Wheel Assembly With Overlapping Axes for Terrain-Adaptive Posture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel assemblies have limited movement range and posture flexibility due to non-overlapping main and variable rotation axes, restricting their ability to adapt to various environments and terrains.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly design where the main rotation part, power transmitting part, and variable rotation part are configured to overlap or space apart, allowing for a sufficient movement range and independent control of the main and variable rotation axes, enabling various postures and improved terrain adaptability through a Schmidt coupling scheme and independent driving mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the variable rotation axis and main rotation axis are spaced apart and do not overlap, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the movement range of the variable rotation body is restricted and posture flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where the variable rotation axis can overlap with the main rotation axis at certain positions and be spaced apart at other positions during the rotation cycle. This dynamic arrangement allows the mechanism to achieve full 360-degree rotation capability while maintaining structural feasibility, resolving the contradiction between posture flexibility and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a variable rotation body as an intermediary component between the main rotation body and the execution mechanism. This intermediary allows the transmission of rotational motion while enabling the axis to transition between overlapping and spaced-apart configurations, thereby achieving both structural simplicity and posture flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the variable rotation body is restricted to move only in an area around the main rotation axis, then the structure is more stable, but the movement range is insufficient and various postures cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic axis configuration where the variable rotation axis transitions between overlapping and spaced-apart states relative to the main rotation axis. This dynamic approach enables the variable rotation body to achieve a full 360-degree movement range while maintaining structural stability through controlled positional changes rather than unrestricted movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent driving mechanisms are added to control both main and variable rotation axes, then posture flexibility and terrain adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the variable rotation body to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a power transmission element and a posture adjustment mechanism. By integrating these functions into a single component, the system achieves terrain adaptability through independent control of rotation axes without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the variable rotation axis can independently adjust its position relative to the main rotation axis. This dynamic control capability enables the system to adapt to various terrains and postures while using a unified mechanical structure rather than separate complex control systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wheel assembly including a main rotation part that is to be rotated about a first rotation axis, a power transmitting part that receives power from the main rotation part, and a variable rotation part that receives a rotational force from the power transmitting part to be rotated about a second rotation axis when the main rotation part is rotated, and to be moved relative to the main rotation part such that the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis overlap each other or are spaced apart from each other.