There are certain aspects of traditional wheel systems that can become complications or issues. For example, with cars, some drivers find it difficult to parallel park due to it requiring multiple position adjustments. In narrow spaces, a vehicle with traditional wheel systems must make a multi-point turn to drive forward in the opposite direction. This can be rather inconvenient at times or not possible if the space is too narrow. Issues like these gave way to the concept of a vehicle with a spherical wheel system.
The aim of the Spherical Wheeled Vehicle is to build a vehicle that utilizes spherical wheels to achieve simultaneous rotational and translational movement in any direction. This vehicle will have much better maneuverability over traditional wheel systems, allowing for direct lateral movement as opposed to only achieving lateral movement from rotation. If applied to cars, this would address the issue of parallel parking, simplifying the process. Additionally, spherical wheel systems should allow for higher allowable turning speeds and smaller turning radii, making sharp turns easier to navigate.
There are several specifications of the vehicle that are required if the system is to be applicable to current systems in use. The most important specifications are full control of the wheels, traction of the wheels, and the balance of the vehicle. These three specifications are necessary for the vehicle to move as the system is intended to. Since the vehicle is being designed on a small scale, several other features have been planned. The vehicle will be remote-controlled, which stems from the requirement that there be full control of the wheels. The vehicle is also going to have autonomous collision avoidance using distance sensors.
The most difficult and important aspect of the design of the vehicle is the drive mechanism for the spherical wheels. Several concepts have been generated, one of which has been selected. The selected concept involves using motors to drive a belt that is in constant contact with the wheels, which rotates the wheels through friction. Although the general idea is there, the physical implementation of the system is still being designed. To help approach this issue, examples of similar systems are being examined.
The project itself is divided into several components which have been assigned to different members among the project team. There is the mechanical system, which includes the aforementioned drive mechanism, the electrical system, the graphical user interface, and the software for controlling the vehicle. Separating the project into components will allow various parts of the vehicle to be worked on simultaneously to ensure milestones and deadlines are met.
The aim of the Spherical Wheeled Vehicle is to build a vehicle that utilizes spherical wheels to achieve simultaneous rotational and translational movement in any direction. This vehicle will have much better maneuverability over traditional wheel systems, allowing for direct lateral movement as opposed to only achieving lateral movement from rotation. If applied to cars, this would address the issue of parallel parking, simplifying the process. Additionally, spherical wheel systems should allow for higher allowable turning speeds and smaller turning radii, making sharp turns easier to navigate.
There are several specifications of the vehicle that are required if the system is to be applicable to current systems in use. The most important specifications are full control of the wheels, traction of the wheels, and the balance of the vehicle. These three specifications are necessary for the vehicle to move as the system is intended to. Since the vehicle is being designed on a small scale, several other features have been planned. The vehicle will be remote-controlled, which stems from the requirement that there be full control of the wheels. The vehicle is also going to have autonomous collision avoidance using distance sensors.
The most difficult and important aspect of the design of the vehicle is the drive mechanism for the spherical wheels. Several concepts have been generated, one of which has been selected. The selected concept involves using motors to drive a belt that is in constant contact with the wheels, which rotates the wheels through friction. Although the general idea is there, the physical implementation of the system is still being designed. To help approach this issue, examples of similar systems are being examined.
The project itself is divided into several components which have been assigned to different members among the project team. There is the mechanical system, which includes the aforementioned drive mechanism, the electrical system, the graphical user interface, and the software for controlling the vehicle. Separating the project into components will allow various parts of the vehicle to be worked on simultaneously to ensure milestones and deadlines are met.