Gravity-Centering Cart Structure for Safer Assisted Load Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-balancing personal transporters require users to stand upright and balance continuously, leading to fatigue and a high risk of falling, and their unique electric motor functionality has not been utilized for other devices.
Innovation Solution
Transforming self-balancing personal transporters into gravity centering carts that allow users to walk, jog, or run while providing support and balance, enabling easy pushing or pulling with minimal effort and reduced resistance, using stabilizing or load-bearing structures connected to the transporter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If users operate self-balancing personal transporters by standing upright and balancing continuously, then the transporters can move users faster than walking, but users experience fatigue and high risk of falling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cart as an intermediary device between the user and the self-balancing transporter. The cart has its own wheels and can be pulled or pushed by the user while the transporter provides propulsion. This mediator allows the user to benefit from the transporter's speed without needing to maintain balance on it, thus reducing fatigue and falling risk while preserving travel speed benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the functions of movement and balance. The self-balancing transporter handles the propulsion function while the cart handles the load-carrying function. The user only needs to guide the cart rather than balance on the transporter, separating the demanding balancing task from the user and allowing safer operation
2Speed
If the wheel of the self-balancing device strikes an obstacle and suddenly changes direction or speed, then momentum causes the user to fall off, but the device provides fast travel capability
Solution Approach 1:
The cart serves as a buffer between the user and the transporter's unpredictable movements. When the transporter hits an obstacle, the user is separated from the direct impact by the cart's wheels and structure, preventing the user from being thrown off while allowing the transporter to maintain its speed capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cart structure provides beforehand cushioning against the harmful effects of sudden movements. The cart's wheels and frame absorb and distribute the shock when the transporter encounters obstacles, protecting the user from sudden direction changes and speed variations that would otherwise cause falling
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-balancing personal transporters are used as propelling mechanisms for other devices, then their electric motor functionality can be utilized, but the exercise and freedom of movement components are removed when users sit or stand without walking
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains dynamic operation where the user is actively walking and moving while the transporter provides propulsion. Unlike sitting in a wheelchair-like configuration, the user remains in motion, preserving the exercise benefit. The cart's design requires active engagement from the user to guide and control it, maintaining freedom of movement while enabling the transporter to propel heavier loads
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
Enhances user safety and reduces fatigue by allowing unskilled users to operate the transporter, while multiplying exercise benefits and enabling various functions like carrying cargo or towing loads with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
self-balancing personal transporters... require a user to stand upright, tilt their center of gravity
Implementation Method 2
self-balancing personal transporters... provide a unique platform with a self-driving electric motor
Implementation Method 3
gravity centering carts that allow users to walk, jog, or run while providing support and balance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to devices, systems and methods for a gravity centering cart that permits a user to exercise (e.g., walk, jog or run) while utilizing helpful functionality provided by the gravity centering cart, such as having the cart carry a load with minimal resistance felt by the user pulling or pushing the cart.