Auto-balancing Device Pivot Axis Relocation for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-balancing transportation devices, such as the Segway, Solowheel, and Hovertrak, face instability and difficulty during mount and dismount due to the pivot axes of the foot platforms being located outside the wheel structure, causing the device to tip and making it awkward and unsafe to use.
Innovation Solution
The pivot axes of the foot platforms are relocated within the wheel structure, allowing the foot platforms to remain unfolded during mount and dismount, and stabilizing the device by exerting the rider's weight force at a point within the wheel structure, reducing the likelihood of tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot axes of the foot platforms are located outside the wheel structure, then the foot platforms can be positioned to extend laterally outward for normal operation, but the device becomes unstable and tips during mount and dismount
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axes are relocated from an external position to an internal position within the wheel structure envelope, changing the spatial dimension of the pivot axis location. This dimensional repositioning allows the foot platforms to maintain their lateral extension function while the pivot axes remain contained within the wheel structure during mount and dismount operations, preventing tipping.
2Ease of operation
If the pivot axes are positioned outside the wheel structure, then the foot platforms extend laterally for rider access, but the downward force causes the wheel structure to tip
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the pivot axes into the internal space of the wheel structure envelope, the design changes the spatial arrangement so that the rotational axis is contained within the wheel structure. This prevents the downward force from creating a tipping moment that would endanger the rider, while the foot platforms still extend laterally for accessibility.
3Area of stationary object
If the foot platforms are folded up to the stowed position, then the pivot axes are vertically flush with the housing, but the device is difficult to mount and dismount
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axes are repositioned from an external location to an internal location within the wheel structure. This allows the foot platforms to remain in the unfolded position during mount and dismount operations, providing easy access for the rider's feet, while still achieving a compact profile when folded.
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-balancing transportation device having a wheel structure and foot platforms that pivot between an in-use and a stowed position. The pivot axis for each platform is provided within the wheel structure so that the force exerted by a rider when stepping on a foot platform is applied to the wheel structure at a point within the wheel structure, as opposed to external to it, which is unstable and may cause the device to tip over.