BIMODAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOBILITY OF PEOPLE AND CARGO

Abstract

A bimodal vehicle for the mobility of people and cargo, characterized by having: a platform (1); a bimodal steering system, where the axles can be rotated by tilting the platform or by operating the handlebars or steering wheel; a traction mechanism with different speed ratios for each direction of travel; and adjustable steering elements.

Description

BIMODAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOBILITY OF PEOPLE AND CARGO TECHNICAL SECTOR This invention encompasses the field of personal mobility, especially in urban environments. It is also suitable as assistive equipment for people with reduced mobility and is emerging as an effective solution for last-mile freight transport. Furthermore, it has potential applications in vehicles intended for military or security use, and stands out for its versatility as recreational equipment, even off-road. Its ability to fulfill such diverse functions is due to its innovative bimodal design. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the realm of urban mobility, the sidewalk represents the boundary. Vehicles, mostly cars and motorcycles, travel on the roads. Quadricycles, tricycles, bicycles, and scooters also circulate, although their use is more debated. Generally, they should not exceed 40-50 km / h in urban areas. Pedestrians use the sidewalk, and increasingly, pedestrians with assistive devices. The most common are electric scooters, but manual and electric wheelchairs, as well as conversion kits, are also frequently seen. These devices travel at walking pace, approximately 4 km / h, and are single-seat. It's important to note that we are referring to wheeled aids, not manual ones such as walkers and canes. Furthermore, the increase in goods deliveries makes it more difficult for vehicles to access protected areas, such as historic city centers. It would be beneficial to have a lightweight delivery vehicle that allows for quick deliveries and returns, something that is not possible with standard pallet jacks. In the military, motorcycles are commonly used for rapid deployment and espionage missions. The equipment described here would be an excellent complement to a light tactical vehicle, with the added advantage of being able to be driven without constantly keeping the hands occupied. In fact, we could consider it the successor to the horse's capabilities and utility. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION This equipment is designed to offer multiple uses, from urban and last-mile environments to off-road terrain. It features bi-mode steering (which can also be hybridized), selectable via simple mechanical locks. Furthermore, it will offer different performance and driving position in each direction of travel. These factors will be key to the equipment's capabilities. Operating Modes 1. Skateboard mode: Tilting the board causes the trucks to turn. The handlebars are unnecessary; they only act as fixed grips to force the tilt, but they do not cause turning as they remain locked. 2. Scooter Mode: The board's tilt remains locked and therefore does not cause turning like a skateboard. Turning is achieved by using the handlebars or steering wheel, similar to a rigid-axle scooter. 3. Hybrid Mode: Without locks, both the board's tilt and the handlebars remain free, thus inducing turns. The rider can choose between both possibilities, similar to the behavior of a bicycle or motorcycle. Both turns are different and can overlap or cancel each other out. 4. Pallet Truck Mode: Uses the loading platform for transport and is driven from the outside, similar to a pallet truck. Rotation adjustment, axes, and coordination It's crucial to test and get used to the coordinated rotation of both axles, as this influences the device's behavior and feel. In high-speed modes (skateboard and hybrid), the rear axle will rotate less to prevent skidding. In low-speed modes (scooter and pallet truck), the rear axle will rotate more to improve maneuverability. By design, low and high speeds are in two different directions, so it simply comes down to one axle rotating more than the other. - Scooter / Pallet Truck Mode: Turning the handlebars drives the skateboard's axle, which in turn acts on another axle via linkages. These linkages reverse the axles' rotation so that both contribute to movement. The adjustable linkage ratio allows for adjustments to the rotation ratio of each axle. There is, of course, the option to disable linkages and therefore have steering only at the handlebar axle. - Skateboard Mode: Tilting the deck acts on both axles, which rotate in a coordinated manner. The rotation angle of each axle is adjustable by the angles of the truck's hinged planes, as shown in the diagrams. If any plane is set to 90 degrees, there will be no steering input from the deck on the corresponding axle. In hybrid mode, being able to act independently on two causes that produce rotation can make it a challenge to obtain all the features. Equipment configuration for driving. The ability to position the handlebars or steering system on either axle is fundamental to configuring the equipment. The wheel assemblies, trucks, and axles can be joined by a single board from bow to stern, with the motor and power equipment attached to it from below. The basic controls include accelerator, brakes and other controls, which can be detachable and positioned as desired, from case and cable to wireless mode. Power Transmission Power transmission to all four wheels is essential to maximizing performance. The most logical and economical option is a centrally mounted motor with centralized power, sending drive shafts to T-gearboxes or differentials at the center of each axle. Alternatively, motors can be mounted on the axles or wheels, although this would increase inertia. Dimensions and Uses The equipment must have reasonable dimensions for its intended uses: - Accommodates two people and 200 kg of cargo. - To travel on sidewalks, bike lanes and roads without being an obstruction or danger due to speed or size. - Parking in motorcycle spaces. - Transporting a person in a wheelchair. - Transport a European pallet. A loading platform of 120x80 cm, extended