Apparatus and method for braking mecanum wheels

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for braking mecanum or omnidirectional wheels, by applying force to the rollers of a mecanum or omnidirectional wheel to prevent them from rolling when in contact with the ground or the floor. In some embodiments, it engages the rollers with teeth, rods, or wedges to generate friction and prevent them from rotating. The teeth, rods, or wedges rotate with the mecanum or omnidirectional wheel on the same axle, so the force can be applied and the rollers braked whether the wheel is rotating or not. In some embodiments, the force is applied using a servo or motor to push a thrust bearing, which then engages the rollers. In some embodiments, the servo or motor applies force using one or more gear racks, levers, cam wheels, or mechanical linkages.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.