Auto-balancing Vehicle Independent Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-wheel self-balancing vehicles lack independent control of wheels, limiting the user's ability to exert precise control, especially during turns, as the wheels are not capable of independent fore-aft movement, which affects stability and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a connecting structure with flexible rods or a pivoting mechanism that allows each foot platform to rotate independently fore-aft relative to the other, enabling independent wheel control and tilting, while maintaining a parallel relationship between the wheels, utilizing gyroscopic sensors and electronic control circuits to balance and steer the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the wheels are coupled through a rigid parallelogram structure to maintain parallel relationship, then structural stability is improved, but the foot platforms cannot move independently fore-aft, limiting control versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid parallelogram structure is segmented into movable connections that allow independent fore-aft rotation of each foot platform while maintaining the overall parallel relationship between wheels. This segmentation enables both structural stability and independent platform positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure transitions from a static rigid parallelogram to a dynamic system where the foot platforms can rotate independently fore-aft. This dynamic capability allows the platforms to tilt and position themselves independently while the wheels maintain their parallel arrangement through the flexible coupling.
2Device complexity
If the foot platforms are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the rider cannot exert precise control during turns, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The foot platforms are made dynamically adjustable through independent fore-aft rotation capability. This allows riders to tilt platforms forward or backward to exert precise control during turns, while the overall structural design remains relatively simple through the use of flexible rod couplings rather than complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the wheels are arranged in parallel with fixed foot platforms, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but tighter turns and spinning in place are not possible, limiting adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The foot platform assembly is segmented to allow independent fore-aft rotation of each platform relative to its wheel. This segmentation enables tighter turns and spinning maneuvers while maintaining the simple parallel wheel arrangement that is easy to manufacture. The flexible rod couplings facilitate this independent rotation without requiring complex mechanical systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coupling structure is used to maintain wheel parallelism, then structural stability is improved, but responsiveness to rider input is reduced, affecting ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid coupling structure is replaced with flexible rod couplings that allow the foot platforms to rotate independently fore-aft. This flexibility enables the platforms to respond quickly to rider input for tighter turns and spinning, while the overall parallel wheel arrangement maintained by the couplings provides structural stability.
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
This solution allows for tighter turns, spinning in place, and enhanced stability by enabling independent wheel control, improving the rider's experience with more intuitive and responsive handling.
Implementation Method 1
A gyroscopic sensor is provided that detects fore-aft pitch and side-to-side tilt
Data Source
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AI summary
An auto-balancing transportation device having first and second wheels that are independently drivable. The device includes foot platforms, a control circuit and sensors. Device control is preferably achieved through the position or weight distribution of a rider's feet. The wheels may be arranged in parallel or non-parallel and the foot platforms may be located on the interior are exterior side of the wheels. The wheels may be coupled to one another in a manner that affords tilting, thereby increasing stability when executing a turn, among other benefits. Various embodiments and features are disclosed.