Folding Mobility Frame Linkage for Compact Wheel Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal mobility devices struggle with compact storage and transportation due to their inability to significantly reduce overall dimensions when transitioning from a usable configuration to a more compact form.
Innovation Solution
A mobility device with pivotally coupled linkages between the headtube and body, allowing the headtube to rotate and translate, enabling a deployed configuration to a folded configuration, and incorporating a locking mechanism to secure the device in the folded position, with the headtube engaging proximal to the second wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mobility device uses a traditional rigid frame structure, then the device maintains structural stability during use, but the device cannot significantly reduce overall dimensions when folded for storage or transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is divided into multiple segments including the headtube, linkages, and body that can move independently relative to each other. The headtube can rotate and translate along defined paths relative to the body through pivotal linkages, allowing the front wheel assembly to be positioned closer to the rear wheel for compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic configurable structure. The headtube is connected to the body through first and second linkages that permit controlled rotation and translation, enabling the device to switch between an extended operational configuration and a compact folded configuration stored within the body contours.
2Length of moving object
If the mobility device is designed to fold flat, then the overall length is reduced for storage, but the device cannot be effectively transported in standard vehicles or on public transport
Solution Approach 1:
In the folded configuration, the headtube nests within or alongside the body contours, with the first wheel positioned close to the second wheel. The linkages allow the headtube to translate and rotate into a compact position that fits within standard vehicle storage spaces and public transport compartments, achieving both length reduction and transportability.
3Volume of moving object
If the mobility device uses a compact folded configuration, then storage space is minimized, but the device requires additional linkage mechanisms that increase structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The linkages are pre-configured with pivotal connections that automatically guide the headtube through its folding path. The first and second linkages are connected at specific angles and positions that pre-determine the folding trajectory, allowing the headtube to rotate and translate into the compact position through simple user activation without requiring complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility device for transporting a user, the mobility device including a first wheel; a second wheel; a headtube coupled to the first wheel; a body configured to support the user, the body being coupled to the second wheel; a first linkage connected between the headtube and the body, the first linkage being pivotally coupled to the headtube and to the body; and a second linkage connected between the headtube and the body, the second linkage being pivotally coupled to the headtube and to the body. The first and second linkages permit the headtube to rotate and translate relative to the body to move between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration of the mobility device.