Integrated Carrying Mechanism for Foldable Mobility Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal mobility devices, such as scooters and bicycles, often require users to manually carry or fold them for storage or transportation, especially when navigating through spaces where their use is not feasible, and existing solutions do not provide a convenient or integrated carrying mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A personal mobility device with a folding mechanism and an integrated carrying mechanism using flexible materials that tension and loosen automatically based on the device's configuration, allowing users to easily transition between open and folded states for use or carrying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the personal mobility device is designed with a folding mechanism for compact storage, then the device portability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional folding components
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying mechanism is merged with the folding mechanism by integrating the flexible carrying material directly into the folding structure. The carrying material is attached to the stem and base components that already exist for folding, combining two functions into a unified system rather than adding separate carrying components.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism components serve dual purposes: they enable the device to transition between open and folded configurations for portability, and simultaneously provide attachment points and structural support for the carrying mechanism. The stem and base components that enable folding also serve as anchoring points for the carrying material.
2Ease of operation
If an integrated carrying mechanism is added to the personal mobility device, then the ease of carrying is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional carrying components
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying mechanism is merged with the folding mechanism by integrating the flexible carrying material directly into the folding structure. The carrying material is attached to the stem and base components that already exist for folding, combining two functions into a unified system rather than adding separate carrying components.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying mechanism automatically adjusts its tension state based on the device configuration. When the device is folded, the carrying material automatically transitions to a loose state ready for carrying; when the device is opened, the carrying material automatically tensions and secures itself, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the user.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the carrying mechanism is tensioned in the open configuration to secure the device, then the device stability is improved, but the ease of carrying deteriorates when the device needs to be transported
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying mechanism transitions between two dynamic states based on device configuration. In the open configuration, the carrying material is tensioned to provide stability and security. In the folded configuration, the carrying material automatically loosens to enable easy carrying. This dynamic adaptation allows the same mechanism to serve opposing functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying mechanism periodically switches between tensioned and loose states corresponding to the periodic transition between device usage (open) and transport (folded) modes. The automatic tensioning and loosening occurs with each folding/unfolding cycle, providing the appropriate state for the current operational phase.
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 users to conveniently carry the device when folded, reducing manual handling efforts and providing a seamless transition between using and storing the mobility device, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The stem is configured to fold relative to the base to transition the personal mobility device between an open configuration and a folded configuration
Implementation Method 2
The integrated carrying mechanism comprises a flexible material that is configured for use by a user to carry the personal mobility device when in the folded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a personal mobility device is disclosed. The personal mobility device comprises a wheel, a stem and a base. The stem is configured to fold relative to the base to transition the personal mobility device between an open configuration and a folded configuration. The personal mobility device further comprises an integrated carrying mechanism attached to the personal mobility device. The integrated carrying mechanism comprises a flexible material that is configured for use by a user to carry the personal mobility device when in the folded configuration.