Adjustable Auxiliary Drive Wheel Mount for Multi-Vehicle Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power assist systems for vehicles like bicycles and wheelchairs are typically permanently mounted and lack versatility in attachment to different types of vehicles, limiting their adaptability and usability across various platforms.

Innovation Solution

A removable auxiliary power device with an adjustable wheel and motor system that can be attached to various vehicles, featuring a housing with a track for spindle adjustment and a releasable mounting mechanism, allowing for secure positioning on different frame sizes and shapes, along with a remote control for motor control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power assist apparatus is permanently mounted to the vehicle, then the motor can reliably assist in propelling the vehicle, but the system lacks versatility and cannot be used with different types of vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in attachment to different vehiclesVSAvoidreliable motor assistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary power device is designed with a universal mounting system that can be attached to multiple types of vehicles including wheelchairs, bicycles, and scooters. The housing includes a mounting plate with multiple mounting holes arranged in different patterns, allowing the same device to be securely mounted on various vehicle frames with different geometries, thus achieving multi-functionality across different vehicle platforms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wheel is fixed in position, then the motor provides stable power delivery, but the device cannot adapt to different vehicle frame sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to different frame sizesVSAvoidstable wheel positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a track system in the housing that allows the wheel to be repositioned to different locations. The track includes multiple positions with mounting holes, enabling the wheel to be secured at various positions along the track to accommodate different vehicle frame sizes and shapes while maintaining stable positioning at each selected location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the spindle is fixed in the housing, then the wheel rotates smoothly, but the device cannot be adjusted for different attachment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidfixed spindle position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spindle is designed to be adjustable along the track within the housing, allowing it to be repositioned to different locations depending on the specific attachment requirements. The track provides guided movement paths with designated stopping positions, enabling easy adjustment of the spindle position while maintaining stable rotation when secured at any given position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3484430B1Auxiliary power device
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP3484430B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3484430B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3484430B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An auxiliary power device includes a housing, a motor supported by the housing, and a wheel engaged with the motor. The wheel has a rotational axis and a spindle on the rotational axis. The housing defines a track adjustably supporting the spindle of the wheel. The adjustability of the spindle supported by the track in the housing allows for the wheel to adjust relative to the housing and allows the auxiliary power device to be used on a variety of vehicles.