Ride-on Vehicle Steering Control with Angular Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard battery-powered and remote-controlled ride-on vehicles have limitations, including inadequate control modes and safety features, which restrict their operational flexibility and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A powered ride-on vehicle with multiple drive modes and remote-control capabilities, featuring a steering wheel with angular position sensors, a controller that adjusts motor power based on steering wheel orientation, and a remote control with wireless communication for real-time mode switching, enabling child-only, partial, and full remote drive modes, along with emergency stop functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive modes and remote-control capabilities are added to ride-on vehicles, then operational flexibility and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions by managing different drive modes (standard drive, spin drive, remote-control drive) within a single integrated system. The controller receives inputs from various sources (steering wheel sensor, go selector, spin selector, remote control) and coordinates motor responses accordingly, allowing one component to serve multiple operational purposes and reducing the need for separate control systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different drive modes based on real-time input conditions. The controller monitors the state of selectors and sensors to determine which drive mode is active, allowing the vehicle to transition flexibly between child-only control, parent override, and full remote-control modes. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to changing operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed systems.
2Reliability
If real-time mode switching and remote control intervention are implemented, then user safety is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor steering wheel angular location and the states of various selectors. The controller continuously processes this feedback information to determine the appropriate drive mode and motor response. This feedback loop ensures safe operation by allowing real-time monitoring and adjustment of vehicle behavior based on user inputs and system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between multiple control inputs (steering wheel, selectors, remote control) and the motor system. It mediates conflicting inputs by prioritizing safety-critical signals (such as parent override or emergency stop) while coordinating less critical inputs (such as steering commands). This intermediary function simplifies the control architecture by centralizing decision-making logic in a single component rather than requiring complex interconnections between multiple control systems.
3Measurement precision
If angular position sensors and motor control adjustments are added, then steering precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical steering linkages with an electronic control approach. Instead of directly connecting the steering wheel to the drive wheels through mechanical means, the patent uses an angular position sensor to detect steering wheel orientation and sends electrical signals to the controller, which then adjusts motor power distribution to achieve the desired steering effect. This substitution of mechanical components with electronic sensing and control reduces manufacturing complexity while improving measurement precision.
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 vehicle provides enhanced operational flexibility and safety by allowing precise control and switching between drive modes, ensuring safe operation through real-time remote control intervention and emergency stop functionality, addressing the limitations of existing ride-on vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a remote control having an input member and a wireless transmitter for sending signals to the controller of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a sensor operably connected to the steering wheel to obtain an output of the angular location of the steering wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A ride-on vehicle is provided that has drive and spin functionalities. The ride-on vehicle comprises a first motor for a first drive wheel, and a second motor for a second drive wheel. The vehicle has a steering wheel having a go selector and a spin selector. A sensor obtains an output of the angular rotation location of the steering wheel. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second motors, the go selector, the spin selector, and the steering wheel sensor, wherein engaging the go selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to move forward, left or right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel, and wherein engaging the spin selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to spin left or spin right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel. The vehicle may also be controlled remotely by a remote control.