Adjustable Drive Mode for Compact Mobility Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal mobility devices with two wheels offer unstable high-speed driving and large turning radius, while three-wheeled devices provide stability but poor cornering, necessitating a solution for adjustable drive modes in compact mobility devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact mobility device with a foldable column and auxiliary wheel that switches between two-wheel and three-wheel modes, allowing for adjustable drive configurations by changing the column's position and auxiliary wheel contact with the ground, enabling stable high-speed driving and reduced turning radius in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-wheeled mobility device is used, then the turning radius is small and it can rotate in place, but the structure is physically unstable and control failure risks injury
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device dynamically changes its wheel configuration between two-wheel mode (for maneuverability) and three-wheel mode (for stability) based on operating conditions. The auxiliary wheel can be deployed or retracted, allowing the system to adapt its structural properties to match operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into a main body with two fixed wheels and a separate auxiliary wheel that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows the auxiliary wheel to be added only when needed for stability, while the main two-wheel configuration remains available for maneuverability.
2Reliability
If a three-wheeled mobility device is used, then the structure is physically stable and center of gravity is low, but the turning radius is large
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between three-wheel configuration (for stability) and two-wheel configuration (for tight turning). When maneuverability is needed, the auxiliary wheel is retracted, effectively creating a two-wheel system with smaller turning radius. When stability is needed, the auxiliary wheel is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel system is segmented into essential wheels and an auxiliary wheel. The auxiliary wheel can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the device to transition between different wheel configurations depending on whether stability or maneuverability is the priority.
3Volume of moving object
If a two-wheeled system is used for high-speed driving, then the device is compact, but the center of gravity is high and stability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adds the auxiliary wheel when high-speed driving is detected or anticipated. This temporary addition of the third wheel lowers the center of gravity and provides stabilizing effect during high-speed operation, while maintaining compact two-wheel configuration during normal or low-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary wheel is deployed in advance before high-speed driving occurs, preparing the system to provide stability when needed. The system can detect conditions requiring high-speed operation and pre-position the auxiliary wheel to ensure stability is available when the speed increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact mobility device has an adjustable drive mode. The device includes a base panel and a number of drive wheels rotatably provided at opposite ends of the base panel. The drive wheels are configured to rotate by receiving torque from a driving unit. A column is constituted by a plurality of links connected in series to be foldable and is configured such that a lower end of a lower link is rotatably coupled to the base panel with an upper end of an upper link being provided with a steering handle. An auxiliary wheel is provided between the links constituting the column and is configured to roll along with the drive wheels by coming into contact with a ground when the links are folded.