Variable-Rate Resilient Wheel Assembly for Stable Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel assemblies for multi-wheel vehicles face challenges in maintaining consistent traction and limiting force transmission to the vehicle platform, while also being cost-effective and efficient in automated warehouse environments.

Innovation Solution

A wheel design featuring an inner hub, an outer rim, and a plurality of resilient elements with a dual spring constant system, where the elements exhibit a first spring constant for initial deflection and a higher second spring constant when compressed beyond a threshold, providing radial compliance without compromising lateral stiffness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rigid wheel assemblies are used, then structural strength is maintained, but traction consistency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to surface variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction consistencyVSAvoidwheel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is segmented into multiple resilient elements (springs) arranged radially between the hub and rim, allowing each element to independently deflect and adapt to surface variations while maintaining overall wheel integrity and consistent traction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient elements change their mechanical parameters (deflection, force distribution) in response to varying loads and surface conditions, enabling the wheel to adapt its characteristics dynamically without changing its physical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If rigid linkage between wheel and vehicle platform is used, then force transmission efficiency is improved, but vibration transmission to platform increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmission efficiencyVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Resilient elements serve as intermediary components between the wheel rim and vehicle platform, providing a compliant interface that transmits necessary forces while filtering out harmful vibrations and shocks through elastic deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient elements dynamically adjust their stiffness characteristics based on operating conditions, providing sufficient rigidity for force transmission during normal operation while increasing compliance to isolate vibrations during shock events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vehicle speed is reduced to dampen vibrations, then force isolation is improved, but operating efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce isolationVSAvoidoperating efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient wheel assembly automatically provides vibration dampening through its elastic properties without requiring active control or speed reduction, enabling the vehicle to maintain optimal operating speed while still isolating harmful forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If multiple resilient elements are added to improve traction, then contact consistency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel uses a segmented arrangement of multiple resilient elements that can be manufactured as individual components and assembled into the wheel structure, achieving improved contact consistency through modular design that facilitates standardized production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing traction, isolating vibrations, supporting vehicle weight, and accommodating surface variations, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components and lowering overall manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 wheel design maintains consistent traction and limits force transmission to the vehicle platform, while ensuring ride height stability under varying loads, and is cost-effective and efficient for use in automated warehouse environments.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of resilient elements extending in a generally radial direction between the inner hub and the outer rim

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

exhibit a first spring constant that is the same for all elements, and a second spring constant that is higher than the first spring constant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring constant: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250026145A1Systems and methods for providing wheels having variable spring rates

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A wheel is disclosed that includes an inner hub, an outer rim, and a plurality of resilient elements that exhibit a first spring constant that is the same for all elements, and a second spring constant that is higher than the first spring constant for elements being compressed beyond a threshold deflection.