Compact Wheel Lock Mechanism for Beach Cleaning Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel lock mechanisms are bulky and unsuitable for compact designs required in beach cleaning machines, as they are affected by sand and lack compactness, and existing mechanisms are not effective in differential-less systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact wheel lock mechanism using a disc member and slide member integrated within the wheel rim, with a lock pin and urging members to facilitate easy locking and unlocking, allowing the mechanism to be housed within the wheel rim, thus avoiding sand interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional wheel lock mechanism is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the mechanism becomes heavy and large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel lock mechanism is nested within the wheel rim structure. The disc member is positioned inside the rim portion, and the slide member moves within the same internal space. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the existing wheel structure without adding external components, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel lock mechanism merges the disc member, slide member, lock pin, and urging member into a single integrated assembly that operates within the wheel rim. By combining these components into one compact unit rather than separate mechanisms, the overall weight and size are reduced while achieving reliable wheel locking and unlocking functionality.
2Reliability
If a conventional wheel lock mechanism is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the mechanism cannot be compactly arranged and is affected by sand
Solution Approach 1:
The entire wheel lock mechanism including the disc member, slide member, lock pin, and urging member is nested within the enclosed space of the wheel rim. This internal positioning creates a protected environment that shields the mechanism from external sand particles, preventing sand interference while maintaining full locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel rim structure, which would normally be just a structural component, is utilized as a protective enclosure for the wheel lock mechanism. By placing the mechanism inside the rim, the rim serves dual purposes: structural support and sand protection, converting the wheel rim from a simple structural element into a protective barrier against harmful sand particles.
3Ease of operation
If the wheel lock mechanism is placed outside the wheel rim, then it is accessible, but it becomes exposed to sand and cannot be compactly arranged
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel rim acts as an intermediary structure that provides both protection and access. The mechanism is positioned inside the rim for protection, while the rim itself serves as the interface for operation. The slide member moves within the rim's internal space, and the lock pin engages with the disc member through the rim's structure, allowing accessibility while maintaining protection from sand.
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 mechanism enables compact and efficient operation by allowing automatic locking and unlocking, enhancing the vehicle's ability to navigate sandy surfaces without being hindered by sand, while maintaining a lightweight and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
there may be provided an urging member (207) that urges the lock pin (204) to the disc member (202)
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a work vehicle having a wheel lock mechanism that is compactly disposed while avoiding an effect of surrounding sand. A wheel lock mechanism 201 has a disc portion 202 rotating integrally with a wheel 53 inside a rim portion 56A of the wheel 53, and a slide member 20X that is movable in the axial direction of the wheel 52 so as to be freely engageable with the disc portion 202 inside the rim portion 56A and rotates integrally with the axle 52.