Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of rotating components capable of traversing over uneven surfaces. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a simple, compact, efficient, and cost-effective wheel assembly to traverse over an uneven surface/obstacle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The field of advanced mobility solutions encompasses mechanisms and devices designed to facilitate movement across various terrains, including staircases. These solutions often involve intricate mechanical systems that enable devices such as wheelchairs, robots, and other mobility aids to navigate steps and uneven surfaces. Applications of these technologies range from personal mobility aids to autonomous delivery systems and search and rescue robots.
[0003] In the realm of advanced mobility, the primary goal is to develop mechanisms that can efficiently and safely traverse staircases. This involves creating systems that can dynamically adjust to the varying heights and depths of stairs, ensuring stability and traction. The mechanisms must be adaptable, reliable, and easy to manufacture, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including personal mobility devices, service robots, and automated delivery systems.
[0004] Achieving efficient and safe stair navigation presents several challenges. Traditional stair-climbing solutions often suffer from bulkiness and complexity, making them difficult to implement and use. These systems may lack the necessary adaptability to handle different staircase dimensions, leading to instability and reduced traction. Additionally, the manufacturing process for such complex mechanisms can be costly and time-consuming, limiting their accessibility and widespread use.
[0005] It is known from prior art that various stair-climbing mechanisms exist, including those utilizing basic dynamic radius adjustment with fragment shafts and spiral cams. These systems provide some level of adaptability but often require manual intervention and lack precision in diameter adjustments. However, these traditional mechanisms tend to be bulky, complex, and challenging to manufacture, limiting their effectiveness and usability in real-world applications.
[0006] There is, thus, a need for mitigating the above-stated challenges by providing a wheel that is capable of automatically adjusting the wheel diameter, ensuring optimal stability and traction especially while traversing over uneven surfaces / obstacles or staircases.

OBJECTIVE OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] A general objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the problems associated with existing conventional wheels, by providing a simple, compact, efficient, and cost-effective wheel assembly to traverse over an uneven surface / obstacle.
[0008] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel that can automatically/dynamically adjust its diameter to traverse over various uneven surfaces / obstacles or staircases.
[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel that is capable to automatically calculate the required circumferential diameter of the wheel required for traversing over each obstacle / step of the staircase.
[0010] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel that has a circumference being split into smaller arcs which enables the wheel to traverse over various uneven surfaces / obstacles or staircases.

