Separable Wheel Pack Assembly for Rough Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel pack assemblies for users traversing rough terrain are rigid and do not adjust to terrain changes, leading to user fatigue and a need for improved maneuverability and load management.
Innovation Solution
A wheel pack assembly with a wearable pack portion and a removably coupled wheeled portion featuring articulating arms, stabilizing elements, and a locking mechanism, allowing for adjustable support and easy detachment for improved mobility and load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wheel pack assembly uses a rigid structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to adapt to rough terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pack assembly incorporates articulating arms with multiple degrees of freedom that allow the rigid frame to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to terrain variations. The articulating arms can pivot and extend independently, enabling the structure to adapt to uneven ground while maintaining overall structural integrity and strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wheel pack assembly uses a fixed rigid structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arms provide dynamic adaptation to terrain changes, absorbing shocks and vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted to the user. This reduces user fatigue while maintaining structural stability through the interconnected rigid components and support legs.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by articulating arms, allowing each segment to maintain structural stability while the joints provide flexibility to adapt to terrain, thereby reducing the transmission of vibrations to the user.
3Force
If the wheel pack assembly uses a permanently attached carrier, then the load capacity is improved, but the maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the pack. This allows the carrier to be removed when maneuverability is needed (such as when turning in tight spaces) while maintaining full load capacity when the carrier is attached for extended travel.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel pack assembly uses a complex articulating mechanism, then the adaptability to terrain is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arms utilize passive mechanical joints that automatically adapt to terrain changes through gravity and spring mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex active control systems, motors, or sensors. The system self-adjusts through the natural movement of the articulating joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel pack assembly includes a pack portion wearable by a user and a wheeled portion removably coupled to the pack portion. The pack portion includes a support frame coupled to a rear surface thereof. The support frame includes articulating arms and stabilizing elements. The wheel portion includes a frame and a first wheel set coupled to the frame and disposed at a location spaced apart from a rear end of the wheeled portion. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined together at a bend and such that the second portion defines a transport bed of the assembly.