Angled Suspension for One-Wheeled Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
One-wheeled transportation devices experience discomfort and instability when traveling over uneven surfaces due to lack of effective suspension systems, leading to poor ride quality and potential damage from bumps and depressions.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system for one-wheeled transportation devices that includes a wheel holder, a bracket, and a shock absorber, which are designed to be easily installed and configured to reduce motion dampening, featuring a wheel holder connected to the tiltable platform at an angle and a shock absorber with adjustable angles to absorb shocks, allowing the wheel to float and providing a stable ride.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suspension system is added to dampen motion over uneven surfaces, then ride quality and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into separate modular components: a wheel holder assembly, a bracket assembly, and a shock absorber. This segmentation allows the suspension function to be added without redesigning the entire device, and components can be independently replaced or adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber acts as an intermediary element between the wheel holder and the bracket, absorbing and dampening vibrations and shocks from uneven surfaces before they reach the platform. This intermediary component isolates the platform from harmful vibrations while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a suspension system is installed on an existing device, then ride quality is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is provided as a separate kit of modular components that can be installed on existing one-wheeled transportation devices without requiring complete disassembly or custom fabrication. The segmented design allows for straightforward attachment to standard mounting points.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed with universal mounting features that can be adapted to various existing device configurations. The shock absorber connects to standard attachment points on both the wheel holder and bracket, making the system compatible with different device types and simplifying installation across multiple platforms.
3Reliability
If the wheel holder is connected at an angle to the platform, then shock absorption is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel holder is connected to the platform at an asymmetric angle rather than perpendicular alignment. This angled connection (typically 15-30 degrees) allows the suspension system to better absorb shocks and vibrations by creating a mechanical advantage that converts vertical impacts into rotational motion, improving shock absorption while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The suspension system effectively dampens motion over uneven surfaces, enhancing ride quality and minimizing damage by allowing the wheel to absorb shocks and maintain stability, making it suitable for retrofitting existing devices with minimal modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A shock absorber is connected between the distal end of the wheel holder and the distal end of the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a one-wheeled transportation device is disclosed. The one-wheeled transportation device includes (1) a wheel, and (2) a tiltable platform has a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, a central longitudinal axis, and an aperture which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the wheel. The suspension system includes a wheel holder which rotationally carries the wheel, the wheel holder having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the proximal end is pivotably connected to the second end of the tiltable platform so that the distal end resides above the top side at the first end. A bracket has a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the proximal end is connected to the tiltable platform so that the distal end of the bracket upwardly extends above the wheel. A shock absorber is connected between the distal end of the wheel holder and the distal end of the bracket.