Collapsible Electric Scooter Segmented Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric scooters are difficult to collapse and carry due to their bulkiness and high center of gravity, which causes strain on users, especially the elderly or those with physical limitations, and hinder efficient relocation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible electric scooter design featuring a base frame with a folding mechanism for the front and rear assemblies, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly, with a lower center of gravity for stability and ergonomic design to reduce user strain during mounting and dismounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the scooter is designed to be collapsible for easy transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional folding mechanisms and locking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The scooter is divided into distinct modular assemblies (front assembly with handlebar, seat assembly, rear assembly with footrest) that can be independently collapsed and locked. Each assembly has its own locking mechanism, allowing the scooter to be collapsed in segments rather than requiring a complex simultaneous folding system.
Solution Approach 2:
The scooter employs dynamic locking mechanisms that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The lock rods and pins can be engaged or disengaged by the user to convert the scooter between a rigid operational state and a collapsed transport state, providing adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the scooter is made compact when collapsed for easy storage, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens due to tighter clearance for manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the collapse process into separate assemblies (front, seat, rear), each with sufficient space for its locking mechanisms, the scooter achieves a compact overall volume when collapsed while maintaining ease of operation for each individual assembly. The segmented approach avoids the need for overly tight clearances that would result from attempting to fold the entire scooter into a single compact unit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the scooter is designed with a lower center of gravity for stability and easier mounting, then the stability is improved, but the height of the seat and controls is reduced which may affect ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The scooter separates the functions of stability and ergonomics into different assemblies. The base frame and power source are positioned low for stability, while the seat assembly and handlebar assembly are independently positioned at ergonomically appropriate heights. This segmentation allows the lower center of gravity to improve stability without compromising the ergonomic positioning of user contact points.
4Weight of moving object
If the scooter components are made lightweight for easy carrying, then the weight is reduced, but the strength and durability of the collapsing mechanisms may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scooter employs composite construction with aluminum alloy frame components providing high strength-to-weight ratio, plastic locking mechanisms reducing weight while maintaining sufficient strength, and strategic reinforcement at stress points. This composite approach allows the collapsing mechanisms to be lightweight yet maintain the necessary strength and durability for repeated use.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible electric scooter, including a base frame enclosing an electric power source, a front assembly rotatably secured to the base frame, where the front assembly includes at least one motorized wheel secured to a front riser with a handle bar, a seat assembly removably secured to the base frame; and a rear assembly rotatably secured to at least one axle of the base frame, where the rear assembly includes at least one rear wheel and at least one rear axle support.