Wind-Up Model Car Steering Gear for Switchable Travel Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing model cars are limited to straight or circular tracks, lacking the ability to navigate multiple paths, particularly curved lines, and do not simulate real-world driving scenarios effectively.
Innovation Solution
A model car design with steerable wheels, a tensionable spring mechanism, and a coupling/decoupling mechanism that allows switching between straight and curved paths, enabling dynamic cornering and variable path radii.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steering gear and deflection mechanism are added to enable curved paths, then path versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering gear and deflection mechanism into an integrated system where the spring mechanism simultaneously provides both steering function and path deflection. The coupling/decoupling mechanism merges these functions by selectively connecting the spring mechanism to either the steering gear or the deflection mechanism, allowing one system to perform multiple path-related functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can drive the wheels for propulsion, steer the steerable wheels through the steering gear, and create curved paths through the deflection mechanism. The coupling/decoupling mechanism enables this multi-functionality by allowing the spring mechanism to be selectively connected to different components based on the desired path type.
2Ease of operation
If coupling/decoupling mechanism is added to switch between paths, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling/decoupling mechanism provides dynamic reconfigurability by allowing the model car to switch between different operational modes (straight path, curved path, S-shaped path) during operation. The mechanism can be actuated to couple the spring mechanism to the steering gear for straight-line driving or to the deflection mechanism for curved paths, enabling real-time adaptation to different driving scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If steerable wheels with steering gear are implemented, then adaptability to different paths is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering system into distinct components: the steering gear for wheel articulation, the deflection mechanism for path curvature, and the coupling/decoupling mechanism for mode switching. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and adjusted independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic steering system.
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 the model car to traverse straight and curved paths, including S-shaped and 8-shaped paths, providing a more realistic driving experience and flexibility in operation.
Implementation Method 1
a tensionable spring mechanism in a rotary connection to at least one of said wheels for driving said at least one wheel, wherein the energy stored in said tensioned spring mechanism is used to drive said at least one drivable wheel and to propel said model car
Implementation Method 2
a deflection mechanism which is operatively connected to the spring mechanism in such a way that part of the energy stored in the tensioned spring mechanism is used to steer the at least one steerable wheel during propulsion of the model car
Data Source
AI summary
A model car has a car chassis having at least three wheels, a steerable wheel and a steering gear, a spring mechanism that stores energy used to steer the steerable wheel, and a coupling/decoupling mechanism arranged between the spring mechanism and the steering gear. The steering gear has an input gear wheel connected to the spring mechanism, an output gear wheel connected to the steerable wheel, and two intermediate gear wheel paths each comprising an intermediate gear wheel providing an connection between the input and output gear wheels on alternative intermediate gear wheel paths, and the input gear wheel is movable by the coupling/decoupling mechanism to mesh with at least two of the intermediate gear wheels.