Micromobility Vehicle Ergonomics Without Adjustable Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micromobility transportation options are not well suited for moderate distance trips, often leading to user fatigue and discomfort due to the need for manual adjustments and lack of adaptability to different user sizes and trip purposes.

Innovation Solution

A one-size-fits-all electric vehicle design with fixed dimensions and components, optimized for a wide range of user sizes, ensuring comfort and ease of use by accommodating various terrains and user postures, featuring a non-adjustable frame with integrated storage and user interface elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional micromobility vehicles are designed with adjustable components to accommodate different user sizes, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different user sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the micromobility vehicle with a one-size-fits-all approach, where the frame geometry and component dimensions are optimized to accommodate a wide range of user sizes (from 5th to 95th percentile) without requiring adjustable components. The vehicle integrates multiple functions including propulsion, steering, braking, and storage into a fixed configuration that serves diverse user needs through ergonomic optimization rather than mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If conventional micromobility vehicles are designed with adjustable components, then ease of operation for different users is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing and maintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the fixed geometric parameters of the vehicle frame and components to accommodate various user sizes. Specifically, the frame geometry, handlebar height, seat position, and footboard dimensions are carefully selected within specific ranges to provide ergonomic comfort for users from the 5th to 95th percentile, eliminating the need for adjustable mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If micromobility vehicles are designed for short distance trips, then speed is improved, but comfort for moderate distance trips deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespeedVSAvoidcomfort for moderate distance trips
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an electric motor with variable speed control and a regenerative braking system that allows the vehicle to adapt its performance characteristics based on trip conditions. The electric propulsion system provides high torque for acceleration and hill climbing, while the regenerative braking recovers energy during deceleration, enabling comfortable moderate-distance travel while maintaining the speed performance needed for shorter trips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4034454B1Micromobility electric vehicle ergonomics
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 LYFT INC
  • EP4034454B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4034454B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP4034454B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A universal micromobility vehicle configured for use in a vehicle share system comprises a frame, a footboard fixed to the frame, a seat fixed to the frame, handlebars, and front and rear wheels supported by the frame. The seat is separated from the footboard in a vertical direction by a fixed distance between 500 mm and 600 mm. The handlebars are separated from the footboard in the vertical direction by a fixed distance between 700 mm and 900 mm. The footboard is fixed to the frame at a fixed vertical distance relative to the lower surfaces of the front and rear wheels between 160 mm and 240 mm. The seat is fixed to the frame at a fixed vertical distance relative to the lower surfaces of the front and rear wheels between 700 mm and 800 mm.