Foldable Scooter Quadrilateral Frame Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible solutions for two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles and scooters, do not effectively reduce the occupied space when not in use, as they are not designed to handle the forces and torque experienced by motorized cycles, and existing foldable frames are not suitable for motorized vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A quadrilateral frame with front and rear vertical assemblies and top and bottom collapsible horizontal assemblies, utilizing virtual parallelogram sub-linkages and geared linkages that allow the horizontal assemblies to collapse vertically, reducing the overall space occupied by the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a traditional rigid frame is used for a motorized two-wheeled vehicle, then structural integrity and strength are maintained, but the space occupied by the vehicle when not in use is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple rigid linkages (front vertical assembly, rear vertical assembly, top horizontal assembly, bottom horizontal assembly) connected by pivot joints, allowing the structure to be segmented into collapsible sections while maintaining overall integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure using pivot joints and linkage mechanisms that allow the horizontal assemblies to rotate and collapse vertically, enabling the vehicle to transition between expanded and collapsed states while maintaining structural strength when assembled
2Ease of operation
If existing foldable bicycle frames are adapted for motorized vehicles, then folding capability is achieved, but the frame cannot handle the forces and torque of motorized cycles
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the frame have different properties - the linkages are designed with specific pivot joints and connection points optimized for handling motorized vehicle forces and torque, while maintaining foldability through strategically placed hinge mechanisms that accommodate both structural and operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The frame uses a composite structure combining multiple rigid linkages with pivot joints, creating a hybrid system that integrates the strength of rigid metal components with the flexibility of hinged connections, enabling both foldability and structural reliability for motorized vehicles
3Volume of stationary object
If the handlebar assembly is collapsed in existing scooters, then some space reduction is achieved, but the overall space occupied by the scooter is not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is integrated into the main frame structure itself, combining the frame assemblies with the folding mechanism through pivot joints and linkage connections, eliminating the need for separate handlebar-only folding systems and achieving more effective space reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The frame collapses by rotating horizontal assemblies vertically, changing the spatial dimension from horizontal extension to vertical compression, allowing the scooter to reduce its footprint significantly while maintaining structural integrity through the linkage mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention describe a quadrilateral frame to be utilized by a two-wheeled vehicle. The quadrilateral frame may include front and rear vertical assemblies, top and bottom collapsible horizontal assemblies, the horizontal assemblies to collapse vertically. By collapsing the horizontal assemblies of the quadrilateral frame, it is to be understood that the space occupied by the vehicle when it is not in use is significantly reduced.