Link-Driven Wheel Pressure Adjustment for Mobile Drive Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units for mobile objects face challenges in maintaining optimal wheel pressure, as it is either insufficient for lightweight objects leading to wheel floating or excessive for heavier objects causing spinning, due to the fixed setting of the pressure-receiving spring member.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit with a link mechanism and operating member that adjusts wheel pressure based on the object's weight by varying the human drive force input, allowing the upper and lower units to move apart and apply pressure on the drive wheel, increasing or decreasing pressure accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure-receiving spring member is set to provide sufficient wheel pressure for lightweight mobile objects, then wheel floating is prevented, but for heavy mobile objects the wheel pressure becomes excessive causing drive wheel spinning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed spring member with a link mechanism that dynamically adjusts wheel pressure based on the mobile object's weight. The link mechanism includes movable links and joints that allow the degree of separation between upper and lower units to change according to the pulling force applied, enabling automatic adaptation to different weight conditions without manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the wheel pressure variable rather than fixed. The link mechanism changes the pressure parameter in response to the mobile object's weight - when the object is heavier, the mechanism allows greater separation and increased pressure, and when lighter, it maintains appropriate pressure levels, thus adapting the pressure parameter to match different operating conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the spring member setting is optimized for lightweight mobile objects, then wheel floating is prevented, but drive wheel spinning occurs when the mobile object is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism provides dynamic adjustment of wheel pressure based on the actual load. When a heavy mobile object is attached, the increased weight causes greater separation between the upper and lower units through the link mechanism, automatically increasing the wheel pressure to prevent spinning. Conversely, for lightweight objects, the mechanism maintains appropriate pressure to prevent floating, thus dynamically eliminating both harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism operates autonomously to self-adjust the wheel pressure based on the mobile object's weight without external intervention. The mechanism uses the force applied when attaching the mobile object to automatically determine the appropriate pressure level, making the system self-regulating and eliminating both wheel floating and spinning through its inherent mechanical response.
3Device complexity
If a fixed spring member is used to apply wheel pressure, then the structure is simple, but the wheel pressure cannot be adjusted according to the mobile object's weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static spring member with a dynamic link mechanism that maintains structural simplicity while enabling weight adaptability. The link mechanism uses basic mechanical elements (links, joints, and urging members) arranged in a straightforward configuration that automatically adjusts wheel pressure based on the mobile object's weight, achieving adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 dynamic adjustment of wheel pressure in response to the mobile object's weight, ensuring effective traction whether the object is lightweight or heavy, preventing wheel floating or spinning.
Implementation Method 1
The link mechanism includes a first link, a second link, and a first joint. The first link is pivotably attached to the upper unit. The first link extends from the upper unit both downward and in a second direction that is oriented opposite to the first direction. The second link is pivotably attached to the lower unit. The second link extends from the lower unit both upward and in the second direction. The first joint connects the first and second links therethrough to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit as disclosed is capable of changing the magnitude of a wheel pressure acting on a drive wheel in accordance with the weight of a mobile object. A link mechanism includes a first link, a second link, and a first joint. The first link is pivotably attached to an upper unit. The first link extends from the upper unit both downward and in a second direction that is oriented opposite to a first direction. The second link is pivotably attached to a lower unit. The second link extends from the lower unit both upward and in the second direction. The first joint connects the first and second links therethrough to each other. An operating member is configured to move the first joint in the first direction when a human drive force is inputted thereto in the first direction.