Concave Footpad with Planar Sensor Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized skateboards with integrated sensors face challenges in maintaining sensor sensitivity when concave geometries are attempted, as traditional concave designs can inhibit the effectiveness of weight/pressure sensors, affecting speed and directional control.
Innovation Solution
A footpad with a concave upper surface and a planar lower surface, designed to be coupled directly above the pressure sensing device, allowing for enhanced responsiveness and sensor sensitivity by transmitting weight distribution shifts effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a concave geometry is incorporated into the deck surface, then operator responsiveness and control are improved, but pressure sensor sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deck surface is segmented into distinct regions: a concave peripheral border region for operator control and a planar central region for pressure sensor contact. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between operator responsiveness and sensor sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the deck are given different geometric qualities - the peripheral border has a concave geometry to enhance operator control, while the central region maintains a planar surface to ensure proper sensor contact and sensitivity. This local differentiation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If optional concave footpads are added to the deck surface, then operator control is enhanced, but weight distribution transmission to the sensor is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The footpad acts as an intermediary element between the operator's foot and the deck surface. It features a concave upper surface for operator comfort and control, while its lower surface maintains planar contact with the deck's central region, ensuring weight distribution is properly transmitted to the pressure sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The footpad introduces a vertical dimension to the solution by having different surface geometries on its upper and lower faces. The concave upper surface provides operator control enhancement, while the planar lower surface ensures proper weight transmission to the sensor, effectively resolving the contradiction through dimensional differentiation.
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 solution enhances the operator's control over the skateboard by maintaining sensor sensitivity while providing increased responsiveness, allowing for better speed and directional control without degrading sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor may be arranged in a front end of the skateboard deck. Thus movement of the motorized skateboard may be controlled by adjusting weight placed on a lead foot of an operator
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for concave footpads for a personal transport device. In one example, the concave footpads may be coupled to the personal transport device, arranged between an operator's feet and an upper surface of the personal transport device, the upper surface including a pressure transducer.