Kick-Scooter Platform Folding via U-Bracket and Spring Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheeled kick-scooters face challenges in folding without effort, achieving optimal compactness, and allowing front wheel disengagement for trolley-style rolling in a folded position, while maintaining a simple design and coaxial front drive wheel with the steering rod.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible wheeled kick-scooter with a platform that pivots between active and folded positions, utilizing an inverted U-shaped bracket for the second rotational axis placement within the front wheel's surface area, combined with a compression mechanism and locking lever system for effortless folding and unfolding, and a cam mechanism for coaxial front wheel pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the articulation between the platform and steering rod is positioned outside the front wheel diameter region, then the vehicle can be folded up compactly, but the front wheel cannot disengage for trolley-style rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the articulation axis from a conventional location to a specific position within the front wheel diameter region, utilizing the spatial dimension created by the wheel's footprint. This dimensional repositioning allows the articulation to occur inside the wheel's projected area, enabling both compact folding and front wheel disengagement for trolley-style rolling without interference.
2Device complexity
If the user must manually fold the steering rod and platform, then the design remains simple, but the folding operation requires bending down and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a compression spring that acts as a counterweight mechanism, storing potential energy when the vehicle is folded and releasing it to assist in the unfolding operation. This elastic counterweight reduces the effort required by the user and eliminates the need to bend down, while maintaining relatively simple mechanical construction.
3Device complexity
If the front drive wheel is positioned coaxially with the steering rod, then the design is simplified, but the vehicle cannot achieve optimal compactness when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the articulation axis within the front wheel's diameter region, effectively nesting the folding mechanism within the spatial envelope already defined by the wheel. This nesting arrangement allows the platform to fold compactly against the steering rod while the front wheel maintains its coaxial position, achieving both compactness and design 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 quick and effortless folding/unfolding, reduced space requirements, and allows the front wheel to disengage for trolley-style rolling in the folded position without compromising the vehicle's design or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a compression mechanism, e.g. a spring, which has an elongate shape and a first end of which is connected to said platform at a distance unequal to zero from the second axis, and a second end of which is connected to said rod for the purpose of exerting a lifting force onto the platform, inducing a torque about the second pivot axis of the platform
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on a wheeled kick-scooter vehicle, comprising: a platform of elongate shape, which is at its rear end provided with a wheel, and which a user may rest at least one foot upon; a steering rod capable of pivoting about a first axis, which is transversal with respect to the forward-motion direction of the vehicle, wherein the rod comprises a first distal end which is provided with a steering device, e.g. a handlebar or a knob, and comprises a second proximal end which is connected to a front wheel via the intermediary of at least one fork straddling the front wheel; wherein the platform is mounted in such a way that it pivots with respect to a second axis that is transversal to the first axis, the platform being thus movable between two extreme positions, namely an active rolling position, in which it is substantially perpendicular to the rod, and a folded-up position in parallel to the rod and close to the latter; wherein the vehicle further comprises a compression mechanism, e.g. a spring, which has an elongate shape and a first end of which is connected to said platform at a distance unequal to zero from the second axis, and a second end of which is connected to said rod for the purpose of exerting a lifting force onto the platform, inducing a torque about the second pivot axis of the platform. It is proposed that the platform is connected to the rod via a bracket which is shaped like an inverted U and spans the fork while permitting the rotation of the latter, wherein the U-shaped bracket features two spaced-apart parallel arms and the second pivot axis is arranged at the free ends of the parallel arms of the bracket.