Dual-Drive Rider Vehicle Steering Layout for Large-Wheel Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rider-propelled vehicles do not provide an upper body workout and incorporating dual drive and steering assemblies compromise safety and maneuverability, while using small wheels compromises ride quality.
Innovation Solution
A rider-propelled vehicle design that includes a frame distributing weight between rear and front wheels, allowing for 24 inch or larger wheels, and a dual drive and steering assembly that accommodates arm and foot power without interfering with steering, featuring a steering train that aligns with the chassis to maintain maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual drive and steering assemblies with handlebar assemblies connecting to foot pedals are incorporated, then upper body workout is provided, but rider safety is compromised and steering maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dual drive and steering assembly is segmented into independent components: handlebar assemblies for upper body exercise, pedal arms for lower body propulsion, and a steering train that operates independently. This segmentation allows each component to function without interfering with the others, maintaining safety while providing workout capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A steering train acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handlebar assemblies and the front wheel assembly. This intermediary allows steering inputs from the handlebars to be transmitted to the front wheel without requiring direct connection of handlebars to foot pedals, eliminating the safety hazards while preserving steering control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual drive and steering assemblies with handlebar assemblies connecting to foot pedals are incorporated, then upper body workout is provided, but steering maneuverability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into separate functional segments: the handlebar assemblies for upper body exercise, the pedal arms for propulsion, and the steering train for maneuvering. This segmentation ensures that steering operations are not compromised by the presence of dual drive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering train serves as an intermediary that decouples the steering function from the dual drive mechanism, allowing smooth and unrestricted steering maneuverability while the handlebar assemblies provide independent upper body workout capability.
3Ease of operation
If small wheels (less than 24 inch) are used to avoid handlebar interference, then steering maneuverability is improved, but ride quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering train acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for small wheels to prevent handlebar interference. By decoupling the steering function through the steering train, the patent enables the use of larger 24-inch or bigger wheels that provide superior ride quality while maintaining full steering maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing wheel size to avoid handlebar interference (conventional approach), the patent inverts the solution by maintaining large wheels and using a steering train to resolve the interference issue. This inversion allows retention of the benefits of large wheels (smoother ride, better obstacle traversal) while achieving steering maneuverability through the intermediary steering mechanism.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional rider-propelled vehicle design is used, then ride quality is maintained, but upper body workout capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle design integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the handlebar assemblies provide upper body workout capability, the pedal arms provide lower body propulsion, and the steering train provides steering control. This multi-functional design allows the vehicle to maintain conventional ride quality with large wheels while adding upper body exercise capability, making it suitable for both fitness and transportation purposes.
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 design provides improved ergonomics and upper body workout while maintaining conventional vehicle advantages, ensuring smooth ride quality and maneuverability with larger wheels.
Implementation Method 1
The seat is positioned on the chassis and includes a biasing element such as a coil spring to absorb shock between the chassis and the rider.
Data Source
AI summary
A rider-propelled vehicle comprising a rear wheel assembly, a front wheel assembly, a dual drive and steering assembly, and a drive train. The rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly include 24 inch (ISO 507 mm) or larger wheels. Pedals of the dual drive and steering assembly extend laterally exterior from drive links of the dual drive and steering assembly so that feet of the rider straddle the left and right drive link. A steering train of the dual drive and steering assembly is configured so that the front wheel assembly turns entirely forward of the range of motion of left and right handlebar assemblies of the dual drive and steering assembly.