Actively Controlled Split Offset Castors for Payload Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility systems for large payloads, particularly in shipping and manufacturing, lack controlled omni-directional movement, leading to potential damage and instability during transport, especially in precise air and ocean transport scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A payload platform equipped with actively-controlled split offset castors that include sensors and computation units, allowing for individual wheel actuation and obstacle detection, enabling precise and stable movement by directing the wheels to rotate in a prescribed manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mobility systems are used for large payloads, then the system structure is simple, but the movement precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility system is segmented into multiple independently controllable castor assemblies, each with its own actuator and control unit. This allows precise control of individual wheels while maintaining overall system manageability through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, passive castors to dynamic, actively controlled castor assemblies with real-time adjustment capabilities. Each castor can independently adjust its wheel rotation and orientation based on control signals, enabling precise omnidirectional movement
2Reliability
If traditional mobility systems are used for large payloads, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives desired movement commands in advance and computes the necessary wheel rotations and castor orientations before execution. This preliminary computation ensures coordinated and safe movement while preventing improper handling that could damage payloads
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the surrounding area and obstacle presence, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust its movement to maintain stability and prevent damage to the payload
3Manufacturing precision
If controlled omnidirectional movement is implemented, then the movement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously computes the complex coordination required for omnidirectional movement based on desired movement commands. The system performs self-service by automatically calculating wheel rotations and castor orientations without requiring manual intervention for each movement parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A payload platform includes a platform and a castor assembly coupled to the platform. The castor assembly includes a body, a first wheel coupled to the body, and a second wheel coupled to the body. The first wheel and the second wheel are individually actuatable. A sensor is coupled to the body. A control unit is operably coupled to the sensor and operably coupled to the first wheel and to the second wheel. The sensor detects an area surrounding the platform, determines presence of obstacles, and transmits a signal to the control unit corresponding to the area surrounding the platform. The control unit directs the first wheel and the second wheel to rotate in a prescribed manner so as to achieve a prescribed movement of the platform.