SUMMARY
[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to the field of rotating components capable of traversing over uneven surfaces. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a simple, compact, and efficient wheel to traverse over an uneven surface/obstacle.
[0012] According to an aspect, the proposed wheel includes a wheel hub, a plurality of arc fragments, a plurality of spokes, and a controller to traverse over an uneven surface / obstacle. The plurality of arc fragments defines circumference of the wheel. One end of at least one arc fragment is allowed to grip over the uneven surface / obstacle and climb above the uneven surface / obstacle upon rotation of the wheel.
[0013] Each of the plurality of spokes has a threaded portion at one end. The threaded portion is configured between the wheel hub from the threaded portion and each arc fragment. The threaded portion of each spoke is rotated to increase/decrease the length of the respective spoke. Each of the spoke increasing/decreasing along the length adjusts the circumferential diameter of the wheel enabling the wheel to traverse over the uneven surface / obstacle upon wheel rotation.
[0014] The controller is in communication with a sensor. The controller is configured to calculate required circumferential diameter of the wheel upon sensing one or more dimensions of the uneven surface / obstacle using the sensor, and actuate the plurality of spokes to rotate until the required circumferential diameter of the wheel is achieved. The controller rotates the wheel to enable the at least one arc fragment of the respective spoke to traverse/climb over the uneven surface / obstacle.
[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more dimensions of the uneven surface / obstacle may include height and depth of the uneven surface / obstacle.
[0016] In an embodiment, the plurality of arc fragments may be made of high-traction materials.
[0017] In an embodiment, the sensor may be a proximity sensor.
[0018] In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to calculate the required circumferential diameter of the wheel using a Pythagorean Theorem.
[0019] In an embodiment, the wheel may include an actuator configured for enabling the threaded portions of the plural of spokes to rotate away/towards the wheel hub.
[0020] In an embodiment, the actuator may be configured to lock in the rotating threaded portions within the wheel hub once the required circumferential diameter is achieved. The plurality of actuators may prevent undesired rotational movement of the threaded portions.
[0021] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spokes may include a shaft portion fixed to the threaded portion. The shaft portion may be configured on the respective arc fragment for providing structural support between the wheel hub and the plurality of spokes.
[0022] In an embodiment, the wheel may be configured on one or more devices. The one or more devices may be selected from a group including, but not limited to, a wheelchair, robotic vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), agricultural machinery, construction equipment, military vehicle, exploration rover, medical transport device, luggage, and cart.
[0023] In an embodiment, the wheel may be powered by a power source of the one or more devices. The power source may correspond to a battery.
[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a wheel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate schematic diagrams of the wheel with increasing circumferential diameter, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an arc fragment coupled to a spoke of the wheel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the wheel assembled to a wheelchair traversing a staircase, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0032] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.
[0033] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0034] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0035] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0036] Embodiments explained herein relate to a simple, compact, efficient, and cost-effective wheel that is capable of traversing over an uneven surface / obstacle.
[0037] According to an aspect, the proposed wheel, which when assembled to one or more devices like a wheelchair, robotic vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), agricultural machinery, construction equipment, military vehicle, exploration rover, medical transport device, luggage, and cart, efficiently traverses the device over uneven surface / obstacle, such as stairs. The wheel includes a wheel hub, a plurality of arc fragments, a plurality of spokes between the wheel hub and each of the plurality of arc fragments, and a controller.
[0038] Additionally, the plurality of arc fragments collectively defines the wheel’s circumference. These arc fragments are designed to grip over an obstacle and climb above it upon wheel rotation. The plurality of spokes adjusts the circumferential diameter of the wheel by a screw-type mechanism that allows for multi-level dynamic adjustments of the wheel diameter which enables the wheel to adapt precisely to various obstacle heights, ensuring optimal contact and stability.
[0039] Further, the controller, upon autonomously detecting the dimensions of the uneven surface / obstacle using a proximity sensor, calculates the required circumferential diameter of the wheel and actuates the plurality of spokes to achieve the necessary adjustments which maximizes traction and minimizes user intervention, enhancing the reliability of the wheel to traverse.
[0040] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 4, the wheel (hereinafter referred as “wheel 100”) includes a wheel hub 102, a plurality of arc fragments 104, a plurality of spokes 106 configured between the wheel hub 102 and each of the plurality of arc fragments 104, and a controller 108 to traverse over an uneven surface / obstacle as shown in FIG. 1. The wheel 100 when assembled on one or more devices like a wheelchair, robotic vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), agricultural machinery, construction equipment, military vehicle, exploration rover, medical transport device, luggage, and cart and powered by a power source of the respective device enables that respective device to traverse over uneven surfaces / obstacles, for example, steps of a staircase.
[0041] In an embodiment, the wheel hub 102 of the wheel 100 may be positioned at the inner radial of the wheel 100 which can be of a specific diameter to allow the plurality of spokes 106 to be rotationally positioned therewithin.
[0042] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of arc fragments 104 may be arc shaped and made of high-traction material that are detachable and replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance and customization of the wheel 100. The plurality of arc fragments 104 may define circumference of the wheel 100 such that one end 104A of at least one arc fragment 104 is allowed to grip over the uneven surface / obstacle and climb above the uneven surface / obstacle upon rotation of the wheel 100 as shown in FIGs. 2B and 2C.
[0043] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spokes 106 has a threaded portion 106A at one end, a shaft portion 106B at another end, and the threaded portion 106A may be configured to an actuator 110 as shown in FIG. 3. Each of the plurality of spokes 106 having the shaft portion 106B fixed to the threaded portion 106A enables rotation while providing structural support and connection between the wheel hub 102 and each of the plurality of arc fragments 104 to distribute the load evenly across the wheel 100 to ensure stability and durability.
