Adjustable Steering Knuckle Linkage for Off-Road Board Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheeled board sports apparatuses are limited in off-road use due to poor handling and control, as they are not designed to effectively navigate rough terrain or adjust steering angles, leading to reduced mobility and user control.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled apparatus with a board supported by steering knuckles and adjustable linkages that allow for camber, caster, and toe angle adjustments via electronic sensors and actuators, combined with suspension systems and motors for enhanced control and mobility on various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional trucks with fixed angle base plates and hangers are used, then the apparatus is simple in structure, but the steering and handling performance on off-road terrain is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the truck components adjustable rather than fixed. The base plate can be rotated relative to the hanger, and the hanger can be rotated relative to the wheel, allowing the angles to be dynamically changed based on terrain conditions. This enables optimization of steering and handling performance for off-road use while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the truck assembly by allowing adjustment of the base plate angle and hanger angle. The base plate can be rotated to different angles relative to the board, and the hanger can be rotated to different angles relative to the base plate. This parameter adjustment capability enables the apparatus to adapt to various off-road terrain conditions and improve steering and handling performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motorised track assemblies are added to enable uphill propulsion, then the apparatus can traverse rough terrain, but the handling and user control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion function from the steering function. The motorised track assembly handles the propulsion and terrain traversal, while the adjustable truck assembly handles the steering and user control. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, with the track assembly providing terrain capability and the truck assembly providing handling precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable truck assembly acts as an intermediary between the motorised track assembly and the board. It translates the propulsion force from the track assembly into controlled movement of the board, while also allowing the user to steer and control the board's orientation. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between terrain capability and user control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger spoked wheels with tyres are used, then the apparatus can travel over rough terrain, but the board is limited to downhill riding or user propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wheel angle adjustable relative to the board through the adjustable hanger mechanism. This allows the wheels to be positioned at optimal angles for both downhill riding and uphill propulsion, eliminating the limitation of fixed-angle wheels that could only handle one direction effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional truck assembly that can handle multiple riding scenarios. The adjustable base plate and hanger allow the same wheel configuration to be optimized for downhill riding, uphill propulsion, and off-road traversal, making the apparatus versatile for various off-road conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheeled apparatus for board sports is provided. The wheeled apparatus includes a board, a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles, and at least one linkage between the board and the steering knuckles. The at least one linkage enables a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by pivoting the board.