Electric Scooter Hitch Assembly for Towable Load Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric scooters lack a practical and non-invasive mechanism to securely transport bulky or heavy items, such as luggage, due to their narrow deck plates, making it difficult for riders to carry loads, especially in shared scooter systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact and portable hitch assembly that can be quickly attached and removed from electric scooters, featuring a base assembly with adjustable braces and clamping mechanisms to secure a towable item, allowing for temporary adaptation of the scooter to carry loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hitch assembly is permanently attached to the scooter, then the load transport capability is improved, but the scooter structure is permanently altered and installation requires invasive procedures with specific tools
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is divided into separate components: a base assembly with braces that attach to the deck, and an extension arm assembly that attaches to the base. This segmentation allows for non-invasive attachment using simple clamping mechanisms rather than permanent modifications, resolving the contradiction between load transport capability and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly uses adjustable and removable components including telescoping braces with slots and interlocking members, and a pivotable extension arm secured by knob assemblies. These dynamic features enable easy installation and removal without permanent alterations, allowing the scooter to adapt between loaded and unloaded states
2Adaptability or versatility
If the deck plate is widened to secure bulky items, then the load capacity is improved, but the scooter dimensions are permanently changed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of widening the deck plate horizontally, the hitch assembly utilizes the vertical dimension by extending downward with braces that clamp to the underside of the deck. The extension arm provides additional vertical clearance for securing bulky items, thereby increasing load capacity without altering the horizontal deck dimensions
3Ease of operation
If a hitch assembly is designed for quick attachment and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly with its slot and interlocking member configuration is prepared in advance to receive the extension arm. The clamping assemblies are pre-positioned on the braces, and the knob assemblies are ready for quick engagement. This preliminary preparation enables rapid attachment while maintaining structural stability through pre-engineered load-bearing connections
Data Source
AI summary
An electric scooter hitch assembly is configured to be quickly attached to and removed from an electric scooter. The hitch assembly provides a mechanism for selectively securing a carry-on or other towable item to a variety of electric scooters. The hitch assembly is compact and easily transportable thereby making it an ideal solution for a rider to temporarily adapt an electric scooter, including rental electric scooters, to transport towable items such as trailers, luggage, carts, or other suitable items.