Patent ID: 10532609

Abstract:
A method for traversing a magnetically inducible surface using a multidirectional wheel is provided. The method includes providing a vehicle having the multidirectional wheel, rotating a hub of the wheel along a first axial direction of rotation, continuing rotation of the hub of the wheel so as to cause a first roller disposed about a periphery of the hub to move out of contact with a first portion of the magnetically inducible surface and to cause a second roller disposed about the periphery of the hub in a plurality of rollers to contact a second portion of the magnetically inducible surface, wherein at least one roller among the plurality of rollers is in contact with the magnetically inducible surface throughout rotation of the wheel, and wherein the flux of the at least one magnet is concentrated toward portions of the surface being traversed adjacent to one or more of the plurality of rollers throughout rotation of the wheel.