Dynamic Self-Balancing Two-Wheel Vehicle with Dual Motor Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dynamically self-balancing two-wheeled vehicles for seated drivers face challenges in load capacity, safety, handling, and braking, particularly for users with increased weight or mobility issues, as they often have reduced payload due to the added weight of the vehicle seat and structure, and lack effective emergency braking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two dynamically self-balancing one-wheeled vehicles attached to a common chassis, each equipped with an electric motor, inclination sensor, and balance control, allowing for increased load capacity and redundancy in case of motor failure, along with a steering and control system that simplifies operation through a coupled steering device and control device, including a joystick for easy acceleration, braking, and emergency braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vehicle seat and structure are added to support seated drivers, then the vehicle becomes suitable for seated operation, but the payload capacity is reduced due to increased structural weight
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into two independent one-wheeled units, each with its own motor, battery, and control system. This segmentation allows the structure to be optimized for seated support without compromising overall payload capacity, as each unit independently supports half the load.
Solution Approach 2:
Two dynamically self-balancing one-wheeled vehicles are merged into a single two-wheeled vehicle system with a common chassis and vehicle seat. This combination provides both seated operation capability and increased load capacity through redundant support structures.
2Device complexity
If a single motor system is used in each one-wheeled vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system is segmented into two independent units, each with its own motor and control system. This segmentation provides redundancy, as failure of one motor does not compromise the entire vehicle, while keeping each individual motor system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual motor system provides beforehand cushioning against motor failure. If one motor fails, the other motor can continue to operate, allowing the vehicle to reach a safe location or be manually stopped, thus cushioning the impact of the failure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the inclination sensor is fixed to the housing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust for steering
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination sensor mounting is made dynamic through a pivotable connection that allows the sensor to rotate about the inclination axis. This dynamic mounting enables the sensor to maintain its measurement precision while adapting to steering movements, resolving the contradiction between fixed precision mounting and operational flexibility.
4Device complexity
If conventional braking mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety deteriorates due to insufficient emergency braking capability
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency braking function is merged with the existing dynamic balancing system. The balance control unit, which normally maintains vehicle equilibrium, is also used to execute emergency braking by commanding both motors to stop, thus providing enhanced safety without adding a separate complex braking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor system serves multiple functions: normal propulsion, dynamic balancing, and emergency braking. This multi-functionality allows the braking system to be integrated into the existing motor and control structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
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 configuration enhances the load capacity, safety, and handling of the two-wheeled vehicle, enabling it to support drivers with increased weight and simplifying operation for users with mobility impairments, while providing reliable emergency braking and improved stability.
Implementation Method 1
a common inclination sensor... an axis of inclination running parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel in relation to a horizontal plane which represents the balanced state
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dynamically self-balancing two-wheeled vehicle (1) comprising a chassis (2) that supports a vehicle seat (3). The payload, range, and safety of the two-wheeled vehicle (2) can be improved by providing two dynamically self-balancing single-wheeled vehicles (4), each comprising a wheel (5), an electric motor (6), a tilt sensor (7), a balance control (8), and a housing (9), wherein the two single-wheeled vehicles (4) are arranged on the chassis (2) such that they support the chassis (2) and their wheels (5) define a common wheel axis of rotation (15).Furthermore, a steering device (11) is provided for steering the two-wheeled vehicle (1), wherein the steering device (11) is coupled to at least one of the housings (9) or to at least one of the tilt sensors (7) in such a way that a steering actuation of the steering device (11) changes an inclination of at least one of the housings (9) or of at least one of the tilt sensors (7) about an inclination axis (16) running parallel to the wheel rotation axis (15) relative to the chassis (2) in such a way that the respective wheel (5) is controlled by the associated balance control (8) to accelerate or brake in order to generate a steering movement of the two-wheeled vehicle (1) correlated with the steering actuation.