Pivoting Deck Drivetrain for Stand-On Vehicle Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manually-powered skateboards and scooters face issues with pedal or pivot mechanisms occupying deck space, reducing comfortable standing area, causing uneven footing, and limiting power application and speed due to short pedal/treadle strokes and flat decks compromising stability and control.
Innovation Solution
A personal stand-on vehicle with an elongated frame and pivoting deck mechanism that integrates a drivetrain, allowing for long manual strokes and positioning the pedal or pivot mechanism off the deck, using a pivot axis to pivot the deck between base and driven positions, transferring user force to the rear wheel for propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal and drive mechanism are mounted on the deck, then the propulsion function is achieved, but the comfortable standing space is reduced and uneven footing is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the pedal mechanism from the horizontal deck plane to a vertical orientation, with the pedal pivot mounting on the rear axle assembly. This dimensional relocation allows the pedal to be positioned above the deck surface, eliminating the conflict between pedal placement and rider standing space while maintaining the propulsion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chain drive mechanism as an intermediary between the pedal and the wheel. The chain connects the pedal crank to the rear wheel, allowing power transmission without requiring the pedal mechanism to be mounted directly on the deck. This intermediary component enables the pedal to be positioned in a space-efficient location while still achieving propulsion.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the pedal stroke distance is increased, then the power application time is increased, but the pedal mechanism requires more space and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a crank mechanism with adjustable arm length to dynamically optimize the pedal stroke. By making the crank arm length a variable parameter that can be adjusted, the system can achieve longer power application distances without increasing the overall mechanism complexity, as the adjustment can be made through simple reconfiguration rather than adding components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the deck is made flat for stability, then the rider stability is improved, but the pedal mechanism has limited space for long strokes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the pedal mechanism to a vertical dimension above the deck, rather than trying to accommodate it within the horizontal deck plane. This allows the deck to remain flat and stable for rider comfort while the pedal mechanism utilizes the vertical space to provide extended stroke length through its crank and chain drive system.
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
Provides alternative drive and rider stance options with increased power application time and speed, maintaining comfort and stability by minimizing deck space usage and optimizing pedal stroke length.
Implementation Method 1
A manually-powered personal stand-on vehicle having a deck for a rider to stand on, a frame, multiple ground engaging wheels, and a drive mechanism providing power to at least one of the wheels to propel the vehicle. The deck may include a portion connected to the frame by a pivot, thereby providing a pivot axis which enables a pivoting motion of at least a portion of the deck relative to the frame.
Implementation Method 2
when downward force is applied by the rider onto a portion of the deck which is upwardly angled relative to the frame in a manner that causes the portion of the deck to pivot downwards toward the frame, the drive mechanism is actuated to power at least one of the wheels for forward propulsion
Implementation Method 3
A first drive means may be connected between the deck and a first drive transfer means, and a second drive means may be connected between the first drive transfer means and a drive device. The drive device may rotate a rear wheel of the personal vehicle.
Implementation Method 4
The drive mechanism may include a one-way drive device, such as a clutch or ratchet, configured to provide a driving force for propulsion of the personal vehicle in a forward direction and no driving force while the deck is returned to the raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A manually-powered personal stand-on vehicle having a deck for a rider to stand on, a frame, multiple ground engaging wheels, and a drive mechanism providing power to at least one of the wheels to propel the vehicle. The deck may include a portion connected to the frame by a pivot, thereby providing a pivot axis which enables a pivoting motion of at least a portion of the deck relative to the frame. The drive mechanism is integrated with the deck such that when downward force is applied by the rider onto a portion of the deck which is upwardly angled relative to the frame in a manner which causes the portion of the deck to pivot downwards toward the frame, the drive mechanism is actuated to power at least one of the wheels for forward propulsion.