Transformable Wheel Drive Using One Motor for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving apparatuses with transformable wheels require multiple motors for maintaining traveling direction and mode change, leading to excessive costs and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus with transformable wheels using a single motor, incorporating a drive unit, power transmission, and mode switching unit to vary wheel diameter based on torque direction, allowing smooth traversal over rough terrain while maintaining direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to maintain traveling direction and enable mode change, then the driving apparatus can achieve both functions, but the cost and structural complexity increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of maintaining traveling direction and changing wheel mode into a single motor system. The mode switching unit is integrated with the drive unit, allowing one motor to perform both directional control and diameter transformation through a unified mechanical structure rather than separate motor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains traveling direction through the power transmission mechanism and simultaneously enables mode change through the mode switching unit that transforms the wheel diameter. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated motors for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to maintain traveling direction and enable mode change, then both functions can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple motor functions into a single drive unit, reducing component count and assembly requirements. This integration directly lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant motors and simplifying the production process while maintaining both directional control and mode transformation capabilities
3Device complexity
If a single motor is used for both direction maintenance and mode change, then structure is simplified and costs are reduced, but the motor must handle dual functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional requirements into distinct mechanical components: the power transmission mechanism handles direction maintenance while the mode switching unit handles diameter transformation. This segmentation allows a single motor to efficiently manage multiple functions through specialized sub-components rather than requiring one complex motor system
Data Source
AI summary
A driving apparatus having transformable wheels including: a drive unit generating forward/reverse torque; a wheel assembly traveling on the ground by receiving torque from the drive unit, the wheel assembly being variable in a diameter; a power transmission transmitting the forward/reverse torque generated by the drive unit to the wheel assembly in only one direction; and a mode switching unit changing the diameter of the wheel assembly depending on a rotation direction of the drive unit.