Motor-Driven Scooter Handlebar Pivot for Wear-Resistant Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric scooters face issues with wear and maintenance due to high leverage forces and vibrations affecting the locking mechanism of the swivel mechanism, leading to loose locking positions and handling uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
A scooter design with a swivel arm spaced apart from the axis, featuring a toothed ring and gears on a rotatable shaft driven by an electric motor or crank, which reduces wear and simplifies the folding mechanism through a gearbox and self-locking worm gear mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to connect the handlebar and pedal element via a pivoting device, then the handlebar can be secured in folded and unfolded positions, but the locking mechanism is subject to wear due to high leverage and vibrations, leading to loose locking positions and increased maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking mechanism with an electric motor-driven pivoting device. The motor (21) connects the handlebar (2) and footrest (3) through a pivoting arm (42) and gear system, eliminating the need for manual locking mechanisms. This substitution reduces wear and maintenance while providing reliable positioning through controlled motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting device enables the handlebar to automatically maintain its position (folded or unfolded) through the motor's controlled operation and the inherent stability of the pivoting mechanism. The system serves itself by using the motor's positioning capability rather than requiring external locking mechanisms, reducing maintenance needs.
2Ease of operation
If a manual locking mechanism is used in the pivoting device, then the handlebar can be folded and unfolded, but the high leverage and constant vibrations cause wear and require regular checking and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual locking mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. The motor (21) operates the pivoting arm (42) through a gear mechanism, eliminating manual locking components that are subject to wear from high leverage and vibrations. This maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the motor and the pivoting arm. This gear system (including gear ring section 44 and gears 51, 52, 61) acts as a mediator that transfers motor power while reducing the direct mechanical stress and vibrations that would otherwise wear down the locking mechanism, thereby improving reliability.
3Reliability
If a gear system with electric motor is used to drive the pivoting arm, then wear on the pivoting device is reduced and folding mechanism is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual locking mechanisms with a more compact electric motor and gear system. While this introduces electrical components, it eliminates multiple mechanical locking parts, overall reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability. The motor-driven system requires fewer moving parts subject to wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the gear system components (gear ring section 44, gears 51, 52, 61, and shafts 5, 6) in a nested and space-efficient manner. The gears are arranged to mesh within the base part structure, and the motor is positioned to directly drive the system, minimizing the overall space required and reducing the apparent complexity of the assembly.
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 design ensures smooth swiveling, reduces wear, maintains secure end positions, enhances theft protection, and minimizes maintenance by preventing loose locking positions and improving handling safety.
Implementation Method 1
The drive is provided by an electric motor. Alternatively, the drive can also be provided by a manually operated crank. In a further embodiment of the invention, the motor is a geared motor, in particular a worm geared motor. This achieves a high reduction ratio combined with a small installation space. A worm gear also has the advantage of being self-locking.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to scooters, in particular electric scooters (1), comprising a footplate (3) and a handlebar (2) which is pivotably connected to the footplate (3) via a pivoting device and which includes a base part (41) attached to the footplate (3) and a pivot arm (42) pivotably connected to the base part (41) via an axis (43) and which is connected to the handlebar (2). The pivot arm (42) has a toothed ring or a toothed ring section (44) spaced apart from the axis (43), into which a first gear (51) engages, which is arranged on a first shaft (5) that is rotatably connected to the base part (41) and is rotatable via an arranged drive.