Rollable Moving Device with Magnetic Docking and Omnidirectional Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelling moving devices are limited in their usability due to the restricted payload space within a spherical wheel, which restricts the types and sizes of objects that can be carried, and are not versatile enough to operate effectively on various terrains.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose rollable moving device equipped with a spherical driving wheel member featuring four omnidirectional wheels, a drive motor, a docking portion with magnetic force for mounting objects, and an identifier element for object recognition, enabling versatile movement and carrying various objects regardless of size or type, with control methods for driving and posture adjustments based on sensor information and communication updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the payload space is provided inside the spherical wheel, then the device can transport objects, but the usability is limited due to the restricted types of objects that can be mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The payload space is divided into an internal compartment inside the spherical wheel and an external mounting portion on the outer surface. This segmentation allows small objects to be placed inside while larger or different types of objects can be mounted externally, significantly expanding the variety of objects that can be transported without complicating the overall spherical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical wheel is designed with multiple functions: it serves as both the structural body and the rolling mechanism, while simultaneously providing internal storage space and external mounting capability. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to accommodate various types of objects (small electronics inside, larger items externally) without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the payload space is limited inside the spherical wheel, then the structure remains simple, but the device cannot carry various types of objects regardless of size and type
Solution Approach 1:
The payload capacity is expanded from a single-dimensional internal space to a two-dimensional configuration by adding an external mounting portion on the outer surface of the spherical wheel. This dimensional expansion allows the device to carry objects of various sizes and types simultaneously - small items inside the volume and larger items on the external surface - effectively increasing the functional payload capacity without significantly increasing the overall volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional wheels are mounted inside the driving wheel member, then movement in all directions is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional driving mechanism is merged into the internal structure of the spherical wheel, with the omnidirectional wheels and drive motors integrated within the driving wheel member. This consolidation allows the spherical wheel to achieve omnidirectional movement capability while maintaining a compact single-body structure, avoiding the need for separate external driving mechanisms that would increase complexity
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
Enables movement in all directions on different terrains, allows for the carrying of diverse objects, and can be used as a smart mobility device for various applications, including disaster response, fitness, and education, by effectively managing torque and posture control through wireless communication and sensor updates.
Implementation Method 1
a docking portion mounted inside the driving wheel member and generating a magnetic force, and a mounting portion being attached on a surface of the driving wheel member by the magnetic force of the docking portion
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a multipurpose rollable moving device may include monitoring the object docked at a docking portion, a docking portion and a driving device; identifying the object mounted on a mounting portion through an identifier element; determining whether or not a camera is mounted; determining whether or not a current mode is an object following mode when the camera is mounted; recognizing a following object when the current mode is the object following mode; determining a distance and a direction to the object; and executing a driving control and a posture control through the driving device depending on the distance and direction to the object.