[0044] The threaded portion 106A having a screw-type mechanism may be rotated by the actuator 110 to increase/decrease the length of the respective spoke 106 for adjusting the circumferential diameter of the wheel 100 which allows for multi-level dynamic adjustments of the circumferential diameter of the wheel 100. This enables the wheel 100 to adapt precisely to various obstacle heights, ensuring optimal contact and stability as shown in FIG. 3.
[0045] The shaft portion 106B may be configured on the respective arc fragment 104 for providing structural support between the wheel hub 102 and the plurality of spokes 106 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0046] The actuator 110 may be rotationally coupled to the screw-type mechanism of the threaded portions 106A of the plurality of spokes 106 to enable rotation of the threaded portions 106A clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. The anti-clockwise rotation allows the plurality of spokes 106 to increase in length thereby allowing the arc fragments 104 to move away from the wheel hub 102 and further increasing the space between two adjacent arc fragments 104. The space allows the wheel 100 to grip/climb over the uneven surface / obstacle as shown in FIGs. 2A to 2C.
[0047] Further, the clockwise rotation may allow the plurality of spokes 106 to decrease in length which can reduce the space between two adjacent arc fragments 104 or retain back to its normal position. Further, the screw-type mechanism coupled to the actuator 110 is configured to lock in place once the required circumferential diameter is achieved. The actuator 110 can prevent undesired rotational movement of the threaded portions 106A.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the uneven surface / obstacle may correspond to a staircase where the wheel 100 assembled on the wheelchair 200 may dynamically adjust its diameter with each step of the staircase to maintain a balanced, centered position on the staircase, enhancing traction and minimizing impact on the wheelchair’s structure.
[0049] In an embodiment, the controller 108 may be in communication with a sensor 108A that can be a proximity sensor. The controller 108 may be configured to sense one or more dimensions such as, but not limited to, height and depth of the uneven surface / obstacle using the sensor 108A and calculate the required circumferential diameter of the wheel 100. In an embodiment, the circumferential diameter may be calculated using a Pythagorean Theorem upon sensing one or more dimensions of the uneven surface / obstacle. Additionally, the controller 108 may be configured to actuate the plurality of spokes 106 to rotate until the required circumferential diameter of the wheel 100 is achieved and rotate the wheel 100 to enable the at least one arc fragment 104 of the respective spoke 106 to traverse/climb over the uneven surface / obstacle.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 108 may be programmable to accommodate different types of uneven surface / obstacles and terrains, enhancing the versatility of the devices to adjust the circumferential diameter of the wheel 100 dynamically as the device traverses over uneven surface / obstacles of varying dimensions. It may be appreciated that the controller 108 may include a processor and a memory comprising processor-executable instructions to perform the steps as discussed herein.
[0051] Thus, the disclosed wheel 100 when assembled on a device enhances mobility of the device over uneven surfaces / obstacles such as stairs with improved stability, traction, and safety by integrating a screw-type multi-level diameter adjustment mechanism, arc fragments 104 defining the wheel circumference, adjustable spokes 106 with threaded portions 106A, and sensor 108A-driven adaptability.
[0052] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0053] The present disclosure overcomes the problems associated with existing rotating components capable of traversing over uneven surfaces, by providing a simple, compact, efficient, and cost-effective wheel to traverse over an uneven surface / obstacle.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a wheel that is adaptable to different terrains and environments, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including military and rescue operations, personal mobility devices, robotics, and automated delivery systems.
[0055] The present disclosure prioritizes simplicity and ease of manufacture in the design of the wheel mechanism, reducing the cost and complexity associated with production and making the system more accessible for widespread use.
, Claims:1. A wheel (100) to traverse over an uneven surface/obstacle, the wheel (100) comprising:
a wheel hub (102);
a plurality of arc fragments (104) that defines circumference of the wheel (100) such that one end (104A) of at least one arc fragment (104) is allowed to grip over the uneven surface / obstacle and climb above the uneven surface / obstacle upon rotation of the wheel (100);
a plurality of spokes (106), each having a threaded portion (106A) at one end, and is configured between the wheel hub (102) from the threaded portion (106A) and each arc fragment (104) such that the threaded portion (106A) of each spoke (106) is rotated to increase/decrease a length of the respective spoke (106), adjusting the circumferential diameter of the wheel (100); and
a controller (108) in communication with a sensor (108A), and configured to:
sense one or more dimensions of the uneven surface / obstacle using the sensor (108A);
calculate required circumferential diameter of the wheel (100) upon sensing the one or more dimensions the uneven surface / obstacle;
actuate the plurality of spokes (106) to rotate until the required circumferential diameter of the wheel (100) is achieved; and
rotate the wheel (100) to enable the at least one arc fragment (104) of the respective spoke (106) to traverse/climb over the uneven surface / obstacle.

2. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more dimensions of the uneven surface / obstacle comprise: height and depth of the uneven surface / obstacle.

3. The wheel (100) as claimed of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arc fragments (104) are made of high-traction materials.

4. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (108A) is a proximity sensor.

5. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (108) is configured to calculate the required circumferential diameter of the wheel (100) using a Pythagorean Theorem.

6. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an actuator (110) configured for enabling the threaded portions (106A) of the plurality of spokes (106) to rotate away/towards the wheel hub (102).

7. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the actuator (110) is configured to lock in the rotating threaded portions (106A) within the wheel hub (102) once the required circumferential diameter is achieved, preventing undesired rotational movement of the threaded portions (106A).

8. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of spokes (106) comprises a shaft portion (106B) fixed to the threaded portion (106A), and wherein the shaft portion (106B) is configured on the respective arc fragment (104) for providing structural support between the wheel hub (102) and the plurality of spokes (106).

9. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheel (100) is configured on one or more devices selected from a group comprising: wheelchair, robotic vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), agricultural machinery, construction equipment, military vehicle, exploration rover, medical transport device, luggage, and cart.

10. The wheel (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the wheel (100) is powered by a power source of the one or more devices, and wherein the power source corresponds to a battery.