Linkage Shifting Assembly for Two-Wheel Dynamic Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Two-wheeled vehicles with wheels in a lateral, side-by-side configuration face challenges in maintaining dynamic stability during normal operation, as they lack the static stability provided by multiple wheels with longitudinal separation, making it difficult to balance and control pitch orientation.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle employs a linkage-based shifting apparatus with independently driven wheels and a shifting assembly that allows the chassis to move relative to the wheels, using the vehicle's body as a counterweight to maintain balance and stability, and incorporates a control system for active stabilization, including sensors and motors to adjust the pitch and center of gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If two wheels are mounted in lateral side-by-side configuration, then the vehicle structure is simplified and maneuverability is improved, but dynamic stability deteriorates due to lack of longitudinal wheel separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle structureVSAvoiddynamic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic stabilization system where the chassis can shift its position relative to the wheels along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic adjustment allows the vehicle to actively maintain balance by moving the center of gravity forward or backward in response to pitch disturbances, resolving the stability issue inherent in lateral two-wheel configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shifting assembly effectively uses the chassis mass as a counterweight to balance the vehicle. By positioning the chassis center of gravity at a distance from the wheel contact points and allowing it to shift, the system creates a counterbalancing moment that opposes gravitational torque during pitch disturbances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the chassis is made shiftable relative to the wheels, then dynamic stability and balance control are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional shifting assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalance controlVSAvoidshifting assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is divided into functionally independent segments: the wheels remain fixed while the chassis becomes a separate movable component. This segmentation allows the chassis to shift independently relative to the wheels through the shifting assembly, enabling balance control without requiring complex integration of all components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shifting assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the chassis and the wheels. It provides the necessary connection and relative motion capability, allowing the chassis to shift position while maintaining structural integrity and functional coordination with the fixed wheel assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables dynamic stabilization of two-wheeled vehicles, allowing them to maintain vertical orientation and stability during operation, with improved control authority and maneuverability, and the ability to handle inclines and varying terrain.

Implementation Method 1

a linkage-based shifting apparatus with first and second arms... a shifting assembly operatively coupled to the first and second arms to cause a relative shifting motion between the chassis and the first and second wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical linkage: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 2

at least one motor configured to drive at least one of the first a second wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

using the vehicle's body as a counterweight to maintain balance and stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3870470B1Shifting assembly and mobile carrier comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 PIAGGIO FAST FORWARD INC
  • EP3870470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3870470B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3870470B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A linkage-based shifting assembly comprises first and second arms, having a first wheel rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the first arm and a second wheel rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the second arm. A shifting assembly is configured to couple to a chassis, wherein the shifting assembly is coupled to distal ends of the first and second arms and configured to cause a relative shifting motion between the chassis and the first and second wheels. The linkage-based shifting assembly can form part of a vehicle. The vehicle can be a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle can be a mobile carrier. The mobile carrier can be a two-wheeled vehicle.