Kick Scooter Energy-Return Mechanism for Reduced Rider Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kick scooters require significant energy expenditure due to resistance from headwinds, hills, and rough ground, leading to rider fatigue, and alternating legs for propulsion is awkward and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A kick scooter with a laterally rigid resilient mechanism that stores energy during the flexing of the support leg and returns it during straightening, stabilizing the rider's weight and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the rider uses a conventional kick scooter to overcome resistance from headwinds, hills, and rough ground, then the rider can maintain mobility, but the energy expenditure increases significantly leading to rider fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the support leg by introducing a resilient mechanism that stores and releases energy. The mechanism transforms the support leg from a passive structural element to an active energy-returning component, reducing the energy expenditure required for each kicking motion while maintaining the ability to overcome resistance from headwinds, hills, and rough ground
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of the support leg's flexion and extension (which consumes significant energy) into a beneficial energy storage and release mechanism. The resilient mechanism captures the energy from the support leg's flexion and returns it during extension, transforming what was previously a source of fatigue into an energy-recovery system that reduces overall energy expenditure
2Ease of operation
If the rider alternates support and kicking legs to address exertion, then energy distribution may improve, but the operation becomes awkward and less efficient due to preference for kicking with one leg
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient mechanism attached to the support leg provides self-service by automatically storing and returning energy during each support phase, eliminating the need for the rider to consciously manage energy distribution through leg alternation. The mechanism serves itself by capturing and releasing energy in a continuous cycle, allowing the rider to maintain their preferred kicking leg while reducing overall exertion
3Ease of operation
If the rider stands on only one leg with upper body support from handlebars, then the scooter can be controlled, but additional fatigue occurs and weight shifts compromise handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the support leg's mechanical behavior by introducing the resilient mechanism, which reduces the energy required to maintain the single-leg stance. The mechanism automatically adjusts to the rider's weight and kicking motions, providing stable support that prevents weight shifts while reducing the energy needed to maintain balance and control
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 mechanism reduces energy expenditure and fatigue by supplementing the rider's leg effort, maintaining weight alignment, and improving handling stability.
Implementation Method 1
a laterally rigid resilient mechanism that stores energy during the flexing of the support leg and returns it during straightening
Data Source
AI summary
The device provides an energy return mechanism associated with flexing and straightening of the scooter rider's support leg. The device includes an energy return mechanism having an end connected to the scooter such that resilient force exerted by the mechanism is longitudinally aligned with the scooter to act in a generally rearward/upward direction. A free end of the mechanism cradles the front of the rider's support leg, just below the knee. When the rider flexes the support leg, the resilient mechanism distorts in a longitudinal direction. When the rider straightens the leg, the forces stored in the resilient mechanism supplement the force of the rider's muscles. Thus, the device reduces the amount of energy used by the rider. The mechanism can be configured as an accessory to a conventional scooter or be integrated into a scooter. Certain embodiments are foldable and compatible with the foldable scooters.