Pivoting Axle Steering System for Lightweight Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyances, such as skateboards and scooters, have bulky and complex steering systems that are not lightweight, compact, or assembled from fewer parts, making them less efficient for portability and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A transportation device with a platform, wheels, and an axle mounting system that includes an inclined axle bearing surface and a pivot member, allowing the axle to pivot and provide a turning function while reducing bending stresses and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional trucks with four primary components (truck hanger, base plate, kingpin, and bushings) are used, then the steering system provides reliable turning function, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conventional truck components into a simplified integrated structure. The axle mounting system merges the truck hanger, base plate, and mounting functions into a single streamlined component that attaches directly to the platform, eliminating the need for separate kingpin and bushing assemblies while maintaining the turning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the conventional truck design. By eliminating the kingpin and bushings while retaining the essential axle mounting and pivoting functions through the simplified axle mounting system with inclined surfaces, the design reduces part count and weight without sacrificing reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional trucks with multiple components are used, then the steering system provides stable turning, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate conventional truck components into a single integrated axle mounting system. This consolidation maintains the essential functions of platform attachment, axle support, and pivoting capability while reducing the number of parts from four to one, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified axle mounting system performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across four separate components: it attaches to the platform, supports the axle, enables pivoting motion, and provides structural stability. This multi-functional design reduces complexity while maintaining turning stability.
3Ease of operation
If the axle bearing surface and pivot surface are inclined towards each other, then the axle can pivot smoothly for turning, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or rounded surfaces for the axle bearing surface and pivot surface instead of sharp angular inclines. This curvature allows the axle to pivot smoothly while being more tolerant of manufacturing variations, as the rounded contact areas can accommodate slight deviations without compromising pivoting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the bearing and pivot surfaces by using gradual inclines and curved profiles rather than steep angles. This parameter change reduces the sensitivity to manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining smooth pivoting operation, as the gentler slopes are easier to manufacture with standard tolerances.
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
The solution results in a more compact, lightweight, and efficient steering system that is easier to carry and maneuver, with improved turning responsiveness and reduced part count.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot surface creating a pivot about which the axle can pivot to provide, in use, a turning function for the device
Implementation Method 2
the axle bearing surface and the pivot surface being inclined towards each other... This reduces the bending stresses on the axle
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.