Modular Personal Mobility Coupling for Versatile Towed Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal mobility devices, such as electric kickboards and scooters, are limited in their versatility as they are designed for specific purposes and struggle to adapt for cargo transportation or other uses due to their distinct forms.
Innovation Solution
A personal mobility device with a towing module that allows selective connection of various towed modules via a connection device featuring a rotatable connection shaft, locking mechanism, and adjustable height, enabling easy switching between different types of modules for different uses without the need for additional driving elements in the towed modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a personal mobility device is designed for a specific purpose with a fixed form, then it can perform that specific function reliably, but it cannot be used for other purposes such as cargo transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The personal mobility device is divided into a towing module and detachable towed modules. The towing module contains the driving motor and battery, while the towed modules can be selectively connected for different purposes (passenger seat, cargo box, etc.). This segmentation allows the core towing module to remain simple while achieving versatility through modular additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing module is designed with a universal connection device that can accommodate multiple types of towed modules. The connection device includes a connection shaft with different outer diameter parts and a locking mechanism that can securely connect various module types, enabling one towing module to serve multiple functions through selective module attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various types of towed modules are selectively connected to the towing module, then the personal mobility device can be used for multiple purposes, but the connection device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection shaft is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different connection orientations and module types. The lifting device can move the connection shaft vertically to adjust the height of the connection frame, providing dynamic adjustment capability that simplifies the connection process for various modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection shaft includes different outer diameter parts (first and second outer diameter parts) that can be selectively connected depending on the size of the shaft coupling hole of the connection frame. This parameter variation allows a single connection device design to accommodate multiple module types with different hole sizes.
3Ease of operation
If the connection shaft is made rotatable and height-adjustable, then easier connection and disconnection of modules is achieved, but the mechanical complexity of the connection device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is configured to move the connection shaft vertically through a self-contained mechanical mechanism integrated into the connection device. The locking device automatically locks the connection shaft when a towed module is connected, reducing the need for manual adjustment and simplifying the operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device and locking device are integrated into the connection device structure. The lifting device moves the connection shaft vertically, while the locking device provides automatic locking, combining multiple functions (rotation, height adjustment, and locking) into a single integrated connection mechanism that reduces overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a personal mobility device including a towing module configured to allow various types of towed modules to be selectively connected and towed, and a connection device configured to connect the towing module and the towed modules. The connection device includes a connection member extending rearward from the towing module, a connection shaft having an upper side rotatably supported on the connection member and a lower side coupled to a shaft coupling hole formed on a connection frame of the towed module, and a locking device provided on the connection frame to lock the connection shaft.