Tri-Wheel Cluster Stepping Mechanism for Personal Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transportation solutions, such as self-balancing devices and stair-walkers, fail to efficiently navigate varied terrains like curbs, steps, and gaps, and are often too bulky for easy storage or integration with other transport methods.
Innovation Solution
A device with a planar platform and two wheel clusters, each with three drive wheels in a triangular configuration, allowing independent control of each wheel and cluster for steering and navigating steps, and a platform that can rotate relative to the wheel clusters to manage terrain changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single axle self-balancing devices are used, then transportation over flat terrain is achieved, but the device is easily stopped by steps, curbs and other street furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the wheel system into two separate wheel clusters, each capable of independent rotation and steering. This segmentation allows each cluster to independently navigate obstacles like curbs and steps, preventing the entire device from being stopped by such terrain features.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel clusters are designed to rotate dynamically relative to the platform, enabling the device to adapt its configuration when encountering steps or curbs. The independent rotation capability allows the wheels to adjust their orientation to maintain contact with varying terrain surfaces.
2Duration of action of moving object
If self-balancing devices are used, then reasonable range is achieved, but the device is too heavy and bulky for easy stowage
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the device into a platform and two separate wheel clusters, the overall volume required for stowage is reduced. The segmented design allows components to be compactly arranged or potentially disassembled for storage in standard vehicle trunks or compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel clusters are designed to rotate out of the plane of the platform, utilizing the vertical dimension for storage. When not in use, the wheel clusters can be positioned vertically or folded against the platform, significantly reducing the horizontal stowage footprint.
3Stability of the object's composition
If two axle systems are used, then stability is improved, but the issue of changes in height at curbs, steps and gaps is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the stability of a two-axle configuration while adding dynamic rotation capability to each wheel cluster. This allows the device to preserve stability during normal operation while adapting to terrain changes by rotating the wheel clusters independently when encountering curbs or steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wheel cluster is equipped with independent rotation and steering capabilities, allowing local adaptation to terrain features. This localized flexibility enables the device to navigate height changes at specific locations without compromising the overall stability provided by the two-axle configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If stair-walker devices are used, then step climbing capability is achieved, but the device is too heavy and bulky for stowage
Solution Approach 1:
The stair-climbing functionality is integrated into the segmented wheel cluster design rather than requiring a separate heavy-duty stair-walker mechanism. Each wheel cluster can independently rotate and steer to navigate steps, achieving stair-climbing capability with a more compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves step climbing by changing the operational parameters of the wheel clusters - rotating them out of the platform plane and adjusting their orientation. This parameter-based approach to stair climbing avoids the need for bulky mechanical stair-climbing mechanisms.
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 smooth transportation over varied terrains, including curbs and stairs, while being compact enough for easy storage and integration with other transport solutions, providing a stable and efficient door-to-door service.
Implementation Method 1
powered in rotation relative to the platform... each is independently powered about its respective axis of rotation... by one or more electric motors housed in or on the platform or wheel clusters
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized device for transporting a human or inanimate payload. A platform is configured to accommodate the payload and a pair of wheel clusters are mounted to the platform at opposite ends thereof and are powered in rotation relative to the platform, for example by one or more electric motors housed in or on the platform or wheel clusters. Each of the two wheel clusters comprises three drive wheels arranged in a generally triangular and co-planar configuration, and each is independently powered about its respective axis of rotation by a hub-mounted electric motor. An electronic controller commands the motors powering the two wheel clusters and of each of the six drive wheels. The independent controllability of each wheel and of the wheel clusters relative to the platform allows the device to steer and to ascend and descend steps.