Composite material baffles for electric vehicles
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-11
Smart Images

Figure CN117677427B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-referencing
[0002] For all purposes, the full text of the following applications and materials is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 209,812, filed June 11, 2021; and U.S. Patent No. 10,456,658, granted October 29, 2019. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to fenders for electric vehicles. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to fender assemblies for single-wheel self-stabilizing skateboards. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This disclosure provides systems, apparatus, and methods relating to improved fender assemblies for unicycle skateboards or similar vehicles.
[0005] In some examples, a fender assembly for a unicycle includes: a rectangular frame defining a central hole, wherein the edges of the central hole are rounded rectangles; an arched plate terminating at both ends at first and second flanges extending outward to form a planar base, wherein the arched plate extends through the central hole to a first side of the frame, and the first and second flanges abut against a second side of the frame; and a mudguard connected to the rectangular frame via the first flange of the arched plate, such that the mudguard extends from the first flange away from the second side of the frame.
[0006] In some examples, a fender assembly for a unicycle includes: an arched portion comprising a curved plate of carbon fiber (CF) composite material having two opposing ends, each end of the curved plate extending outward to form a first pair and a second pair of diagonal flanges, such that the first pair and the second pair of diagonal flanges are coplanar; a peripheral frame including a plastic ring defining an inner bore and having four corner portions, wherein the peripheral frame mates with the arched portion such that the curved plate passes through the inner bore, each of the four corner portions of the peripheral frame being located atop a corresponding corner flange of the arched portion; a mudguard including a plastic skirt extending downward from one end of the peripheral frame, the mudguard having a pair of mounting surfaces; and a plurality of first fasteners securing the mounting surfaces of the mudguard to the corresponding corner portions of the peripheral frame such that the first pair of corner flanges of the CF material arched portion are clamped between the mounting surfaces and the peripheral frame.
[0007] The features, functions and advantages of this disclosure can be implemented independently in various embodiments or in combination in other embodiments, as detailed in the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1A side view of a single-wheeled electric skateboard with a baffle shown in various aspects of this disclosure.
[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the baffle shown in this teaching.
[0010] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Another perspective view of the middle baffle.
[0011] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Exploded 3D view of the middle baffle.
[0012] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial exploded 3D view of the bottom of the middle baffle.
[0013] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the middle baffle.
[0014] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the first end of the middle baffle.
[0015] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the second end of the middle baffle.
[0016] Figure 9 for Figure 2 Side view of the first side of the middle baffle.
[0017] Figure 10 for Figure 2 Side view of the second side of the middle baffle.
[0018] Figure 11 for Figure 2 Side view of the first end of the middle baffle.
[0019] Figure 12 for Figure 2 Side view of the second end of the middle baffle.
[0020] Figure 13 for Figure 2 Top view of the middle baffle.
[0021] Figure 14 for Figure 2 A bottom view of the middle baffle.
[0022] Figure 15 for Figure 2 Enlarged bottom view of the second end of the middle baffle.
[0023] Figure 16 for Figure 2Enlarged bottom view of the first end of the middle baffle.
[0024] Figure 17 for Figure 1 A partial oblique view of the end of the middle sliding plate. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The following describes various aspects and examples of a fender assembly for a unicycle skateboard (and similar vehicles), along with related methods, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the fender assembly and / or various components thereof according to this teaching may include at least one of the structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless expressly excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or included herein in relation to this teaching may be incorporated into other similar apparatus and methods, including interchangeability between the disclosed embodiments. The following description of various embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. Moreover, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative, and not all examples and embodiments will provide the same or the same degree of advantage.
[0026] The detailed implementation includes the following sections, which follow immediately below: (1) Definitions; (2) Overview; (3) Examples, Components and Alternatives; (4) Advantages, Features and Benefits; and (5) Conclusions. The Examples, Components and Alternatives section is further divided into several subsections, each with a corresponding label.
[0027] definition
[0028] Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply to this document.
[0029] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and their variations) are used interchangeably to indicate inclusion but not limitation, and are open-ended terms that do not intend to exclude other unlisted elements or methodological steps.
[0030] Terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used to distinguish or identify different or similar members within a group and do not imply a sequence or numerical limitation.
[0031] “AKA” means “also known as” and can be used to refer to a given element or its alternative or corresponding term.
[0032] "Long and thin" or "slender" refers to an object or hole whose length is greater than its width, but the width does not have to be uniform. For example, a long and thin slot can be elliptical or stadium-shaped, and a long and thin candlestick's height is greater than its tapering diameter. On the other hand, a circular hole cannot be considered a long and thin hole.
