Tilting Suspension for Robotic Platform Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional robotic platforms with power or brake assemblies located within the wheel circumference face issues such as exposure to harsh environments, limited maneuverability due to entanglement of electrical wires, increased risk of damage from impacts, and difficulty navigating uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a robotic platform with a tilting suspension system, where the power assembly is positioned distally from the wheel, allowing 360-degree rotation without entanglement and incorporating a tilting suspension system to improve steering and driving capabilities, enabling traversal of difficult terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power assembly is positioned within the wheel circumference, then the structure is compact, but the power assembly is exposed to harsh environmental conditions and increased risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The power assembly is extracted from the wheel circumference and positioned distally therefrom. The drive shaft extends from the wheel axle to the power assembly, transmitting rotational force without requiring the power assembly to be located within the wheel. This extraction resolves the contradiction by protecting the power assembly from environmental exposure and impact damage while maintaining functional integration through the drive shaft connection.
2Volume of moving object
If the power assembly is positioned within the wheel circumference, then the structure is compact, but the wheel cannot rotate 360 degrees due to wire entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The power assembly is extracted from the wheel circumference and positioned distally therefrom. The drive shaft extends from the wheel axle to the power assembly, transmitting rotational force without requiring the power assembly to be located within the wheel. This extraction resolves the contradiction by protecting the power assembly from environmental exposure and impact damage while maintaining functional integration through the drive shaft connection.
3Device complexity
If traditional caster wheels are used, then the structure is simple, but the robot cannot navigate uneven terrain and may tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates movable platforms that can independently adjust their position and orientation in response to terrain variations. The platforms are coupled to the chassis through suspension mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to uneven surfaces, preventing the robot from tipping over while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic capability enables the robot to navigate difficult terrain without requiring excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic platform may include left and right platforms, a base platform, wheel assemblies, and a tilting suspension. The tilting suspension may include a tilt shaft coupled to the base platform, a crank, suspension arms, and a tilt assembly. The tilt shaft may extend along a substantially vertical tilt axis. The crank may extend substantially perpendicular to the tilt axis and may be coupled to the tilt shaft such that the crank at least partially rotates about the tilt axis along with the tilt shaft. The suspension arms may extend from the crank to the left and right platforms such that rotation of the crank about the tilt axis controls the tilt of the platforms. The tilt assembly may control rotation of the tilt shaft about the tilt axis to control the tilt of the left and right platforms. Various other systems are also disclosed.