Pitch-Propelled Vehicle Dynamic Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with balance-assisting systems struggle to operate effectively on uneven surfaces and are often complex and expensive, making them prone to breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A pitch-propelled vehicle with a board, a ground-contacting member, and a motorized drive assembly that adjusts velocity based on sensor-determined distances from the surface, allowing for stable operation on uneven terrain without excessive tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If balance-assisting systems are used to stabilize the vehicle, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses its own pitch motion to generate propulsion, eliminating the need for separate balance-assisting systems. The motorized drive assembly directly responds to pitch changes to propel the vehicle forward, making the vehicle self-sufficient in maintaining stability through natural pitch-responsive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex balance-assisting systems from the vehicle design entirely. Instead of adding stabilization mechanisms, it relies on the fundamental pitch-responsive propulsion mechanism to provide inherent stability through simple motorized wheel adjustment based on pitch sensor input.
2Ease of operation
If balance-assisting systems are used to control movement, then movement control is improved, but reliability decreases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle autonomously controls its movement by detecting pitch changes and automatically adjusting wheel velocity accordingly. The system requires no additional balance-control components, as the pitch-responsive drive assembly directly translates user-induced pitch into controlled vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates separate movement control systems by integrating control functionality directly into the pitch-responsive drive mechanism. The motorized drive assembly serves dual purposes: propulsion and movement control, removing the need for additional control components that would reduce reliability.
3Productivity
If the vehicle tilts excessively to maintain velocity on uneven surfaces, then velocity maintenance is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized drive assembly dynamically adjusts wheel velocity in response to pitch changes caused by uneven terrain. This dynamic adjustment allows the vehicle to maintain forward velocity while adapting to surface variations without requiring excessive tilting, as the system continuously modulates propulsion force based on real-time pitch sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the velocity parameter of the drive wheel based on detected pitch conditions. By modulating wheel velocity according to pitch angle, the vehicle maintains consistent forward motion on uneven surfaces while avoiding excessive tilting that would compromise stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If complex balance-assisting systems are used, then stability is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex balance-assisting systems from the manufacturing process entirely. The vehicle is manufactured with only essential components: a board, motorized drive assembly, and pitch sensors. This simplification reduces manufacturing steps, lowers production costs, and eliminates assembly of fragile stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, cost-effective pitch sensors and a basic motorized drive assembly instead of expensive balance-control systems. These simpler components are easier to manufacture, replace, and maintain, reducing overall vehicle cost while providing sufficient functionality for stable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for carrying a user including a board for supporting the user, a ground-contacting member coupled with the board, a motorized drive assembly coupled with the ground-contacting member and one or more sensors coupled with the drive assembly. In operation, the drive assembly adjusts the velocity of the ground-contacting member based on one or more distances of the board from a surface below the board as detected by the sensors. As a result, the system is able to maintain a desired velocity when ascending, descending or traversing uneven ground without the need for excessive and sometimes impossible tilting of the board.