Collapsible Electric Vehicle Frame With Foot Pedal Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized carts are heavy, difficult to transport, and occupy significant space due to their rigid frames, making them cumbersome for individual use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, collapsible electric vehicle with a flexible X-frame structure, controlled by foot pedals for steering, braking, and throttle, allowing for folding and easy storage, featuring a seat connected to hinged structural parts and arcuate flexible limbs that support the load and provide suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a structurally rigid frame is used in motorized carts, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is divided into multiple hinged frame sections that can be segmented and folded relative to each other, allowing the vehicle to be collapsed into a compact configuration for easy transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure with hinges and folding mechanisms, enabling the vehicle to change its configuration between operational and storage states
2Stability of the object's composition
If a structurally rigid frame is used in motorized carts, then structural stability is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into collapsible sections that can be folded together, reducing the vehicle's volume from an extended operational configuration to a compact folded configuration for efficient storage
Solution Approach 2:
The folding frame sections nest together in a compact arrangement when collapsed, with smaller components fitting within or alongside larger structural elements, minimizing the overall storage footprint
3Ease of operation
If shock absorbing members are added to motorized carts, then ride comfort is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame sections incorporate flexible or resilient characteristics through their hinge connections and folding mechanisms, providing passive shock absorption and ride comfort without requiring additional heavy shock absorbing members
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
Enables a compact, portable, and easy-to-store vehicle that can be controlled hands-free, with improved maneuverability and reduced storage space requirements, suitable for various surfaces and terrain.
Implementation Method 1
arcuate flexible limbs that support the load and provide suspension
Data Source
AI summary
A light weight collapsible electric vehicle includes a seat, a flexible and supportive frame connected to the seat, a rear axle connected to a rear of the frame, a front cross member connected to a front of the frame, a front wheel connected to the front cross member, a rear wheel connected to the rear axle, the front cross member includes a pair of foot pedals which are operably connected to a power source and drive motors which are connected to two or more of the wheels, wherein actuation of the foot pedals in a predetermined manner causes rotation of one or more wheels and wherein the foot pedals provide steering control.