Articulated Hoverboard Coupling for Wheelchair Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching a self-balancing scooter, or hoverboard, to carts like wheelchairs compromise maneuverability, require significant physical effort for direction changes, and do not allow the assistant to transport themselves, often leading to inconvenience and safety issues due to the need for additional structures that overload the hoverboard and disrupt the natural braking system.
Innovation Solution
An articulated structure that attaches a self-balancing scooter to the rear of a cart using control arms connected to bindings on the hoverboard, allowing the cart to be steered naturally with the handles and enabling the user to propel and brake the cart without needing to know how to operate the hoverboard, with the control arms providing stability and steering control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an auxiliary electric motor is attached to the wheelchair to enable autonomous operation, then the wheelchair user can drive the chair himself, but the maneuverability is compromised because it steers the wheelchair in the direction of travel of the chair's rear wheels, requiring additional physical effort for direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the assistant's body as an intermediary control mechanism. The assistant sits on the hoverboard and uses their body weight and posture to control both the hoverboard's direction and the cart's direction through the articulated structure, merging the control of two separate steering systems into one natural human action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the hoverboard's steering function with the cart's steering function into a single control mechanism. The articulated structure transmits the assistant's steering inputs simultaneously to both the hoverboard wheels and the cart handles, eliminating the conflict between two independent steering systems.
2Extent of automation
If the hoverboard is used to propel the cart, then the assistant can transport themselves, but the hoverboard occupies space meant for the assistant's feet to walk and steer the chair from behind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assistant's role from a ground-based pusher to a rider on the hoverboard. By sitting on the hoverboard and using the articulated structure to connect to the cart, the assistant simultaneously controls the hoverboard's propulsion and the cart's movement, eliminating the need for separate walking and steering actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated structure serves multiple functions: it transmits propulsion force from the hoverboard to the cart, transmits steering inputs from the assistant to both the hoverboard and cart, and provides structural support for the assistant's seating position. This multi-functionality resolves the space conflict by making the assistant's position on the hoverboard productive rather than obstructive.
3Extent of automation
If additional structures are added to attach the hoverboard to the cart, then the hoverboard can propel the cart, but the structures overload the hoverboard and disrupt the natural braking system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hoverboard's braking system with the cart's braking system through the articulated structure. When the assistant applies brakes on the hoverboard, the force is transmitted through the articulated links to the cart, creating a coordinated braking action that maintains the natural braking function while enabling electric propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated structure is designed to be self-regulating in terms of force transmission. The geometry of the articulated links naturally distributes the propulsion and braking forces between the hoverboard and cart based on their relative positions and masses, preventing overload without requiring additional sensors or active control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention consists of a propulsion system for cart type vehicles, or carts (1), whereby a self-balancing scooter, or hoverboard (2), is attached at its rear by means of an articulated structure comprising two control arms (31, 32), such that the hoverboard (2), in addition to pushing and controlling the speed, is also a means of transport for the driver, who operates by making a natural use of the cart's handlebar, since it is not necessary to have the ability that the natural use of the hoverboard (2) requires, because both control arms (31, 32), in addition to providing stability, being connected to the hoverboard (2) by articulated joints (1231, 1232) located above each corresponding foot placement platform (201, 202) and pointing to the rotation center of the cart (1) when the cart (1) is stationary, control the direction of the hoverboard (2).