Wheel Receiving Module With Linear Guides for Precise Wheel Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driverless transport systems in the motor vehicle industry face challenges in achieving precise and automated positioning of wheels for assembly, requiring manual intervention and lacking in secure and force-free positioning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an add-on module with a base plate, linear guides, and a wheel receiving unit, allowing for precise positioning and self-centering of wheels, enabled by a system of interconnected linear guides and a counterweight, along with contactless power transmission and automated control, facilitating automatic wheel placement and secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual positioning of wheels is used, then flexibility is maintained, but positioning precision and automation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated linear guide system. The linear guides (first, second, and third linear guides) enable automated, precise positioning of the wheel receiving unit along defined axes, eliminating the need for manual intervention while achieving millimeter-level positioning precision through mechanical guidance systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel receiving unit is designed with self-centering capability through the concave receiving surface, which automatically centers the wheel without external intervention. The system performs its own positioning adjustment through the interaction of the linear guides and the wheel's geometry, reducing the need for external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If secure fastening of wheels is implemented, then reliability is improved, but operational flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static, permanently fixed wheel mounting system to a dynamic, adjustable system. The linear guides enable the wheel receiving unit to move along the longitudinal and transverse axes, allowing the wheel to be positioned precisely and securely fastened at different locations while maintaining ease of adjustment through the guided motion system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If force-free positioning is achieved, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning effortVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a counterweight system that balances the weight of the wheel and receiving unit, enabling force-free or minimal-force positioning. The counterweight offsets gravitational forces, allowing the wheel receiving unit to be moved easily along the linear guides without requiring significant operational effort to overcome gravity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

Enables fully automatic, precise positioning of wheels with centimeter-level accuracy, reducing manual labor and ensuring secure attachment, while allowing for contactless power transmission and force-free operation, enhancing the automation and safety of intralogistical transport processes.

Implementation Method 1

the mobile part has a secondary winding on its underside for the contactless transmission of electrical power from an elongated primary conductor laid on the floor, i.e. on the travel plane, to the secondary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the wheel receiving unit has a particularly concave receiving surface for a wheel. The advantage here is that self-centering is possible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3938221B1Movable device with at least one top-part module
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3938221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3938221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3938221B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile part with at least one attachment module arranged on the upper face of the mobile part, wherein the attachment module has a base (1) and a wheel*** receiving unit (4). A first linear guide (6) is arranged on the base, and a second linear guide (2) is movably arranged relative to the first linear guide. The wheel receiving unit is movably arranged via a third linear guide (3) which is movably arranged relative to the second linear guide, and each of the linear guides forms a non-evanescent angle relative to each of the other linear guides, in particular a right angle.