Segmented Wheel Structure for Stable Obstacle Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheels designed for overcoming obstacles, such as stairs, have complex structures that are inefficient in effectively navigating various obstacles and require significant time for transformation and recovery, with limitations in stable deformation and structural recovery.
Innovation Solution
A wheel unit utilizing a deformation structure based on the surface tension mechanism of water droplets, comprising a hub, unit blocks, and a supporting body that applies tension to the blocks, allowing them to rotate and move relative to each other to overcome obstacles while maintaining stability and ease of recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable shape structure is used to overcome obstacles, then the wheel can adapt to different terrains, but the structure becomes very complicated and transformation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is divided into multiple independent unit blocks that can rotate and move relative to each other. Each unit block is a simple modular component, and their collective relative motion enables shape variation for obstacle overcoming without requiring a complex integrated variable shape structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit blocks are designed to dynamically adjust their relative positions through rotation and movement during obstacle contact. This dynamic adaptation allows the wheel to respond to obstacles in real-time while maintaining simple static structures for each individual block.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable shape structure is used to overcome obstacles, then the wheel can adapt to different terrains, but considerable time is required for transformation and recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The unit blocks perform rapid dynamic adjustments through rotation and relative movement when contacting obstacles. This dynamic mechanism enables quick adaptation and recovery without the time-consuming transformations required by conventional variable shape structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit blocks automatically adjust their relative positions through their own rotational movement when encountering obstacles, without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-adjusting capability reduces transformation time significantly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated wheel structure is deformed to overcome obstacles, then obstacle passing is enabled, but stable deformation and structural recovery are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into multiple independent unit blocks that can deform and recover independently. This segmentation allows stable deformation of individual blocks during obstacle contact while maintaining the overall structural integrity and enabling complete recovery of the wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit blocks dynamically adjust their relative configurations during obstacle interaction, allowing controlled deformation. After obstacle passage, they dynamically return to their original positions, ensuring stable and complete structural recovery that is limited in integrated structures.
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 efficient and stable passage over obstacles by simulating surface tension to maintain the wheel's overall shape, allowing effective ground driving and optimized performance in various environments without complex structural deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a surface tension of a water droplet may be simulated by an adhesion force between the unit blocks and a tension applied by the supporting body
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel unit for overcoming an obstacle includes a hub, a plurality of unit blocks and a supporting body. The hub rotates by receiving a rotating force. The plurality of unit blocks is spaced apart from the hub and forms an outer shape of the wheel unit. The supporting body is configured to connect the hub with the unit blocks, or is filled between the hub and the unit blocks. The supporting body applies a tension to the unit blocks along a direction toward the hub, to close up the unit blocks with each other, when the wheel unit passes through a ground. The unit blocks adjacent to each other are relatively rotated or moved, when the wheel unit overcomes an obstacle.