Lean-to-Steer Devices With Sensor-Based Active Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lean-to-steer devices, such as skateboards, provide only a simple proportional steering response, limiting the variety of steering actions and stability, especially in complex operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A controller adjusts the steering angle of the wheels based on sensor signals, allowing for various modes of operation to balance forces and provide enhanced steering responses, including adjusting the angular position of the wheels to counteract gravitational and centrifugal forces, using sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to improve stability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple proportional steering response is used in conventional skateboards, then the device structure remains simple, but the variety of steering actions and stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical proportional steering mechanism with an active control system that uses sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and actuators to independently control wheel angles. This substitution enables diverse steering responses including counter-steering, tight curves, and incline compensation without requiring complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control where the steering response is not fixed but actively adjusted in real-time based on sensor feedback. The controller modifies wheel angles dynamically to provide different steering characteristics (proportional, counter, tight curve) depending on operating conditions, transforming a static mechanical system into a dynamic adaptive system
2Speed
If the body is tilted more to achieve tighter turns, then the turn radius becomes smaller, but the stability and force balance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counter-steering where the wheels are angled opposite to the direction of the lean before the turn is completed. This preliminary anti-action generates centrifugal force that balances the gravitational force component, allowing tight turns while maintaining force balance and stability throughout the maneuver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensor feedback (accelerometers and gyroscopes) to continuously monitor the device's orientation and motion state. The controller processes this feedback to calculate the appropriate wheel angles that will achieve the desired turn while maintaining force balance, enabling stable tight turning through closed-loop control
3Stability of the object's composition
If active steering control is implemented to balance forces, then stability and steering flexibility improve, but the device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional control system that handles multiple steering modes (proportional, counter, tight curve), sensor integration, and force balance calculations through a single controller. This universal approach achieves high steering stability and flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts wheel angles based on sensor input without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments. The system self-regulates to maintain force balance and stability, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Steering responses for a lean-to-steer device can be provided by controlling the steering angle of at least one wheel by a steering actuator that is operated by a controller. The controller receives signals that are indicative to the current operating conditions and adjusts the steering angle for at least one wheel responsive to the signals.