Synchronous Wheel Steering Mechanism for Confined Space Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional all-wheeled and front-wheeled steering systems are inadequate for precise maneuvering in confined spaces, lacking synchronicity and control over speed and self-center rotation.
Innovation Solution
A simultaneous maneuvering system with a base, wheel assemblies, steering rotors, and a drive assembly, featuring electric rotary slip rings, suspension systems, and linear actuators to adjust the position of drive frame portions, allowing non-parallel wheel positioning and active steering for synchronized rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional all-wheeled steering systems are used, then turning radius is reduced, but maneuverability in confined spaces deteriorates due to lack of synchronicity and jig-jog action
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into four independent wheel assemblies, each with its own steering rotor and crank mechanism. This segmentation allows each wheel to be controlled independently yet simultaneously, enabling precise maneuvering in confined spaces without the jig-jog action characteristic of conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines all-wheeled steering with simultaneous rotation capability by integrating steering rotors and drive assemblies that can rotate all wheels in the same direction at the same time. This merging of steering and rotation functions eliminates the need for back-and-forth jig-jog maneuvers, directly improving ease of operation in confined spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional all-wheeled steering systems are used, then turning capability is improved, but control precision deteriorates due to inability to properly control speed and self-center rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly incorporates actuators that can dynamically adjust the position of drive frame portions, enabling real-time control of wheel positioning and rotation. This dynamic control mechanism allows precise speed control and self-center rotation capability, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining versatile turning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the actuators and drive assembly positioning to maintain precise control over wheel orientation and rotation speed. The ability to actively adjust drive frame positions based on operational requirements enables accurate control precision for both speed and self-center rotation functions.
3Ease of operation
If non-parallel wheel positioning is implemented, then maneuverability in tight spaces is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional actuators and drive frame adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators serve multiple functions: they position the drive frame portions to achieve non-parallel wheel positioning for tight space maneuvering, and simultaneously enable self-center rotation and speed control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved maneuverability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If synchronized wheel rotation is implemented, then parking and self-center rotation capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases due to drive assembly and actuator requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly and actuators are designed to combine multiple functions: they control wheel positioning for non-parallel orientation, enable synchronized rotation for parking and self-centering, and regulate rotation speed. By merging these functions into a single integrated system rather than using separate mechanisms, the patent limits the increase in device complexity while achieving improved adaptability for parking and self-center rotation.
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 synchronized and instantaneous turning directions, improving maneuverability and control in tight spaces by ensuring all wheels rotate in the same direction, enhancing parking and self-center rotation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
each wheel assembly having a suspension system having a coil spring extending between each wheel assembly and the base
Implementation Method 2
each wheel assembly having an electric rotary slip ring positioned on the fluid swivel joint, the electric rotary slip ring being configured for housing wires extending from the power source
Implementation Method 3
at least the first portion and at least the second portion of the drive frame are connected to one or more actuators, whereby the one or more actuators are configured to adjust at least a position of the first and second portions relative to each other
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present application provides a simultaneous maneuvering system for vehicles (100a) comprising a base (105), a plurality of wheel assemblies (140) mounted on the base (105) and each of the wheel assembly having at least one wheel (147) rotatably mounted to the base (105), a plurality of steering rotors (125) rotatably relative to the base (105) and mounted to the corresponding wheel assembly (140) respectively, and a drive assembly (130) which comprises a drive frame (132) hinged coupled to each of the steering rotors (125) and at least one power unit (135). Operation of the drive assembly (130) causes simultaneous rotation of the rotors and, thereby, positions the wheel (147) of each corresponding wheel assembly (140) in a desired direction.