Foot Brake Assembly That Isolates Motor Drive During Scooter Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braking mechanisms for electric scooters lack sufficient frictional resistance to effectively stop wheels driven by electric motors, risking damage to motor components and adding complexity and cost with larger braking systems.
Innovation Solution
A foot brake assembly with a fender portion that applies frictional braking force to the wheel, coupled with an electrical switch or relay to disconnect power from the motor when engaged, allowing safe braking without damaging motor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional foot brake mechanism is used on an electric scooter, then the braking force is insufficient to stop the wheel driven by an electric motor, but using a larger braking mechanism would add cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is segmented into two independent parts: a simple foot brake mechanism for applying friction force, and an electrical switch mechanism for cutting power. This allows the mechanical braking component to remain simple while achieving effective stopping through the combination of both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical braking function with an electrical power cutoff function into a single integrated brake assembly. When the user applies the foot brake, both the friction braking and power cutoff occur simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between needing sufficient braking force and maintaining device simplicity.
2Force
If a conventional foot brake is applied to the same wheel driven by the motor, then braking force is applied, but serious damage may occur to the motor or drive components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical switch is configured to cut off power to the motor before or simultaneously with the application of braking force. This preliminary action of removing power prevents the harmful interaction between the brake and motor-driven wheel, eliminating the risk of motor damage while maintaining effective braking capability.
3Force
If more complicated braking mechanisms such as disc brakes or caliper brakes are used, then sufficient braking force is achieved, but additional cost and complexity are added to the scooter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for a complex mechanical braking system with a combination of simple mechanical braking and electrical power cutoff. Instead of using expensive disc brakes or caliper brakes, the solution uses a simple foot brake augmented by an electrical switch that cuts power, achieving sufficient braking force while maintaining low manufacturing cost and simplicity.
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 effective and convenient braking for electric scooters without risking motor damage, maintaining low cost and simplicity while ensuring safe stopping.
Implementation Method 1
a fender portion and a connector portion. The fender portion and connector portion are configured to be supported by the user support member. The fender portion comprises a frictional braking surface configured to apply frictional braking force upon the outer circumference of a wheel of the scooter.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, includes at least one battery and motor for powering at least one driven wheel. The vehicle also includes a braking assembly configured to isolate the motor from the at least one driven wheel such that power is terminated from the motor to the at least one wheel in response to a user engaging a braking assembly of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a switch or position sensor that interacts with the braking assembly to initiate the isolation of the motor from the at least one driven wheel and the switch or position sensor preferably is inaccessible to the foot of the user.