, with a brake assembly also located distally to prevent impact and environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power assembly is positioned within the circumference of the wheel, then the structure is compact, but the electrical wires become entangled and maneuverability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power assembly is extracted from the wheel circumference and positioned externally on the robotic platform. This extraction eliminates the wire entanglement problem while maintaining compact overall system design through strategic external placement of the motor and brake assemblies.
2Volume of moving object
If the power assembly is positioned within the circumference of the wheel, then the structure is compact, but the electrical component is exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical component (motor) is extracted from the wheel circumference and repositioned to the external power assembly. This relocation shields the electrical component from harsh environmental conditions such as water immersion and extreme temperatures while maintaining system compactness through optimized external positioning.
3Volume of moving object
If the power assembly is positioned within the circumference of the wheel, then the structure is compact, but the fragile parts are vulnerable to damage during drops or falls
Solution Approach 1:
The power assembly including fragile electrical components is extracted from the wheel circumference and positioned externally on the robotic platform body. This extraction places the fragile components away from impact zones during drops or falls, significantly improving reliability while maintaining overall system compactness through strategic external placement.
4Volume of moving object
If the brake assembly is positioned within the circumference of the wheel, then the structure is compact, but the brake assembly is vulnerable to impact and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is extracted from the wheel circumference and repositioned to an external location on the robotic platform. This relocation protects the brake assembly from impact damage during drops and shields it from harsh environmental conditions while maintaining system compactness through optimized external positioning.
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 enhances the robotic platform's ability to navigate extreme conditions, protects the power and brake assemblies from damage, and improves maneuverability by allowing the wheels to freely rotate 360 degrees without entanglement, providing improved reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first drive shaft end may be connected to the wheel axle via a bevel gear. Thus, the power assembly may be located entirely outside the circumference of the wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic platform may include a chassis, a drive assembly, and a pair of fore and aft wheel assemblies. The drive assembly may include a motor and belt that is controlled by the motor. The wheel assemblies may each include a wheel mounted to an axle for rotation about a drive axis and steering about a steering axis, and a shaft. The shaft may extend along the steering axis from one end that is connected to the axle, to another end that is wrapped by the belt, such that the belt controls rotation of the shaft. Various other assemblies, robots, and methods are also disclosed.