[0033] The terms “inner,” “outer,” “front,” and “rear,” etc., should be understood in the context of a host vehicle on which the system described herein can be installed or otherwise connected. For example, “outer” can refer to a relative position laterally away from the vehicle’s centerline, or a direction away from the vehicle’s centerline. Conversely, “inner” can refer to a direction toward the centerline, or a relative position closer to the centerline. Similarly, “front” refers to the front of the vehicle, and “rear” refers to the rear of the vehicle. In the absence of a host vehicle, the same directional terminology as when a vehicle is present may be used. For example, even when viewed in isolation, the device may have a “front” edge because that edge faces the front of the host vehicle when the device is installed.
[0034] "Connection" refers to a permanent or detachable connection, either directly or indirectly, through an intermediate component.
[0035] "Elasticity" refers to the ability of a material or structure to undergo elastic deformation when subjected to normal working loads (such as compression), and to return to its original shape or position after unloading.
[0036] "Rigidity" refers to a material or structure that is configured to be hard, indeformable, or essentially inelastic under normal operating conditions.
[0037] "Elastic" means that a material or structure can spontaneously return to its original shape after being stretched or expanded.
[0038] In the method, "providing" may include receiving, acquiring, purchasing, manufacturing, generating, processing, pre-processing, and / or similar operations that bring the provided object or material into a state and configuration in which other steps can be performed.
[0039] In this disclosure, one or more publications, patents, and / or patent applications may be incorporated by reference. However, such references are only made where there is no conflict between the cited material and the description and figures herein. In the event of any such conflict, including any conflict of terminology, this disclosure shall prevail.
[0040] Overview
[0041] Generally, a baffle assembly according to this teaching may include multiple elements coupled together, thereby allowing the assembly to be detachably attached to a single-wheeled skateboard (or similar vehicle). U.S. Patent 10,456,658 discloses examples of such vehicles. In the baffle assembly, at least the arch (configured to partially cover the vehicle wheel) may be composed of a composite material, such as carbon fiber composite, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or similar material (also known as "CF" or "carbon fiber").
[0042] Multi-part assemblies are easier to form with small details, such as connecting features and baffles, which are formed through these parts made of one or more plastics (e.g., by injection molding). Meanwhile, the main arched portion of the assembly can be made of carbon fiber. Plastic parts have very small dimensional tolerances and are inexpensive. Furthermore, parts expected to be subjected to significant impact or wear can be made of plastic for high impact resistance or toughness, while the main arched portion of the baffle can be made of lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber.
[0043] Examples, components, and alternatives
[0044] The following sections describe exemplary baffle assemblies and aspects of related systems and / or methods. The examples in these sections are intended to be illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Each section may include one or more different embodiments or examples, and / or context or related information, functionality, and / or structure.
[0045] A. Example of a baffle assembly
[0046] like Figure 1-17 As shown, the following sections describe certain aspects of an exemplary baffle assembly and related systems and / or methods. The examples below are intended to be illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.
[0047] Figure 1 An exemplary baffle assembly 100 installed on a single-wheeled vehicle 102 example is described. Figure 1 As shown, the baffle assembly is attached to the vehicle body 104 (also known as the frame) to prevent mud and other debris leaving the tire 105 from splashing onto the rider and / or nearby people or objects.
[0048] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the baffle assembly 100. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the baffle assembly. Figure 6-16 These are various views of the baffle assembly. Figure 17 Described Figure 1 The end of the skateboard shows the connection point between the mudguard and the outer frame.
[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 1-17The fender assembly 100 comprises three separate parts: a fender arch or arched portion 106, a peripheral frame 108 (also referred to as a peripheral flange), and a skirt or fender 110, all of which are interconnected in the following manner. Generally, the arched portion 106 and the peripheral frame 108 are joined together such that the arched portion spans from one end of the flange to the other in the longitudinal direction D (relative to vehicle travel). Thus, the arched portion 106 is configured to arch over the tire 105 from front to rear. The arched portion 106 includes downwardly curved sides such that the arched portion partially follows the edge profile of the tire.
[0050] The mudguard 110 extends downward from the outer frame 108 at one end of the arch. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the inner end of the platform portion 112 of the vehicle 102 may be open or uncovered. The mudguard 110 of the baffle assembly 100 covers or substantially seals the opening (and protects the internal components of the vehicle).
