Universal Rotating Module With Hemispherical Casings and Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotating modules deviate from their path and can turn over when changing direction due to uneven distribution of gravity and normal force, leading to collisions and deformation, and are difficult to assemble and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A universal rotating module design featuring a main body with perpendicular axes for rotation, hemispherical casings, and rollers that allow movement in any direction without deviation, using quick release components for easy assembly and disassembly, and soft materials to reduce noise, enabling obstacle climbing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rolling wheel axis and fixing base axis do not coincide in the same vertical line, then the rotating module can rotate and change motion direction, but it deviates from the predetermined path and collides with nearby articles when changing direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion direction change capabilityVSAvoidpath accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating module is divided into multiple independent rotation components: a first rotating component (rolling wheel) that rotates around a first axis, and a second rotating component (fixing base) that rotates around a second axis. These segments can rotate independently around different axes, allowing the module to change motion direction without deviation by coordinating the rotation of each segment rather than relying on a single offset axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the rotating module changes motion direction with offset axes, then it can rotate, but it turns over and deforms when changing direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The gravity of the universal rotating module and the normal force from the ground are designed to pass through the same point, creating a balanced force system. This counteracts the tendency to turn over during direction changes, maintaining structural stability while allowing rotation around multiple axes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Strength

If conventional rotating module components are fixed together, then it provides structural integrity, but it is difficult to assemble and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly and maintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating module is designed as a modular system with distinct components (main body, hemispherical casings, rollers, bearings) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Quick release components enable rapid connection and separation of parts, facilitating maintenance and repair while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The module incorporates movable and adjustable components such as rollers that can pivot and hemispherical casings that can rotate independently. These dynamic elements allow the structure to adapt during operation while maintaining strength, and their modular nature enables easy replacement during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 module maintains a predetermined path without deviation, prevents turning over, reduces noise, and facilitates rapid assembly and maintenance, while allowing smooth movement and obstacle navigation.

Implementation Method 1

a main shaft passing through the through groove to pivotally connected to the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivotal connection: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

two bearings sleeved on and pivotally connected to the second portions along the second direction, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 3

two rollers pivotally connected to the second portions along a third direction, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 4

Since the gravity of universal rotating module and the normal force from the ground pass through the same point, the universal rotating module may not deviate from its predetermined path and turn over to be deformed when changing the motion direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9884513B2Universal rotating module

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A universal rotating module is provided. The universal rotating module comprises a main body including a first portion and two second portions; a main shaft passing through the through groove to pivotally connected to the main body; two bearings sleeved on and pivotally connected to the second portions along the second direction, respectively; two rollers pivotally connected to the second portions along a third direction, respectively; two hemispherical casings fixed to the two bearings, respectively. The first portion includes a through groove extending along a first direction, and the two second portions protrude from opposite sides of the first portion along a second direction, respectively. Each of the hemispherical casing includes a through hole at the top, and a portion of each of the rollers is exposed out of the corresponding through hole.