Wheel-Integrated Trolley Stabilization for Precise Robot Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trolley stabilization systems occupy excessive floor space, leading to cumbersome operations and instability of robots, limiting movement and precision in surgical environments.

Innovation Solution

A trolley with an integrated stabilization system that includes wheel assemblies, stabilizer cartridges, and actuator modules, allowing for three positions: free movement, braking, and stabilization, minimizing space usage and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilization system is installed on a trolley, then the stability of the robot on the trolley is improved, but the floor space occupied by the system increases making operations cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of the robotVSAvoidfloor space occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is merged with the wheel assemblies by integrating stabilizer cartridges that extend from the wheel assembly housings. The actuator modules are combined with the wheel assembly structures, allowing the stabilization function to be achieved without adding separate external stabilization components that would occupy additional floor space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer cartridges are nested within the wheel assembly housings when retracted, and the actuators are integrated within the stabilizer cartridge structures. This nesting arrangement allows the stabilization system to be compact when not in use, minimizing the floor space occupied while maintaining full stabilization capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilization system is installed on a trolley, then the stability of the robot on the trolley is improved, but the space on the underside of the trolley is reduced making wheel placement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of the robotVSAvoidspace on underside of trolley

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system components (stabilizer cartridges and actuators) are merged with the wheel assembly structures themselves. The stabilizer cartridges are positioned within the wheel assembly housings, and the actuators are integrated into these same housings, eliminating the need for separate space allocations for stabilization components on the underside of the trolley.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel assembly housings serve multiple functions: they house the wheels, provide structural support, and contain the stabilization system components (stabilizer cartridges and actuators). This multi-functionality allows the wheel assembly structures to accommodate stabilization components without requiring additional space on the underside of the trolley.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the stabilization system contacts the floor, then the trolley is stabilized, but the movement of the trolley is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization of the trolleyVSAvoidmovement of the trolley

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer cartridges are designed to dynamically extend and retract based on operational needs. When movement is required, the cartridges retract away from the floor, allowing free trolley movement. When stabilization is needed, the cartridges extend to contact the floor and provide stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator modules automatically control the extension and retraction of the stabilizer cartridges based on detected operational conditions. The system self-adjusts between movement and stabilization modes without requiring manual intervention, optimizing both ease of operation and stability as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4338697B1Trolley integrated stabilization system combined with wheels

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 ORTHOSOFT ULC

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AI summary

A trolley (100) can be configured to maneuver an implement around a floor. The trolley (100) can include a frame (102) that can be configured to attach to the implement and a first wheel assembly (104) that can be attached to the frame opposite the implement. A second wheel assembly (104) can be attached to the frame opposite the implement. The first and second wheel assemblies (104) can have a hollow center shaft (112). A first stabilizer cartridge (106) can be inserted into the hollow center shaft (112) of the first wheel assembly. A second stabilizer cartridge (106) can be inserted into the hollow center shaft (112) of the second wheel assembly. An actuator module can be attached to the frame and the first and second stabilizer cartridges. The actuator module (108) can move the first and second stabilizer cartridges (106) within the hollow center shaft (112) of the first and second wheel assemblies, respectively.