Foldable Vehicle Hinge Mechanism for Compact Upright Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable vehicles are not very compact when folded, resulting in a relatively small luggage compartment and the need for additional support to maintain stability in a parked upright position without external objects.
Innovation Solution
A foldable vehicle design featuring a coupling frame with a hinge joint that translates from an unfolded to a folded position, allowing the first wheel to move partially between the second and third wheels, creating a more compact envelope and enabling the vehicle to be used as both a transport vehicle and a trolley, with optional features like a stand for upright parking and a seat for resting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the vehicle is folded using conventional mechanisms, then the vehicle can be compacted, but the folded envelope remains large and the luggage compartment is relatively small
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling frame employs a hinge joint mechanism that translates the first rotational axis towards the second rotational axis during folding, causing the hinge joint to move from one side of a virtual plane to the other side. This dimensional transformation enables the first wheel to position itself between the second and third wheels, achieving a more compact three-dimensional folded envelope that maximizes luggage compartment space.
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle is folded to be more compact, then the folded size is reduced, but the vehicle cannot be parked in a stable upright position without external support
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling frame's hinge joint mechanism automatically positions the first wheel between the second and third wheels during the folding process, creating a self-supporting folded configuration. This self-service positioning eliminates the need for external support objects, allowing the folded vehicle to maintain stable upright parking through its own structural arrangement.
3Power
If the gear is made relatively large for efficient power transmission, then the gear cannot move further during folding and defines a limit for compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling frame utilizes a hinge joint with a virtual plane reference, allowing the gear and other components to fold along a dimensional path that moves the hinge joint from one side of the virtual plane to the other. This dimensional folding approach enables the gear to achieve its maximum compact position without being constrained by its size, as the folding occurs along an optimized three-dimensional trajectory rather than a linear path.
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 results in a more compact folded vehicle with improved stability in both unfolded and folded configurations, allowing for multiple uses such as transportation, trolley use, and upright parking, while maintaining a stable position without additional protruding components.
Implementation Method 1
A first end of the coupling frame is hinged with a first hinge connection to the first side frame and a second end of the coupling frame is hinged with a second hinge connection to the second side frame. The coupling frame comprising a hinge joint in between the first end and the second end
Implementation Method 2
The first side frame is coupled to a first wheel and the first wheel is rotatable around a first rotational axis. The second side frame is coupled to a second wheel. The second wheel is rotatable around a second (virtual) rotational axis
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b(5)
Figure 3a~3b(5)
AI summary
A foldable vehicle 100 is provided for use as a vehicle if being unfolded and for use as a trolley if being folded. The vehicle 100 in its folded configuration may also be placed in an upright parking position. The vehicle comprises a first side frame 108 coupled to a first wheel 124, a second side frame 102 coupled to a second wheel 112and a coupling frame 104. The coupling frame comprises a hinge joint 120 between a first end and a second end of the coupling frame. The first end is hinged to the first side frame and the second end is hinged to the second side frame. When the first wheel translates towards the second wheel, the hinge joint moves from one side 128 of the second wheel to the other side 126 of the second wheel.