Adjustable Three-Wheeled Transport Frame for Variable Track Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-wheeled means of transport, such as tricycles and folding scooters, have limited flexibility in adjusting the track width and center of gravity, which restricts their versatility and maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

A three-wheeled transport system with a frame that has adjustable frame legs and a connection mechanism allowing for telescopic extension, enabling the adaptation of track width and center of gravity adjustment, combined with a pedal drive or internal combustion engine for driving, and modular components for varying configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the track width of three-wheeled means of transport is fixed or limited to fixed widths, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack width adjustmentVSAvoidframe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame legs are designed to be movable relative to each other through a joint connection, allowing the track width to be dynamically adjusted between wide and narrow positions. This dynamic structure enables the means of transport to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall frame design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between frame legs is designed to be lockable, allowing the track width parameter to be changed between discrete fixed positions. This enables the system to provide variable track width without requiring a completely complex continuous adjustment mechanism, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the frame legs are made fixed, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to adjust center of gravity and track width is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter of gravity adjustmentVSAvoidframe assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into multiple frame legs that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the center of gravity to be adjusted by changing the position of individual frame legs, while each leg remains a relatively simple component that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame legs are designed with movable joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the frame geometry. This enables center of gravity adjustment and track width variation without requiring complex fixed structures, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the wheel position is fixed, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the maneuverability and stability adaptation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidwheel positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel positions are made dynamic through movable frame legs connected by joints. This allows the wheel base to be adjusted between wide (for stability) and narrow (for maneuverability) configurations, enabling the operator to adapt the means of transport to different operational conditions without adding complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4330122B1Means of transport
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 STIRN WILHELM MICHAEL
  • EP4330122B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4330122B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4330122B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a means of transportation (1) which has at least one steering device, a frame, said frame having a first and a second end and at least two frame limbs (4, 5), and at least three wheels (3, 7, 10), wherein at least one wheel (3) is arranged on one end of the frame, and at least two wheels (7, 10) are arranged at the other end of the frame. Each of the at least two wheels (7, 10) is attached to one frame limb (4, 5), and each wheel (3, 7, 10) has a hub. The frame limbs (4, 5) are connected together by means of a joint (2), and at least one connection (8) is arranged between the frame limbs (4, 5) and/or the joint (2) can be locked and/or at least one frame part has a longitudinal direction and can be adjusted in said direction, whereby the track width of the means of transportation (1) can be adapted to the respective requirements.