[0051] The outer frame 108 (also referred to as a rectangular frame) includes a generally rectangular, generally planar, annular frame that defines a central bore (also referred to as an inner bore or central opening) within which the wheel or tire 105 is placed when the baffle assembly is installed. The outer frame 108 may generally include a rectangular ring, but the inner and / or outer edges of the ring may be rounded. For example, the edges of the central bore may be rounded rectangles.
[0052] The outer frame 108 can be mounted on the upper surface 130 of the vehicle body 104 (e.g., the upper surface of a side beam or frame component) and connected to the vehicle body via fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts 132) passing through holes 142 at the corners of the outer frame. The outer frame can be described as a plastic ring defining an inner bore and having four corners. Since the arches and fenders are configured to be attached to the outer frame 108 before being mounted to the vehicle, attaching the outer frame 108 can include attaching the fender assembly 100 integrally to the vehicle.
[0053] Lower ridges 114, 116 extend along each lateral edge of the outer frame and are configured to abut against an outer edge feature 134 (e.g., a recess) of the underlying body. In some examples, ridges 114, 116 are configured to absorb forces associated with the connection between the outer flange and the body, for example, acting as supports or pads. In some examples, inner protrusions 118, 120 of frame 108 are configured to mate with corresponding channels in the vehicle, for example, in a snap-fit manner.
[0054] In some examples, such as when the vehicle has a rotatable handle 122: on the side corresponding to the side where the vehicle handle 122 is mounted, the inner side of the frame 108 is provided with a bevel 124 to facilitate placing the handle in a carrying position.
[0055] The arched portion 106 includes two legs, each leg including four corner flanges 146 (see...). Figure 5 Each corner flange 146 has a hole 144. When the outer frame 108 is mounted onto the arch, the corner flanges are aligned with the holes 142 respectively by inserting the arched portion of the arch into the central hole of the flange. Thus, the arch 106 includes a curved or arcuate sheet terminating at both ends with first and second flanges extending outward to form a planar base. These flanges can be described as an arch having two opposing ends, each end extending outward to form a pair of corner flanges, such that the two pairs of corner flanges are coplanar. As described above, the openings 142 at the four corners of the outer frame are aligned with the openings 144 at the four corners of the arch. In some examples, the openings 142 are bevels and / or countersunk holes to mate with the heads of fasteners 132. In some examples, the holes 144 on the arch 106 are through holes.
[0056] The baffle assembly is used to cover and protect the vehicle body, handle the gaps around the tires (e.g., for safety and aesthetics), and provide additional protection against water / mud entering internal components, such as the motor controller, through the opening inside the platform section 112.
[0057] See details Figure 4 and Figure 5 These two figures are exploded views of the fender assembly, with the fender 110 configured to be fastened to the assembly from below. One or more fasteners 136 (bolts, screws, etc.) pass through alignment holes (holes 138) in the fender 110 and alignment holes (holes 140) in the arch 106, respectively, into corresponding joints 126 at the bottom of the outer frame 108. In some examples, the size of each hole 140 is adapted to the outer diameter of the corresponding joint 126. This assembly system securely connects all three components together to form a single, integrated assembly.
[0058] In some examples, the arch 106 is constructed of a composite material, such as carbon fiber composite, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or similar materials (also known as "CF" or "carbon fiber"). In contrast, the outer frame 108 and the mudguard 110 can be constructed of plastic (e.g., injection-molded plastic) and / or any other suitable material to provide the structural support and protection described herein. Therefore, the structural design of the mudguard assembly prevents damage to the CF structure. Specifically, this is achieved by ensuring that all bolt head interfaces and threaded holes are arranged in a non-CF material and that the forces generated by the fasteners are absorbed by the non-CF structure.
[0059] Specifically, when assembled, the mudguard 110 of the baffle assembly 100 is secured to the outer frame 108 by bolts or screws 136. The bolts or screws 136 enter holes 138 in the mudguard and screw into threaded holes in connectors 126 on the lower surface of the outer frame. Connectors 126 are located in through-holes 140 in the CF arch, clamping the arch between the mudguard and the outer frame without applying excessive force to the CF material. In other words, tightening each fastener 136 applies force to the mudguard and the outer frame, but not to the corner flanges of the arch.
