Rod Steering System for Human-Powered Exercise Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-powered vehicles that utilize both arms and legs for propulsion face inefficiencies in power application and steering, with existing systems requiring expensive cables that bend and develop friction, leading to complex and costly arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A push/pull rod steering system with counter-reciprocal arm levers and a guidance wheel, where hand levers control a steering crank connected by push/pull rod assemblies, allowing efficient steering without interfering with propulsion and maintaining vertical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable steering system is used, then steering function is achieved, but friction increases and reliability decreases due to cable bending and slack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable from the steering system and replaces it with a rigid rod assembly. The cable steering system is removed entirely, eliminating the problems of cable bending, friction, and slack. The rod assembly directly connects the hand levers to the steering mechanism, providing a more reliable connection without the intermediate cable element that causes reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces push/pull rods as intermediary elements between the hand levers and the steering mechanism. These rods act as mediators that transmit force directly without bending or developing slack, unlike cables. The rod assembly includes connection points on the hand levers and the steering mechanism, providing a rigid intermediate connection that eliminates friction and reliability problems associated with flexible cables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If arm levers are used for propulsion, then upper body exercise is provided, but steering control becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering control function with the arm lever propulsion mechanism. The hand levers are integrated into the arm levers, allowing the rider to control steering using the same arm movements used for propulsion. This combination eliminates the need for separate steering controls, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full-body exercise capability. The hand levers are positioned on the arm levers within easy reach, allowing simultaneous propulsion and steering control.
3Power
If power is applied in surges, then propulsion is achieved, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous power application through the counter-reciprocal arm lever system. As one arm lever moves forward, the other moves backward, ensuring that power is continuously applied to the propulsion mechanism without interruption or surges. This continuous action eliminates energy losses associated with starting and stopping power application, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining effective propulsion. The system keeps muscles active in both directions, maximizing energy utilization.
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 system enables effective steering and propulsion with minimal wear and cost, maintaining continuous power application and vertical control, providing a full-body workout even at low speeds with reduced impact on joints.
Implementation Method 1
Push/pull rod assemblies connect the steering crank to the hand levers
Implementation Method 2
The hand levers, in turn, control a guidance wheel which is coupled with the vehicle's frame
Implementation Method 3
The guidance wheel is configured both to roll on a surface and to rotate left or right to effect a change in the direction of vehicle travel
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise vehicle is provided with an improved push/pull rod steering system for use in directing vehicle travel and maintaining balance without interfering significantly with vehicle power. The vehicle includes a frame with an attached drive system that includes a drive wheel. The drive system includes arm levers operatively connected to the drive wheel so that counter-reciprocal movement of the arm levers produces rotation of the drive wheel. The steering system includes a guidance wheel rotatively coupled with the frame, a steering crank which is operatively coupled with the guidance wheel, hand levers pivotally attached to the arm levers and push/pull rod assemblies connecting the hand levers to the steering crank. When one hand lever pivots, the steering crank rotates, causing the guidance wheel to turn while simultaneously causing the other hand lever to pivot the opposite direction.