Technology Overview

Different from conventional rollers, each wheel-in-wheel roller is made up of a big wheel and small rollers along its circumference. The small rollers enable increased contact with the surface by up to 1.48 times and more, according to the number of small rollers included in the mechanism.

This mechanism can be operated manually or driven by motors with customised rotation speeds. In addition, the small rollers could be replaced or used in combination with different modules and rollers made of different materials, depending on the required function. This design modularity means that when the mechanism is integrated with additional systems such as a vacuum nozzle, liquid dispenser, or scraper, it could accomplish different tasks concurrently in a single operation.

Notably, its versatility to be built into both handheld devices and automated systems like robots offers possibilities for various industrial and consumer product applications.

Technology Features, Specifications and Advantages

A mechanism comprising: a support structure capable of rotating; and a plurality of modules being rotatably mounted on the support structure, each of the plurality of modules having a configurable mode of operation; wherein at least two modules have any one of identical, similar or different modes of operation.

An operating method comprising: providing a mechanism comprising a support structure and a plurality of modules rotatably being mounted on the support structure, each of the plurality of modules having a configurable mode of operation; and operating the mechanism to rotate the plurality of modules such that at least two modules have any one of identical, similar or different modes of operation.

Potential Applications

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened interest for the demand of cleaning equipment. Among which, the global floor cleaning equipment market is projected to reach US$9.56 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 8.5%. Naturally, the roller mechanism commonly found in both manual and automated cleaning equipment is also expected to see a demand surge.

The same roller mechanism is often used in paint rollers. The implication is that the demand for a versatile, efficient and effective roller stemming from a growing paint roller industry—forecasted to hit US$3.18 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 5.5%—is similarly high.

Rollers in the market today are typically singular. The surface area covered is dependent on roller sizes—the larger their diameter, the bigger the surface area covered. However, the larger-sized rollers are bulkier, heavier and more tedious to operate, especially when works have to be conducted in confined, small spaces.

With the objective of tapping into market opportunities offered by roller mechanism offering greater contact surface area than conventional mechanism of the same size, the wheel-in-wheel roller mechanism is developed.

Customer Benefits

• Its bigger contact surface area compared to conventional roller means that a greater coverage is achieved per run

• The number, size, material and shape of small rollers can be varied for maximum impact or as required by the intended function

• This mechanism can be used either as a handheld device or integrated into an automated system like robot

• Different modules serving different purposes can be used concurrently to ensure effective and efficient operation