Rocking Arm Wheel Support for Stability on Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices, such as robots or vehicles, face stability issues on complicated or uneven terrain due to inadequate wheel support, affecting the stability of the device and its cargo.
Innovation Solution
A rocking arm structure with a shaft assembly connecting directional and steering wheel assemblies to a main body, allowing the arm body to rotate relative to the main body, enabling the wheels to adapt to terrain changes and maintain ground contact, thereby improving stability without the need for terrain sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixed wheel support is used, then the device structure is simple, but the stability on uneven terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed wheel support into a movable rocking arm structure. The rocking arm can pivot and adapt its position dynamically in response to terrain changes, allowing the wheels to maintain contact with uneven ground surfaces. This dynamic adaptation directly improves stability on complicated terrain without requiring complex active control systems or sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If terrain sensors are added to detect terrain changes, then the adaptability to terrain improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking arm structure implements self-service by automatically adapting to terrain changes through its inherent mechanical design. As the terrain changes, the rocking arm naturally pivots and adjusts the wheel positions through gravitational and contact forces, eliminating the need for external sensors or active control systems to detect and respond to terrain variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the arm body is made rigid to maintain structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to adapt to terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support structure into modular components: the arm body, rocking arm, and wheel assemblies. This segmentation allows the arm body to maintain its structural integrity and manufacturing precision while the rocking arm provides the necessary flexibility and adaptation capability through its pivot mechanism.
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 rocking arm structure enhances stability by allowing the wheels to revolve in sync with terrain changes, maintaining contact and reducing pitching, thus improving the overall stability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
the arm body (10) can rotate relative to the main body (20) around the shaft assembly (70)
Implementation Method 2
The at least one bearing (77) is disposed in the through hole (755). The shaft (71) is rotatably disposed in the at least one bearing (77)
Data Source
AI summary
A rocking arm structure includes an arm body, a motive wheel assembly connected to the arm body, a caster wheel assembly connected to the arm body, and a shaft assembly connected to the arm body and disposed between the motive wheel assembly and the caster wheel assembly. The two wheel assemblies are configured to revolve in a same direction around the shaft assembly and for example allow a 4-wheeled vehicle/robot to become a 6-wheeled vehicle for stability as required during changes of terrain.