Transformable Wheel Module for Stair and Step Traversal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheels struggle to efficiently navigate obstacles such as stairs and steps without increasing their diameter, necessitating innovative shape-changing designs.
Innovation Solution
A transformable wheel module with a mode switching unit that includes rotary links, connecting links, and driving motors to switch between a coupled ring shape for rolling and a separated configuration for obstacle traversal, allowing the lobes to sequentially contact the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel diameter is increased to overcome obstacles, then the obstacle-crossing capability is improved, but the efficiency of rolling on flat terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel module dynamically changes its configuration between a coupled ring shape for efficient rolling on flat surfaces and a separated lobe configuration for overcoming obstacles. The lobes can be rotated and positioned independently to adapt to different terrain conditions, allowing the system to optimize performance for each specific task rather than being fixed at a single diameter size
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel is divided into multiple independent lobe units that can be coupled together to form a ring shape or separated individually. Each lobe can be independently controlled to contact the ground sequentially when overcoming obstacles, while maintaining the ability to couple together for efficient rolling motion on flat terrain
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel shape is transformed to overcome obstacles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same lobe structure serves multiple functions: when coupled in a ring configuration, the lobes collectively form a wheel for rolling on flat terrain; when separated and positioned individually, each lobe acts as an independent climbing element for overcoming obstacles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different terrain types
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel module uses dynamic reconfiguration of the lobe positions and coupling states to achieve shape transformation. The mode switching unit dynamically adjusts the configuration based on terrain detection, allowing the same physical components to serve different functional purposes without requiring entirely separate mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A transformable wheel module is disclosed. The transformable wheel module comprises: a plurality of lobes; and a mode switching unit for switching modes between a first traveling mode in which the lobes are coupled in a ring shape and a second traveling mode in which the lobes are separated from each other, wherein the mode switching unit can include: a first rotary link; a second rotary link positioned on the same rotational axis as the first rotary link; a plurality of first connecting links for individually connecting the first rotary link and the lobes; a plurality of second connecting links for individually connecting the second rotary link and the lobes; a first driving motor for rotating the first rotary link; and a second driving motor for rotating the second rotary link.