Motorized Wheel Assembly with Weight Transfer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorized skateboards and scooters face issues with reduced clearance due to motor and battery placement, limited adaptability to uneven surfaces, and integration with existing skateboard designs, restricting their use on various terrain and as after-market accessories.
Innovation Solution
A motorized wheel assembly with an adaptable weight transfer system, featuring a self-contained motor, battery, and weight distribution mechanism using compression springs or shock absorbers, allowing the motorized front wheel to bear a portion of the rider's weight, enabling traction and propulsion on uneven surfaces while being lightweight and easily attachable to existing skateboards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the motor and battery are mounted under the skateboard deck, then the skateboard can be motorized, but the clearance under the deck is reduced causing scraping on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A weight transfer assembly with spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the motorized wheel and the skateboard deck. This assembly allows the motorized wheel to be elevated off the ground during normal riding, preventing scraping on uneven surfaces while still enabling weight transfer for traction when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static motorized wheel configuration to a dynamic one where the wheel can be elevated and lowered based on riding conditions. The spring-loaded weight transfer assembly dynamically adjusts the position of the motorized wheel, elevating it during normal use and lowering it when weight is applied for traction.
2Reliability
If the motor and battery require protective shielding, then components are protected from bumping and scraping, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and battery are extracted from the skateboard deck and integrated into a separate motorized wheel assembly. This eliminates the need for protective shielding within the deck structure, as the motor components are now housed in the wheel assembly which can be independently protected through the weight transfer mechanism that keeps it elevated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all motor elements are pre-integrated into the skateboard structure, then the motorization is complete, but the assembly cannot be adapted to existing skateboards as an after-market accessory
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized skateboard system is segmented into separate components: the existing skateboard and the detachable motorized wheel assembly with weight transfer mechanism. This modular design allows the motorized wheel to be attached to or removed from various skateboard decks, enabling after-market installation and adaptation to different skateboard designs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate motorized wheel is used instead of under-deck mounting, then clearance is improved, but the weight transfer mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The weight transfer assembly uses a spring mechanism that dynamically responds to rider input. When the rider shifts weight forward, the spring compresses and transfers weight to the motorized wheel, enabling traction. When weight is released, the spring extends and elevates the wheel. This dynamic behavior provides both clearance benefits and traction capability without requiring complex active control systems.
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 the skateboard to navigate rough surfaces and off-road conditions, supports multiple skateboard designs, and serves as a versatile after-market accessory by distributing the rider's weight effectively, enhancing traction and mobility without increasing weight or cost.
Implementation Method 1
The skateboard rider's weight is transferred to, and distributed among, the skateboard wheels and the motorized wheel to establish motorized wheel traction
Implementation Method 2
Similar weight transfer dynamics are presented by alternate embodiments having at least one shock absorber to provide a range of motion for the front end of the skateboard once it is attached to the motorized wheel assembly
Implementation Method 3
The motorized wheel assembly is self-contained with battery pack, electric motor, control electronics
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized wheel assembly adaptable to skateboards provides drive motor and power sources and controls for the directed control of forward or backward propulsion of the skateboard using throttle and braking controls, the motorized wheel, and all skateboard wheels. Weight transfer assemblies for the motorized wheel transfer a portion of a skateboard rider's weight through the front mounted motorized wheel to the ground surface creating sufficient traction for the motorized wheel to propel the skateboard. One weight transfer assembly embodiment provides a pivoting, compression based mounting bracket. Separate embodiments of the weight transfer assemblies include single or dual shock absorbers.