Reconfigurable Rear-Wheel Coupling for Bicycle-Tricycle Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous bicycles and tricycles face challenges in maintaining synchronized rotation of rear wheels during transitions between bicycle and tricycle modes, leading to potential slipping due to differences in angular speeds, which affects stability and propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a three-wheeled vehicle design where rear wheels are mechanically coupled through friction or coupling mechanisms, allowing them to rotate as a single unit in bicycle mode, and are separated for increased stability in tricycle mode, with the use of electric motors for autonomous propulsion and steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rear wheels are mechanically coupled through friction to rotate as a single unit in bicycle mode, then synchronized rotation is achieved, but slipping may occur due to differences in angular speeds
Solution Approach 1:
A friction coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two rear wheels, allowing torque and rotational motion to be transferred while maintaining synchronized rotation. The friction interface enables the wheels to rotate together as a single unit during bicycle mode transitions, preventing independent rotation and slipping.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rear wheels are separated for increased stability in tricycle mode, then lateral stability is improved, but mechanical coupling must be disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic through a mode transition mechanism that allows the rear wheels to move between two stable states: close together for bicycle mode and separated for tricycle mode. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the vehicle to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational requirements while using the same physical components.
3Extent of automation
If electric motors are used for autonomous propulsion and steering, then autonomous operation is enabled, but synchronization control between wheels becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from sensors monitoring wheel position, speed, and motor performance to continuously adjust motor commands. This feedback mechanism ensures that both rear wheels receive coordinated control signals during autonomous operation, maintaining synchronized rotation while enabling complex autonomous navigation and propulsion functions.
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
Ensures synchronized rotation of rear wheels in bicycle mode, preventing slipping and enhancing stability, while enabling autonomous operation and efficient navigation in tricycle mode with improved lateral stability and efficient route-following capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
each rear wheel rotates about a substantially horizontal axis. This horizontal axis of rotation may be a longitudinal axis of the ABT. Alternatively, this horizontal axis of rotation may be parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ABT
Implementation Method 2
The rear frame for a rear wheel may transfer a portion of the load between the main body of the ABT and that rear wheel
Implementation Method 3
the two rear wheels may function as a single wheel and the vehicle may function like a bicycle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may have a seat and front wheel similar to those of a bicycle. However, the vehicle may have two rear wheels. The position of the two rear wheels may be adjustable. When the two rear wheels touch each other, the vehicle may function as a bicycle. When they are moved apart, the vehicle may function as a tricycle. In tricycle mode, the vehicle may travel autonomously without a human rider. In bicycle mode, a human may ride the vehicle like a bicycle. To transition between bicycle and tricycle modes, each rear wheel may rotate about a horizontal axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In some cases, a bike chain is connected to only one of the rear wheels. In bicycle mode, motion imparted by the chain to one rear wheel may be transferred to the other by friction.