ROV Wheel Displacement Linkage for Stable Rail Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The prior art displacement mechanism for remotely operated vehicles is unstable due to loose fitting slots and requires excessive space, and its locking mechanism is unreliable and complex.

Innovation Solution

A displacement mechanism featuring a motor-driven four-bar linkage system with a rocker slider mechanism, including a coupler link, lift rocker, displacement link, and a displacement plate, which provides a more stable and reliable method for raising and lowering wheels by converting rotational drive into linear movement, with a simpler locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a prior art displacement mechanism with loose fitting slots is used, then the vehicle can be operated, but the mechanism becomes unstable and requires excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism stabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the loose fitting slot mechanism with a four-bar linkage system that uses pinned connections and a rocker slider mechanism. This substitution eliminates the instability caused by loose slots while requiring less space, as the four-bar linkage provides rigid geometric constraints for wheel displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The displacement mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a drive crank, coupler link, lift rocker, and displacement link. Each component performs a specific function in the motion transformation chain, allowing for compact arrangement while maintaining stability through precise geometric relationships between the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a prior art locking mechanism is used, then the wheel position can be maintained, but the locking system becomes unreliable and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidlocking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The four-bar linkage system provides self-locking capability through its geometric configuration. When the displacement link reaches the desired position, the rocker slider mechanism naturally locks the wheel in place without requiring additional locking components. The rigid geometric constraints of the four-bar linkage ensure the wheel remains securely positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If excessive force is applied for wheel movement, then the wheel can be raised and lowered, but the mechanism becomes less stable and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce required for wheel movementVSAvoidmechanism stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the force-intensive slot mechanism with a four-bar linkage system that uses mechanical advantage through its linkage geometry. The drive crank and coupler link transform rotational motion into the linear displacement needed for wheel movement, reducing the direct force requirement while enhancing stability through rigid pinned connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 new mechanism enhances stability and reliability by reducing the force required for wheel movement and providing a secure locking system, allowing for efficient and precise control of wheel position.

Implementation Method 1

a motor for providing rotational drive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a drive crank coupled to the motor to transmit rotational drive from the motor; a coupler link pivotally coupled to the drive crank; a lift rocker pivotally coupled to the coupler link, the coupler link coupling rotational drive from the drive crank to the lift rocker; a displacement link pivotally coupled to the lift rocker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11479407B2Displacement mechanism for a remotely operated vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

The invention concerns a displacement mechanism (16) for a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700), the displacement mechanism (16) being for raising and lowering wheels (25) onto a rail system (108) that the remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) runs on. Furthermore, the invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16), a method for raising and lowering the wheels of a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16) and an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising at least one remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16).