to 200x80 cm for the axles and their rotation, seems adequate. Motorization The team, presumably electric, will have front and rear motors capable of developing speeds of around 40 and 4 km / h, respectively. Driving Positions - Low Speed: A small, raised, straight steering wheel, a transverse two-seater seat, and a cargo area protected by railings. Ideal for sidewalks and pedestrian walkways. - High Speed: Handlebars and controls designed for a motorcycle-like riding position. Uses and Advantages This multifunctional device can be used for: - Moving pallets in historic districts and buildings. - It can be a scooter for people, transporting up to 4 seniors on sidewalks. - It can be driven on roads with 2 people and appropriate cargo. - Be a fun team in skate mode. - Military use as a light, silent and fast-action vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description and facilitate a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included which, in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, represent the following: - Figure 1: Overview of the device in its most basic mode, capable of performing general functions. - Figure 2: Device ready to function as a skateboard. The direction of travel is high speed, and steering is controlled exclusively by tilting the board. The handlebars and rails act only as handholds. To keep it upright, it is equipped with shock absorbers that do not impede tilting, by applying weight or force while riding. - Figure 3: Equipment operating in scooter mode. Low speed, rigid platform and steering operated only by turning the steering wheel. - Figure 4: Hybrid mode, similar to a motorcycle. It travels at high speed and turning is achieved by turning the board and / or operating the handlebars. - Figure 5: Using scooter mode to transport loads like an assisted pallet truck, positioned outdoors. - Figure 6: Detail of the bolt position for skateboard turning. It prevents the steering wheel and / or handlebars from being operated but allows the deck to be tilted. - Figure 7: Adjustment of axle rotation in skateboard mode. The different inclination of the planes allows for different rotations on both axles for the same board tilt. - Figure 8: Detail of bolt position in scooter mode. The cover does not tilt and the rotation is induced by the handlebars or steering wheel. - Figure 9: Adjusting the axle rotation in scooter mode. Adjusting the linkages will produce the desired rotation ratio between both axles. - Figure 10: Engines, Energy and Transmission. Under the cover, you can see the engines and the transmission shafts with cardan joints to the axles, from which power is sent to the wheels via transmissions. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION We start with a uniform flat platform (1) divided into three zones: a central zone the size of a pallet and two lateral zones with notches to allow axle rotation. Under this platform, the electric motors (2), batteries (3), and the rest of the electrical equipment will be placed in order to concentrate the weight and secure the equipment. The two motors drive a gearbox (4) with outputs to each axle of the equipment. Power transmission is via driveshafts with universal joints (5), and the input on each axle is centrally located in a T-shaped gearbox (6) that distributes power to each pair of wheels. Differentials are not considered necessary for a width of 80 cm. With this simple, economical and solid system, we will have four-wheel drive, compatible with the turns of the possible directions. The selection between the skateboard-type steering system and the steering wheel / handlebar system will be made by placing mechanical locks (7), including pins in a specific configuration in alternative positions. Dispensing with the pin will result in the hybrid system. In skateboard mode, turning the deck will induce a rotation of the wheels, depending on the angle of the adjustable plates (8), whose position is adjusted by a hinge system with a locking mechanism. This achieves the desired axle rotation ratio. To easily maintain balance in a straight line and provide a relative damping effect, the system is equipped with two shock absorbers (9) per axle (10), which will even prevent it from falling over when stationary. In scooter mode, the rotation of the axles (10) is induced by the handlebar / steering wheel (11), which will push the other axle in the desired proportion via linkages (12) that reverse the rotation of both axles. For each operating mode, different driving positions will be provided, including handlebars / steering wheels, seats, protective elements, etc. The controls, which are not shown, must be located according to the configured driving position.

Claims

1. Bimodal equipment for the mobility of people and cargo, characterized by having: a platform (1); a bimodal steering system, where the axles can be rotated by tilting the board or by operating the handlebars or steering wheel; a traction mechanism with different speed ratios for each direction of travel; and adjustable steering elements.

2. Bimodal equipment according to claim 1, characterized by having a steering system with selectable modes through the use of mechanical locks.

3. Bimodal equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanical locks are pins.

4. Bimodal equipment according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises adjustable planes (8) for regulating the ratio of rotation between axles.

5. Bimodal equipment according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by having a system for regulating the ratio of rotation between the axles and handlebars by means of adjustable linkages (12). 6.Bimodal equipment according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the controls (grips, accelerator, brakes, etc.) are operable from different positions for each driving mode.

7. Bimodal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a central motor that transmits traction to both axles via shafts and cardan joints, providing four-wheel drive.

8. Bimodal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission system allows traction to only one axle.

9. Bimodal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises motors located in rims or axles.