Miniaturized Steer Roping Apparatus Energy Storage and Leg Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniaturized steer roping practice apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms for storing energy and translating it into forward motion using leg motion, limiting their mobility and realism in simulation.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized steer roping practice apparatus with a motivating assembly that stores energy by rotating an axle in the rearward direction, utilizing a spool and tension structure with a clutch and biasing member to drive the axle forward, and a leg actuation assembly that synchronizes leg movement with the axle rotation, mimicking steer movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a motivating assembly with spool and tension structure is added to store energy, then forward motion capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motivating assembly combines the spool, clutch structure, and tension structure into a single integrated unit that stores energy and translates it to forward motion. This merging of multiple functions into one assembly improves energy utilization while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension structure is pre-configured with the spool and clutch mechanism to store energy in advance during rearward rotation, which is then released to drive forward motion. This preliminary energy storage action enables efficient translation of rearward movement into forward propulsion.
2Reliability
If a leg actuation assembly is added to synchronize leg movement with axle rotation, then realism of steer simulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg actuation assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it synchronizes leg movement with axle rotation, provides mechanical support, and enhances the realistic simulation of steer behavior. This multi-functionality improves simulation realism while justifying the added complexity through versatile performance.
3Speed
If the axle is designed to rotate in both forward and rearward directions for energy storage, then mobility is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch structure automatically engages and disengages based on the direction of axle rotation, enabling the system to self-regulate energy storage during rearward motion and power delivery during forward motion. This self-service mechanism improves mobility while reducing control difficulty by eliminating the need for manual intervention.
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 energy storage and translation into forward motion, enhancing the realism and mobility of the apparatus through coordinated leg and wheel movement, allowing for effective steer simulation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the tension arm, the biasing member being attached to the tension arm and to the frame to urge the tension arm toward the release position
Data Source
AI summary
A miniaturized steer roping practice apparatus may comprise a mobile base comprising a frame, an axle rotatably mounted on the frame to rotate about a rotation axis in a forward rotational direction for forward movement and a rearward rotational direction for rearward movement, and at least one drive wheel mounted on the axle. The apparatus may further comprise at least one leg movable with respect to the base, a leg actuation assembly configured to move the at least one leg in conjunction with rotation of the drive wheel, a cover mounted on the mobile base and having an exterior surface with a resemblance to a steer, and a motivating assembly configured to drive the axle in the forward rotational direction using stored energy. The motivating assembly may be configured to store energy by rotation of the axle in the rearward rotational direction.