Rear Wheel Locking Mechanism for Quick Riding-to-Stowed Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact personal transport devices, such as electric scooters, require significant time to set up and collapse, hindering their widespread use due to inefficiencies in transitioning between riding and stowed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A rear wheel locking mechanism with a bracket and securing tab that secures the rear wheel in an extended position and allows quick conversion to a stowed configuration using a sliding mechanism and a pivot mechanism for easy unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used for the rear wheel, then the device can be secured in the extended position, but the time required to set up and collapse the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a bracket with recess for positioning, a securing tab with pivot mechanism for engagement, and a knob for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick setup and collapse while maintaining reliable wheel security.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing tab is designed with a pivot mechanism that allows it to dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. The tab can pivot to engage with the knob, securing the rear wheel in the extended position, or pivot away to release the wheel for collapse. This dynamic design enables rapid transition between configurations while maintaining security when extended.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rear wheel is secured in the extended position, then the device is stable for riding, but the device cannot be quickly collapsed for portability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the interaction between the securing tab and knob. When the rear wheel is in the extended position, the securing tab automatically engages with the knob through the pivot mechanism, providing automatic stabilization without requiring additional actions from the user. This self-service feature ensures device stability while maintaining quick collapse capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket with recess is positioned and configured in advance to mate with the protruding knuckle on the rear wheel arm. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the device is extended, the components are already aligned for immediate engagement, enabling quick stabilization and preventing delays during setup or collapse operations.
3Productivity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device can be quickly collapsed, but the rear wheel may not be securely held in the extended position
Solution Approach 1:
The securing tab and knob are designed with asymmetric geometries that ensure proper alignment and engagement. The tab has a specific shape that fits onto the knob in one orientation, preventing incorrect positioning and ensuring reliable wheel securing. This asymmetric design maintains high transition speed while guaranteeing accurate wheel positioning when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, robust components with no moving parts that wear out. The securing tab, knob, and bracket are designed as durable, maintenance-free elements that provide reliable wheel positioning through their geometric interlocking rather than through precision-machined surfaces or complex mechanisms. This approach ensures both quick transitions and reliable positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal transport device convertible between a riding configuration and a stowed configuration is described. In one embodiment, a rear wheel locking mechanism for the personal transport device includes a bracket having a recess on an underside of the bracket. The recess is configured to mate with a protruding knuckle on a rear wheel arm of the personal transport device. A securing tab is attached to a back end of the bracket at a pivot mechanism. The securing tab includes a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end. The pivot mechanism causing the top end and the bottom end of the release tab to move in opposite directions. The bottom end of the securing tab is configured to engage with a knob on a rear wheel arm of the personal transport device to secure the rear wheel arm in place to prevent linear movement.