[0060] Similarly, the baffle assembly 100 is secured to the upper surface 130 of the vehicle 102 by fasteners 132 being fixed in threaded holes in the vehicle body, and by aligning or fitting holes 142 on the outer frame 108 with holes 144 on the corner flange 146 of the arched portion. In this way, the force applied by fastening each fastener 132 is distributed over the CF material area of the corner flange 146, which is sandwiched between the outer frame 108 and the top surface of the vehicle body. In some examples, in this sandwich arrangement, ridges 114 and 116 further restrict the force on the CF material, acting as spacers to create gaps or spaces for the CF material between the outer frame and the top surface 130.
[0061] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The front and rear ends of the assembled arch and outer frame are shown. As shown, the inner edge of the outer frame 108 is a bevel, and the corner flange of the arch 106 passes under the outer frame.
[0062] The following paragraphs describe other aspects and features of the single-wheeled vehicle fender assembly. Each of these paragraphs may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other paragraphs, and / or with disclosures elsewhere in this application, including material incorporated in the “Cross References” section via references. Some of the following paragraphs explicitly refer to and further limit the other paragraphs, providing examples of suitable combinations, but not limitations.
[0063] A0. A baffle assembly for a single-wheeled vehicle, the baffle assembly comprising:
[0064] A rectangular frame, the frame defining a central hole, wherein the edges of the central hole are rounded rectangles;
[0065] An arched plate, terminating at both ends at first and second flanges that extend outward to form a planar base, wherein the arched plate extends through a central hole to a first side of the frame, and the flanges abut against a second side of the frame;
[0066] The mudguard is connected to the rectangular frame via the first flange of the arched plate, so that the mudguard extends from the first flange to the second side away from the frame.
[0067] A1. The baffle assembly according to A0, wherein the rectangular frame comprises a continuous rectangular ring band.
[0068] A2. According to the baffle assembly of A0 or A1, wherein the arched plate is semi-circular.
[0069] A3. A baffle assembly based on any one of segments A0 to A2, wherein the arched plate is bent 180 degrees.
[0070] A4. A baffle assembly according to any one of segments A0 to A3, wherein the rectangular frame comprises plastic material.
[0071] A5. A baffle assembly according to any one of segments A0 to A4, wherein the arched plate comprises a composite material.
[0072] A6. According to the baffle assembly of A5, the composite material includes carbon fiber (CF).
[0073] A7. A baffle assembly according to any one of A0 to A6, wherein a threaded fastener passes through a hole in the mudguard and enters a threaded joint of a rectangular frame, the joint mating with a through hole in the first flange of the arched plate.
[0074] A8. A baffle assembly according to any one of segments A0 to A7, wherein a plurality of first holes at the corners of the rectangular frame are aligned with a plurality of second holes in the first and second flanges.
[0075] A9. A baffle assembly according to any one of segments A0 to A8, wherein the rectangular frame includes ridges extending downward from each outer edge of the frame.
[0076] B0. A baffle assembly for a single-wheeled vehicle, the baffle assembly comprising:
[0077] The arched portion includes a curved plate made of carbon fiber (CF) composite material, the curved plate having two opposing ends, each end of the curved plate extending outward to form a first pair and a second pair of diagonal flanges, such that the first pair and the second pair of diagonal flanges are coplanar;
[0078] The outer frame includes a plastic ring defining an inner hole and having four corners, wherein the outer frame mates with an arched portion to allow a curved plate to pass through the inner hole, and each of the four corners of the outer frame is located on top of a corresponding corner flange of the arched portion.
[0079] The mudguard includes a plastic skirt extending downward from one end of the outer frame, and the mudguard has a pair of mounting surfaces; and
[0080] Multiple first fasteners fix the mounting surface of the mudguard to the corresponding corner of the outer frame, so that the first diagonal flange of the arched part of the CF material is clamped between the mounting surface and the outer frame.
[0081] B1. The baffle assembly according to B0, wherein the outer frame comprises a single continuous ring.
[0082] B2. The baffle assembly according to B0 or B1, wherein the outer frame includes a generally rectangular ring.
[0083] B3. A baffle assembly based on any one of segments B0 to B2, wherein the outer frame is approximately planar.
[0084] B4. A baffle assembly for any one of segments B0 to B3, wherein the side of the carbon fiber curved plate is bent downward.
[0085] B5. A baffle assembly based on any one of segments B0 to B4, wherein the carbon fiber curved plate is semi-circular.
[0086] B6. According to any one of the sections B0 to B5, a pair of threaded joints extend downward from two of the four corners of the outer frame and mate with the corresponding holes of the corner flange of the arch, such that each first fastener passes upward through a hole on a mounting surface of the mudguard and screws into the corresponding joint.
