Trace Sensor Wheel Linear Drive for NBC Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection vehicles for nuclear, biological, and chemical contamination face issues with heavy complex gear technology, precise positioning requirements, and non-variable installation height, limiting adaptability and increasing weight and costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lightweight linear drive and resilient elements into the detection device to simplify operation, enable adaptability to different vehicle designs, and ensure consistent contact pressure and ground integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex gear mechanism is used to position tracker wheels, then positioning precision is improved, but device weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidgear mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex gear mechanism with a linearly movable drive unit that translates along the tracker arm. This substitution eliminates the need for intricate gear systems while achieving precise positioning through the linear drive's controlled movement, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is divided into modular components: tracker arms, drive units, and sensor assemblies. Each tracker arm with its linear drive operates independently, allowing simplified individual positioning without requiring complex interlinked gear mechanisms, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If complex gear mechanism is used to position tracker wheels, then positioning precision is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddetection device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The linear drive system replaces heavy gear mechanisms, significantly reducing the weight of the detection device. The linear actuator and movable drive unit are substantially lighter than equivalent gear systems, achieving the same positioning precision with minimal weight penalty

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive unit is designed to be movable along the tracker arm rather than fixed, allowing dynamic positioning. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for heavy stationary gear mechanisms while maintaining positioning precision through controlled linear movement, thereby reducing overall device weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed installation height is used on vehicle, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different vehicles decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvehicle adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tracker arms are designed with adjustable lengths and movable attachment points on the vehicle. This dynamic configurability allows the detection device to adapt to different vehicle heights and designs while maintaining structural stability through proper mechanical support and grounding during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed as a universal system that can be mounted on various vehicle types with different heights. The adjustable tracker arm configuration and movable drive units enable the same device to function effectively across multiple vehicle platforms, achieving both adaptability and structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If tracker wheels are manually changed, then cost is reduced, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device incorporates automatic functions for tracker wheel operation. The linear drive system automatically positions and replaces tracker wheels based on detection needs, eliminating manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through automated decision-making algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution reduces weight and costs, allows for variable attachment points, and improves integration by enabling easier adaptation to various vehicle heights and designs, while maintaining effective contamination detection.

Implementation Method 1

each tracker arm (11, 12) being fitted with a resilient element (8, 9) to compensate for uneven ground or to achieve the necessary contact pressure on the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2251667B1Trace sensor wheel for warfare agents
Publication Date: 2014.01.01 RHEINMETALL LANDSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP2251667B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The detector (1) has a housing (10), and track wheels (2, 3) that are arranged in the housing and fastened to track arms (11, 12). A linear drive (4) is connected with linear guides (14, 15), where lifting and lowering of the track wheels takes places along the linear guides. The linear guides comprise lateral limitations, and spring elements (8, 9) are connected to the track arms. A sensor is arranged in the housing, where the track wheels are guided on the sensor.