Personal Mobility Vehicle Semi-Autonomous Control and Modular Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In urban environments, there is a need for mobility solutions that can adapt to various user needs while minimizing space requirements, as populations migrate to cities, leading to challenges in mobility, storage, and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A personal mobility vehicle equipped with a control unit that receives route information from a smart device for semi-autonomous operation, combined with a modular transport device that includes a chassis, frame, and battery pack for compact storage and multi-use functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a personal mobility vehicle is designed with semi-autonomous navigation capabilities using smart device integration, then the ease of operation and adaptability to user needs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit serves as an intermediary between the smart device and the vehicle's drive motor, receiving route information from the smart device via wireless communication (Bluetooth®) and translating it into autonomous navigation commands. This mediator approach allows complex autonomous functions to be implemented while keeping the smart device interface simple for the user.
2Productivity
If the vehicle operates autonomously based on route information from a smart device, then productivity and efficiency of travel are improved, but the extent of automation introduces new complexity in control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires route information to be pre-programmed into the smart device before the journey begins. The control unit then automatically executes this pre-planned route without requiring real-time user input, enabling productive autonomous operation while maintaining simplicity through advance preparation of navigation data.
3Volume of moving object
If a modular transport device with collapsible frame is used, then the volume for storage is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to movable struts and bracing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate modular components including first and second struts that can be independently collapsed and stored. The second strut can be stowed within the first strut, creating a compact configuration. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be broken down into manageable parts for easy storage while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The second strut is designed to be nested within the first strut when in the stowed position, with the first strut comprising a hollow interior that contains the second strut. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the storage volume of the vehicle while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple through intuitive inside-out storage.
4Weight of moving object
If the battery pack serves both as power source and structural support, then the weight of the vehicle is reduced, but the reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the primary power source for the drive motor and also provides structural support as a chassis member. This multi-functionality reduces the overall vehicle weight by eliminating separate structural components while the patent acknowledges increased reliability requirements through proper design and positioning of the battery pack.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal mobility vehicle comprising a control unit for controlling a steering function of the vehicle, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive route information from a personal smart device and to control the vehicle at least semi-autonomously based on the route information.