[0087] B7. The baffle assembly according to any one of B0 to B6, wherein the outer frame further includes a pair of ridges located at the bottom outer edge of the outer frame.
[0088] B8. A single-wheeled electric skateboard, comprising a fender assembly of any one of segments B0 to B7, wherein:
[0089] The skateboard includes a tiltable body with a central opening and a single wheel mounted on the tiltable body via an axle, such that the single wheel is located within the central opening; and
[0090] The baffle assembly is connected to the upper surface of the tiltable body of the skateboard, so that the carbon fiber composite curved plate of the arched part can cover the wheel in an arch shape.
[0091] B9. According to the skateboard of B8, the outer frame further includes a pair of ridges located on the outer edge of the bottom of the outer frame, such that the ridges abut against corresponding features of the tiltable body to space the outer frame from the upper surface of the tiltable body.
[0092] B10. A skateboard according to any one of B8 to B9, wherein the curved plate is oriented along the direction of travel of the skateboard.
[0093] B. Example Method
[0094] This section describes the steps of an example method for installing a fender assembly on a single-wheeled electric skateboard. This method describes the steps performed in an example approach, and may not describe all the steps of a complete process or method. Although various steps are described below, these steps are not necessarily required to be performed, and in some cases, they may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than shown.
[0095] The method includes passing a baffle arch through the central opening of a rectangular ring frame, such that the first and second legs of the baffle arch abut against the lower surface of the frame.
[0096] The fender is secured to the frame via the first foot of the fender arch, thereby securing the fender arch to the frame. In some examples, securing the fender involves inserting fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners such as bolts or screws) through holes in the fender into flanges in the frame. In some examples, a joint in the frame passes through a through-hole in the fender arch.
[0097] In some examples, the fender arches are made of composite materials, such as carbon fiber. In other examples, the fenders and / or the frame are made of plastic, such as injection-molded plastic.
[0098] In some examples, the installation method also includes attaching the frame to the top surface of the single-wheeled electric skateboard, such that the fender arch extends above the skateboard's wheels, with the fender arch's legs being snapped between the frame and the top surface of the skateboard.
[0099] The following paragraphs describe other aspects and features of the method of mounting the baffle assembly of this disclosure on a vehicle. Each of these paragraphs may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other paragraphs, and / or with disclosures elsewhere in this application, including material incorporated in cross-referenced documents via references. Some of the following paragraphs explicitly refer to and further limit the other paragraphs, providing examples of suitable combinations, but not limitations thereto.
[0100] C0. A method of mounting a baffle assembly to a vehicle with at least one wheel (such as a unicycle electric skateboard), the method comprising:
[0101] The curved portion of the baffle arch is passed through the central opening of the rectangular ring frame, so that the first and second legs of the baffle arch abut against the lower surface of the frame.
[0102] The mudguard is secured to the frame via the first foot of the mudguard arch.
[0103] C1. According to the method of C0, wherein securing the mudguard to the frame includes inserting a fastener through a hole in the mudguard into a joint of the frame.
[0104] C2. According to the method of C1, the joint of the frame passes through the through hole of the baffle arch.
[0105] C3. The method according to any one of C0 to C2, wherein the baffle arch is made of composite material.
[0106] C4. According to the method of C3, the composite material includes carbon fiber.
[0107] C5. The method according to any one of C0 to C4, wherein the frame comprises plastic.
[0108] C6. According to the method of C5, wherein the frame comprises molded plastic.
[0109] C7. The method according to any one of segments C0 to C6, wherein the mudguard comprises plastic.
[0110] C8. The method according to any one of segments C0 to C7 further includes coupling the frame to the top surface of the single-wheeled electric skateboard, such that the fender arch extends above the wheels of the skateboard, and the feet of the fender arch are clamped between the frame and the top surface of the skateboard.
[0111] D0. A method of mounting a baffle assembly to a vehicle, the method comprising mounting the baffle assembly of any one of segments A0 to B10 to the vehicle.
[0112] Advantages, features and benefits
[0113] The various embodiments and examples of the baffle assemblies described herein offer several advantages over known solutions. For instance, compared to one-piece or all-plastic baffles, the exemplary embodiments and examples described herein provide baffles that are lighter, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing.
[0114] Furthermore, among other advantages, multi-part assembly makes it easier to form small details, such as connection features and baffles, because these parts are made of plastic. Plastic parts have very small dimensional tolerances and are inexpensive. In addition, the components disclosed herein can provide the impact resistance / toughness of injection-molded plastics where helpful or needed, and the high overall strength of carbon fiber on the main wheel arch surface.
