TransfoRim



What is the future of wheels?
A real time terrain adaptive wheel that transforms shapes depending on the surface it is travelling on.  Applications  
  • Wheelchair accessibilty
  • Millitary  applications
  • Exploration of undiscovered areas
  • Space explorationion 
 Features
  • Realtime adaptation to terrain
  • Made from Carbon fiber
  • 3d  printed custom  parts




Shape Changing wheel mechanismWheel is one of the first products to be ever designed which is what piqued my interest in it. It went through its different updates over different time period, what stayed constant was its original design concept making it a classic and successful design. 

Then arose the question, whats next for wheels? what is the future of wheels? This is the question I worked on for 9 months. 
It started with identifying the problem areas which we the following-
- Restriction in area of use
- It is costly to make individually specialised wheel for every terrain
- It takes time to develop and implement the specialised wheel as and when the terrain changes

To tackle the problems I went through lots of reseaching, ideating and prototyping to end up with a shape changing wheel mechanism which consists of 2 structures from different walks of life in which I found the inspiration to solve these problems.

Structure 1

Structure 2

Inspiration - Hoberman Sphere ToyInspiration - Lock Mechanism of bank safe/ lockers
This expanding and contracting structure is a simple solution that provides flexibility as well as sturdity which is what I need in my design for the new wheel. The hoberman sphere was discovered and patented by Chuck Hoberman, this geodesic structure has been used in multiple products such as toys, architecture, furniture etc. 
The final mockup was made by laser cutting mdf to make individual arms that bend at 105’ angle. 12 pairs of arms were hinged together by the 3D printed carbon fiber joints which kept the structure exactly intact in the places required as well as provided smooth expanding and contracting movement of the hoberman structure.

Features of this structure:-
1. This part of the wheel design provides grip on uneven and rocky terrain, the adjustible spikes expanding and contracting exactly enough to grip on and force the wheel forward.
2. Providing sturdity while halting on a smooth surface.
3. Its structure and making prevent gravel and other waste articles from getting stuck in the wheel providing a smoother journey.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This expanding and contracting structure is the other half of the wheel mechanism that provides smooth uninterrupted movement to the wheel mechanism. This self locking mechanism is a part of our long standing knowledge bank of mechanical engineering and is mentioned in the 507 Mechanical Movements published in 1868.

The final mockup is 3D printed in carbon fiber. All parts were segregated and printed individually depending on their structural stability. Bearings were used to make the movement smoother and reduce friction.

Features of this structure:-
1. This part of the wheel design provides smooth gliding movement on even terrain, the consecutive arcs forming a circle helps reduce friction and further the movement of the wheel in montion.
2. It is situated in the middle of 2 layers of structure 1 and acts as the backbone of the design giving it an axis.
3. It houses the motors and controls of both the structure at its centre base.
Introducing, TransfoRim....

Sound on, Full screen please



During this project...

Fields Researched

Mechanical Engineering
Robotics
Transformation Design
Physics
Material Exploration

Software  Skills


Rhino
Photoshop
Illustrator
Pololu Tic Stepper motor controller
Arduino Board coding
Miro Board

Physical Skllls


3D printing
Laser  Cutting ( CNC Laser)
Wood Work
Metal Work
Rapid Prototyping
Sketching , Technical Drawing