Variable Geometry Chassis for Hybrid Vehicle Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles with wheeled and walking capabilities face challenges in navigating impassable terrains due to limitations in their locomotion modes, requiring additional support or functionality to overcome obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle with a variable geometry chassis and leg-wheel components that can reconfigure into different shapes (arch, flat, and tub configurations) and utilize rotational locking mechanisms to provide both wheeled and walking locomotion, allowing for adaptable terrain traversal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid vehicles use fixed chassis structure with single locomotion mode, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to diverse terrains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into multiple separable components including a main body component, bridge components, and end components that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the chassis to be reconfigured into different geometries (arch, flat, tub configurations) to adapt to various terrains while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure using rotational locking mechanisms that enable components to rotate and lock into different positions. This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to adapt its chassis geometry in real-time based on terrain requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid vehicles use single locomotion mode (wheeled or walking), then device complexity is reduced, but versatility in overcoming obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg-wheel components are designed as multi-functional elements that can operate in multiple modes: wheeled locomotion mode for efficient travel on suitable terrain, and walking locomotion mode for overcoming obstacles and rough terrain. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, increasing locomotion versatility without requiring entirely separate wheel and leg systems, thereby managing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid vehicles use variable geometry chassis with multiple configurations, then terrain traversal capability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational locking mechanisms provide dynamic reconfigurability while maintaining structural stability in each configured state. The mechanisms allow controlled transitions between configurations while ensuring that once a configuration is selected, the components are securely locked in place, providing the stability needed for safe operation in that particular geometry
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the chassis into discrete components connected by locking mechanisms, the design achieves both configurability and stability. Each component can be independently positioned and securely locked, ensuring that the overall structure maintains its integrity and stability in each configured state while allowing transitions between different stable configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle may comprise a variable geometry chassis and a plurality of leg-wheel components coupled to the variable geometry chassis. The plurality of leg-wheel components may be collectively operable to provide wheeled locomotion and walking locomotion. The variable geometry chassis may comprise a plurality of components. The plurality of components may comprise a main component, a plurality of bridge components, and a plurality of end components. The main component may be coupled to an end component of the plurality of end components via a bridge component of the plurality of bridge components. The variable geometry chassis may be configurable into one or more of an arch configuration, a flat configuration, and a tub configuration.