[0115] In addition, among other advantages, the illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow the carbon fiber portion to be considerably thinner compared to the plastic portion, thereby further reducing weight.
[0116] No known system or device can achieve these functions. However, not all embodiments and examples described herein have the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.
[0117] in conclusion
[0118] The above disclosure may include multiple different embodiments with independent uses. Although each of them is disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein are not limiting, as many variations are possible. Section headings used in this disclosure are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. The following claims specifically point to some combinations and sub-combinations considered novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be proposed in applications claiming priority to this application or related applications. These claims, whether broader, narrower, identical, or different in scope from the original claims, are also considered to be included in the subject matter of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A baffle assembly for a unicycle, the baffle assembly comprising: A rectangular frame defining a central hole, wherein the edges of the central hole are rounded rectangles; An arched plate, the two ends of which terminate at a first flange and a second flange extending outward to form a planar base, wherein the arched plate extends through the central hole to a first side of the frame, and the first flange and the second flange abut against a second side of the frame; as well as A mudguard, which is connected to the rectangular frame via a first flange of the arched plate, such that the mudguard extends from the first flange away from the second side of the frame.
2. The baffle assembly of claim 1, wherein the rectangular frame comprises a continuous rectangular loop.
3. The baffle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arched plate is semi-circular.
4. The baffle assembly of claim 1, wherein the arched plate is bent 180 degrees.
5. The baffle assembly of claim 1, wherein the rectangular frame comprises a plastic material.
6. The baffle assembly of claim 1, wherein the arched plate comprises a composite material.
7. The baffle assembly of claim 6, wherein the composite material comprises carbon fiber.
8. The baffle assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded fastener passes through a hole in the mudguard and enters a threaded joint of the rectangular frame, the joint abutting into a through hole in the first flange of the arched plate.
9. The baffle assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first holes at the corners of the rectangular frame are aligned with the plurality of second holes of the first flange and the second flange.
10. The baffle assembly of claim 1, wherein the rectangular frame includes ridges extending downward from each of the outer edges of the frame.
11. A baffle assembly for a unicycle, the baffle assembly comprising: An arched portion comprising a curved plate of carbon fiber composite material having two opposing ends, each end of the curved plate extending outward to form a first pair of corner flanges and a second pair of corner flanges, such that the first pair of corner flanges and the second pair of corner flanges are coplanar. An outer frame, the outer frame including a plastic ring defining an inner hole and having four corner portions, wherein the outer frame mates with the arched portion to allow the curved plate to pass through the inner hole, and each of the four corner portions of the outer frame is located on top of a corresponding corner flange of the arched portion; A mudguard, the mudguard including a plastic skirt extending downward from one end of the outer frame, the mudguard having a pair of mounting surfaces; as well as A plurality of first fasteners secure the mounting surface of the mudguard to the corresponding corner of the outer frame, such that the first pair of corner flanges of the arched portion of the carbon fiber material are clamped between the mounting surface and the outer frame.
12. The baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein the peripheral frame comprises a single continuous ring.
13. The baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein the peripheral frame includes a generally rectangular ring.
14. The baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein the peripheral frame is substantially planar.
15. The baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein the sides of the curved plate of carbon fiber are bent downward.
16. The baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein the curved plate of the carbon fiber is semi-circular.
17. The baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein a pair of threaded joints extend downward from two of the four corners of the outer frame and abut against corresponding holes in the corner flanges of the arch, such that each of the first fasteners passes upward through a hole on a mounting surface of the baffle and screws into the corresponding joint.
18. The baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein the peripheral frame further comprises a pair of ridges located at the bottom outer edge of the peripheral frame.
19. A single-wheeled electric skateboard, comprising the baffle assembly of claim 11, wherein, The skateboard includes a tiltable body with a central opening and a single wheel mounted on the tiltable body via an axle, such that the single wheel is located in the central opening; as well as The baffle assembly is connected to the upper surface of the tiltable body of the skateboard, so that the curved plate of the carbon fiber composite material of the arched part covers the wheel in an arch shape.
20. The skateboard of claim 19, wherein the outer frame further comprises a pair of ridges located at the bottom outer edge of the outer frame, such that the ridges abut against corresponding portions of the tiltable body to space the outer frame from the upper surface of the tiltable body.
Citation Information
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