One-Wheeled Vehicle Dismount Control Using Reverse Balance Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for tiltable self-balancing electric vehicles, such as one-wheeled skateboards, lack efficient methods for dismounting, particularly in reverse directions, which can compromise safety and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that includes a motor controller capable of receiving orientation information, automatically balancing the vehicle by propelling it based on this information, and responding to reverse travel by refraining from automatic balancing or disengaging the hub motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor controller continuously provides automatic balancing control in reverse direction, then the vehicle maintains self-balancing capability, but the rider cannot safely dismount the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the direction of travel. When moving forward, automatic balancing is fully active. When moving in reverse, the system automatically transitions to a dismount mode where balancing control is reduced or disabled, allowing the rider to safely dismount. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system's response contingent on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller continuously monitors the direction of vehicle travel and uses this feedback to determine when to switch from automatic balancing mode to dismount mode. By detecting reverse direction movement as a feedback signal, the system automatically initiates the dismount sequence, eliminating the need for manual mode switching and ensuring safety.
2Reliability
If the hub motor remains engaged during reverse travel, then the vehicle can maintain propulsion control, but the rider experiences difficulty and danger when attempting to dismount
Solution Approach 1:
The control system takes preliminary action by detecting reverse direction travel and automatically preparing the dismount sequence before the rider attempts to dismount. The hub motor is progressively disabled or held in position in advance, preventing the harmful effect of unexpected motor activation during dismounting and ensuring predictable, safe operation.
3Reliability
If additional user controls are added for dismounting, then dismounting safety can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs the dismount function automatically based on detected reverse direction travel, without requiring additional user controls or inputs. The system serves itself by using its existing sensors and processors to detect the dismount intent and execute the appropriate motor control sequence, thereby improving safety without adding complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a tiltable vehicle may include a motor controller configured to respond to backward or reverse operation of the vehicle by hindering a responsiveness of the control system (e.g., proportionally) and/or eventually disengaging a drive motor of the vehicle. Accordingly, a user may intuitively and safely dismount the vehicle by selectively commanding reverse operation. In some examples, the backward direction may be user-defined.