Ride-along Vehicle Steering Mechanism Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ride-along vehicles powered by pumping action face issues with torque transfer in steering mechanisms, potential injuries from chain and spring exposure, and limited range of motion due to rigid connections and direct spring chain interactions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a rotating steering swivel with a longitudinal slot, a chain/spring guard, and an improved spring/chain routing system with a lever arm and fulcrum to reduce torque, protect components, and enhance movement efficiency, along with a universal joint alignment to minimize rocking motion and optimize steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the steering arm and steering bar, then structural strength is improved, but torque accumulates and causes damage to the steering bar
Solution Approach 1:
A steering swivel is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering arm and steering bar. The swivel includes a receptacle that receives the steering arm and allows rotational movement, thereby mediating the torque transfer and preventing direct transmission of harmful torque to the steering bar while maintaining structural connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering swivel introduces dynamic rotational capability to an otherwise rigid connection. The swivel can rotate within the receptacle to accommodate torque variations, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic system that can absorb and dissipate torque through controlled rotation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the chain and spring are exposed, then ease of manufacture is improved, but safety is worsened due to risk of injury and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible guard or cover is provided that encloses the chain and spring components. This protective shell prevents direct exposure of hazardous moving parts while allowing the underlying mechanism to function. The flexible material provides protection against injury and debris contact without interfering with the pump action operation.
3Device complexity
If a direct connection between spring and chain is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A fulcrum is introduced as an intermediary component between the spring and chain. The fulcrum acts as a pivot point that allows the chain to move through a greater arc of motion while the spring provides restoring force. This intermediary enables extended range of motion without requiring a complex direct spring-chain connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fulcrum mechanism introduces rotational movement in an additional dimension, allowing the chain to move not only linearly but also rotate around the fulcrum pivot. This dimensional addition enables greater range of motion for the pump arm while maintaining spring tension through the fulcrum connection.
4Productivity
If the pumper arm moves through a large range, then productivity is improved, but the spring becomes too long and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum pivot point enables the chain to achieve greater displacement through rotational movement rather than requiring a proportionally longer spring. The chain wraps around the fulcrum, converting linear spring extension into rotational motion that achieves larger effective range of motion with a more compact spring.
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 solution reduces torque on the steering bar, prevents injuries by safeguarding the chain and spring, and allows for a greater range of motion with less effort, resulting in improved safety and operational efficiency of the ride-along vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
A spring could be connected to the chain coming from the sprocket and another end of the spring could be connected to an internal portion of the spring/chain guard
Implementation Method 2
When the handle bar is turned, the steering swivel can rotate within a receptacle in the steering bar thereby reducing or eliminating any torque that would be applied to the steering bar
Implementation Method 3
a universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm could be aligned with a pumper arm pivot point. By aligning the universal joint with the pivot point, rocking of the steering arm in response to pumping of the arm can be reduced or eliminated
Data Source
AI summary
A ride-along vehicle may include both handles and foot rests each capable of providing power to the pump arm. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.