Powered Skate Automatic Motor Control via Load Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized skates require significant skill and are not stable or controllable enough for safe use in environments with foot or vehicle traffic, and they often resist freewheeling due to friction from indirect torque transfer methods, limiting practical skating without motor assistance.
Innovation Solution
A powered skate system with automatic motor control using load sensors and a controller to adjust motor torque based on sensed forces and motion, allowing for seamless transitions between skating modes, including freewheeling, to enhance stability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indirect mechanical couplings (gears, belts, cables) are used to connect the motor to the wheel, then the motor can be controlled manually, but friction and energy loss increase significantly, preventing the wheels from freewheeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the indirect mechanical coupling components (gears, belts, cables) that cause friction and energy loss. By directly coupling the motor to the wheel or using a freewheel mechanism, the system eliminates the sources of friction while maintaining manual control capability through a throttle or sensor-based control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between motor-driven mode and freewheeling mode. A freewheel mechanism allows the wheel to rotate independently of the motor when motor assistance is not needed, enabling seamless transitions between powered and unpowered skating without the continuous drag of indirect mechanical couplings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If weight transfer control is used to operate the motor, then the skate responds to rider movement, but the motor acts inappropriately during normal skating or stepping actions where weight shifts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors (load cells, accelerometers, gyroscopes) to continuously monitor rider position, acceleration, and skating dynamics. The control algorithm processes this feedback to distinguish between intentional control inputs and normal skating movements, activating the motor only when appropriate based on the analyzed pattern of weight transfer and body motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is programmed with predetermined algorithms that recognize specific patterns of weight transfer corresponding to intentional control commands versus normal skating motions. By pre-programming the distinction between these patterns, the system automatically determines when motor activation is appropriate without requiring real-time complex decision-making.
3Extent of automation
If manual controls (throttle, joystick, foot switch) are used, then the motor can be controlled, but considerable skill and practice are required to utilize effectively and safety is compromised in environments with foot or vehicle traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor-based automatic control that detects rider intent through weight transfer and body motion patterns, eliminating the need for manual throttle or joystick operation. The motor activates and deactivates automatically based on the rider's natural movements, making the system easier to operate safely while reducing the skill level required for effective control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls (throttle, joystick, foot switch) with sensor-based electronic control systems. Load cells, accelerometers, and gyroscopes detect rider movements and translate them into motor control commands, substituting complex manual control mechanisms with automated sensor-processing systems that are more intuitive and safer to operate.
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 system enables more stable and controllable operation, allowing riders to skate without motor assistance by minimizing friction and resistance, thus improving safety and usability in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor coupled to the foot platform and configured to sense an applied force
Data Source
AI summary
Systems including powered skates with automatic motor control are provided. One such system includes a pair of powered skates, each including a foot platform configured to receive a foot of a rider, a plurality of wheels coupled to the foot platform, a motor coupled to at least one of the plurality of wheels, the motor configured to rotate the at least one wheel, and a load sensor coupled to the foot platform and configured to sense an applied force, and a controller coupled to each of the motors and to each of the load sensors, the controller configured to control each of the motors, using a single algorithm, based on signals received from each of the load sensors.