Retractable Steering Wheel for Personal Mobility Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal mobility apparatuses are unable to adapt the number of wheels based on operating conditions and surrounding environments, leading to reduced mobility efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A personal mobility apparatus that can selectively switch between a two-wheel mode and a three-wheel mode by varying the number of wheels using a telescopic steering mechanism and a return mechanism, allowing the steering wheel to be retracted or extended, and a seat that can be folded or unfolded to adjust the user's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the personal mobility apparatus uses a fixed number of wheels, then the structure is simple, but the mobility efficiency is reduced due to inability to adapt to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wheel configuration system where the steering wheel can be retracted into or extended from the support platform cavity. This allows the apparatus to switch between two-wheel mode (steering wheel retracted) and three-wheel mode (steering wheel extended), enabling adaptation to different operating conditions and surrounding environments while maintaining manageable structural complexity through a telescopic mechanism
2Stability of the object's composition
If the steering wheel is always extended, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic steering mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the steering wheel position based on operational needs. In narrow indoor spaces, the steering wheel can be retracted to reduce the apparatus width and improve maneuverability. In outdoor or stable conditions, the steering wheel extends to provide enhanced stability, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation in different environments
3Productivity
If the personal mobility apparatus has fixed wheel configuration, then the manufacturing is simple, but the mobility efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wheel system into independent controllable components: two fixed drive wheels and one retractable steering wheel. This segmentation allows the apparatus to configure different wheel arrangements (two-wheel or three-wheel mode) based on operational requirements, improving mobility efficiency while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through modular design
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
Enhances mobility efficiency and ease of use by allowing the apparatus to adapt to different conditions, such as switching to a three-wheel mode for high-speed outdoor use and a two-wheel mode for indoor or narrow spaces, improving user experience and control.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connected to the base member, a roller connected to the spring
Implementation Method 2
a pair of inclined surfaces symmetrically disposed on both left and right inner sides of the housing. The roller may contact any one of the pair of inclined surfaces as the base member rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A personal mobility apparatus includes: a support platform having a pair of footplates and a cavity; two drive wheels disposed on both sides of the support platform, respectively; and a steering wheel connected to the support platform to be received in the cavity. The steering wheel is connected through a telescopic tube to be received in the cavity of the support platform and the telescopic tube includes a first tube and a second tube moving telescopically with respect to the first tube.