Omnidirectional Spherical Wheel Assembly for Uneven Terrain Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load transport systems face challenges in navigating uneven terrains without damaging the surface or the roller wheels, are not expandable to handle varying load sizes and shapes, and experience excessive friction and mechanical vibrations, which can harm sensitive equipment.
Innovation Solution
An all-terrain load transport system featuring a cylindrical base with detachable arms supporting omnidirectional spherical wheels with roller bearings, made of resilient materials like rubber or silicone, allowing for minimal surface contact and reduced friction, enabling the transport of diverse equipment on various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large rigid roller wheels are used to traverse uneven terrains, then the load transport system can handle rough surfaces, but the roller wheels may dig into the contact surface causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the roller wheels from rigid steel to resilient materials such as rubber or silicone. This material parameter change allows the wheels to conform to uneven surfaces without digging in, thereby maintaining the ability to traverse rough terrains while preventing damage to the contact surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite wheel assemblies that combine resilient outer materials (rubber or silicone) with internal structural components. This composite structure provides both the compliance needed to protect surfaces and the structural integrity required for load-bearing and terrain navigation.
2Strength
If steel wheels are used for load transport, then the structure is strong and durable, but they transmit mechanical vibrations from uneven surfaces to sensitive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter of the wheels from steel to resilient materials like rubber or silicone. This parameter change fundamentally alters the vibration transmission characteristics, absorbing mechanical vibrations from uneven surfaces and preventing their transmission to sensitive equipment while maintaining structural durability through proper design.
3Device complexity
If conventional roller wheel assemblies are used with single-direction movement, then the structure is simple, but friction on the external surface causes wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, single-direction roller wheel assembly into a dynamic omnidirectional wheel assembly. The wheels are designed to rotate freely in multiple directions (360 degrees) within their housings, allowing them to adapt to the direction of motion and reduce friction by always rolling rather than sliding, thereby extending roller wheel life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational freedom in multiple dimensions to the roller wheel assembly. Instead of being constrained to a single axis of rotation, the wheels can now rotate omnidirectionally within their housings, providing the ability to move in any direction and significantly reducing friction-induced wear.
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 system effectively traverses even and uneven terrains with minimal damage, accommodates loads of different sizes and shapes, and reduces friction and mechanical vibrations, ensuring the safety and efficiency of transporting sensitive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The omnidirectional movement of the spherical wheel is facilitated by multiple roller bearings positioned along an inner periphery of the substantially cylindrical second base member
Implementation Method 2
The spherical wheel is made of a resilient material, for example, rubber, silicone, or a combination of rubber and silicone
Data Source
AI summary
An all-terrain load transport system including a cylindrical first base member and at least three pairs of arms is provided. A handle is removably attached to an attachment member disposed on the cylindrical first base member. The cylindrical first base member defines a space for receiving at least one piece of accessory equipment. Each pair of the three pairs of arms defines a wheel support assembly at an end of each pair distal from an outer periphery of the cylindrical first base member. The three pairs of arms are detachably attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical first base member. The wheel support assembly includes a cylindrical second base member defining a space for receiving a spherical wheel. The spherical wheel moves omnidirectionally within the defined space. Roller bearings positioned along an inner periphery of the cylindrical second base member facilitate the omnidirectional movement of the spherical wheel.