Remote-Controlled Braking Apparatus for Children's Kick Scooters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Young children have difficulty using existing brake systems on kick scooters, which can lead to injuries due to inadequate physical capability and neuromuscular development, and the need for adult supervision to ensure safety, as they may not be able to stop the scooter in time to avoid hazards.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled braking apparatus using a hand-held device that sends a command signal to a linear actuator on the kick scooter, causing a metal plate to lock the rear wheel, allowing an adult to control the scooter's braking from a distance, ensuring the child's safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional brake mechanism is located on the footboard or rear fender for the child to step on, then the brake system can be engaged by the child, but the child has difficulty locating and using the mechanism due to physical capability and neuromuscular development limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adult-operated remote control device as an intermediary between the child and the brake system. The adult acts as a mediator who can reliably engage the brake when the child cannot, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation for the child and reliability of braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical foot-operated brake mechanism with an electronic remote control system that uses radio frequency signals to activate a motorized brake mechanism, eliminating the need for the child to physically operate the brake.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the child is allowed to ride independently without constant adult supervision, then the child gains freedom of movement, but the child may be unable to stop in time to avoid hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device serves as an intermediary safety mechanism that allows the child to ride independently while providing the adult with the capability to intervene and stop the scooter when hazards are detected, reducing injury risk without compromising independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The adult operator can anticipate potential hazards and engage the brake in advance before the child encounters danger, performing the protective action beforehand to prevent injury while allowing independent riding.
3Reliability
If a remote-controlled brake system is implemented to allow adult supervision from a distance, then the child's safety is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is designed to be a universal handheld controller that can operate the brake system from various distances and positions, providing multi-functional safety monitoring and control capabilities while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Ease of operation
If the brake mechanism requires the child to turn around to locate it, then the brake can be engaged, but the child loses forward visibility and may not see dangerous situations in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot-operated brake requiring physical movement with an electronic remote control system that allows brake engagement without the child turning around or leaving the handlebars, preserving forward visibility and hazard detection time.
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 remote-controlled braking system effectively prevents injuries by allowing an adult to instantly stop the kick scooter when necessary, maintaining the child's safety and preventing potential hazards, even when the child is out of sight.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator may be positioned on a kick scooter and activated by an electric current received from the remote control signal receiver
Implementation Method 2
A brake system may press a metal plate against a rear wheel of the children's kick scooter causing the kick scooter to stop
Data Source
AI summary
A braking apparatus for stopping a children's kick scooter is described. The braking apparatus comprises a hand-held remote control to transmit a command signal when a radio-frequency (RF) signal transmitter is activated. The braking apparatus also comprises a remote control signal receiver located on the children's kick scooter to receive the command signal and convert it to an electric current. The braking apparatus additionally comprises a linear actuator to receive the electric current. The linear actuator comprises a linear actuator electric motor and a linear actuator shaft. The linear actuator electric motor is activated by the electric current and moves the linear actuator shaft from a first position to a second position. The braking apparatus further comprises a brake system to press a metal plate against a rear wheel of the children's kick scooter, thereby stopping the children's kick scooter when the linear actuator shaft is in the second position.