Scooter Inflatable Cushion Deployment for Sudden Deceleration Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric scooters pose risks of injury from falling or collisions due to lack of effective safety measures, especially at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a safety device with an inflatable cushion that deploys rapidly in case of sudden deceleration to absorb shocks and dissipate energy, integrated with an electronic control unit and gas generator, positioned on the handlebar or platform to protect the user and others from impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable cushion is added to the scooter for safety protection, then the safety performance is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable cushion is nested within a housing integrated into the scooter's existing structure, specifically positioned in the steering column area. The cushion remains compact and stored within the housing during normal operation, only deploying when needed for safety protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable cushion is pre-positioned and stored in a ready state within the housing, with the gas generator and control systems pre-integrated. Upon detection of a fall or collision through sensors, the cushion deploys rapidly to provide immediate safety protection without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the accident event.
2Reliability
If the inflatable cushion is deployed rapidly to protect the user, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the deployment time and response speed requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable cushion and gas generator system are pre-positioned and ready for immediate deployment. Sensors continuously monitor the scooter's state, and upon detecting a fall or collision, the system activates the gas generator which rapidly inflates the cushion within milliseconds to provide timely protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas generator is integrated into the housing to rapidly inflate the cushion upon activation. The pneumatic system enables quick deployment by generating high-pressure gas that fills the cushion almost instantaneously, achieving protection within the required time frame without complex mechanical deployment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the cushion is positioned to protect from front impacts, then the protection coverage is improved, but the space requirements and structural modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable cushion is nested within a housing that is integrated into the scooter's steering column structure. This nesting approach allows the cushion to be positioned strategically for front impact protection while utilizing existing structural space, minimizing the need for additional volume or major structural modifications to the scooter.
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 inflatable cushion effectively reduces the impact force upon collision, providing rapid deployment and comprehensive protection for the user and others, enhancing safety during accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable cushion may be deployed in case of an impact (sudden deceleration) to protect the user of the scooter or even another person (a pedestrian), affording the ability to absorb shocks and/or dissipate energy.
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable cushion may be arranged to be deployed at high speed, to insert itself between the obstacle and the user. It is possible to conceive of deploying the inflatable cushion in less than 100 ms, preferably in less than 50 ms
Data Source
AI summary
A scooter, for example an electric scooter, having two wheels, an elongated platform mounted on the two wheels and arranged to receive at least one foot of a user, a steering handlebar articulated relative to the platform and connected to one of the wheels, wherein the scooter comprises a safety device with an inflatable cushion arranged to be deployed in case of sudden deceleration of the scooter.