Compact Wheel Support Device With Shared-Axis Planetary Gearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel support devices increase in size due to separate rotation center axes for arm members and string-shaped members, leading to space inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wheel support device utilizing a planetary gear mechanism with a first and second rotating element and a reaction force element, where arm members rotate integrally about a shared rotation center axis, and a reaction force mechanism to absorb loads, reducing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate rotation center axes are used for arm members and string-shaped members, then the mechanism can cause arm members to rotate in reverse directions, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation center axes of the arm members and the string-shaped member into a single shared axis. The planetary gear mechanism integrates the sun gear, planetary gears, and string-shaped member winding mechanism around a common rotation center, eliminating the need for separate rotation centers and reducing overall device size while maintaining the reverse rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared rotation center axis serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is the rotation axis for the arm members, the winding axis for the string-shaped member, and the central axis for the planetary gear mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and minimizes device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If a planetary gear mechanism with shared rotation center axis is used, then device size is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the sun gear for one arm member, the planetary gears for reverse rotation transmission, the ring gear for structural support, and the string-shaped member winding mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall compactness.
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 solution prevents an increase in size by integrating the rotation center axes and provides a compact design while effectively supporting vehicle wheels.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear mechanism including a first rotating element rotatable about a rotation center axis, a second rotating element rotatable about the rotation center axis and configured to rotate in a reverse direction of the first rotating element
Implementation Method 2
a reaction force element configured to generate a reaction force against inputs from the first rotating element and the second rotating element
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel support device includes: a planetary gear mechanism including a first rotating element rotatable about a rotation center axis, a second rotating element rotatable about the rotation center axis and configured to rotate in a reverse direction of the first rotating element, and a reaction force element configured to generate a reaction force against inputs from the first rotating element and the second rotating element; a first arm member including a first base end portion coupled to the first rotating element and a first tip end portion rotatably supporting a first wheel of a vehicle, and configured to rotate integrally with the first rotating element about the rotation center axis; and a second arm member including a second base end portion coupled to the second rotating element and a second tip end portion rotatably supporting a second wheel of the vehicle, and configured to rotate integrally with the second rotating element about the rotation center axis.