Electric Scooter Self-Stabilization via Alternating Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-tracked motor vehicles, such as electric scooters, face challenges in lateral stabilization when stationary, requiring riders to use their legs to prevent tipping, which is inconvenient, especially at stops like traffic lights.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an inertial sensor system to monitor the roll angle and control the electric motor to apply alternating drive torques, generating lateral forces that counteract tipping, allowing the vehicle to self-stabilize without additional components, enabling riders to remain seated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the vehicle is kept stationary without additional stabilization components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rider must use legs to support the vehicle against tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs self-stabilization through automated control of the drive motor based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for rider intervention or additional stabilization components. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring roll angle and adjusting drive torque accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization components (such as counterweights or support structures) with a control system that uses the existing drive motor and sensor feedback to achieve stabilization through intelligent torque modulation
2Reliability
If alternating drive torques are applied to stabilize the vehicle laterally, then the vehicle achieves self-stabilization, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies alternating drive torques in a periodic manner, switching between forward and reverse torque directions based on the roll angle feedback from the sensor system, creating a self-correcting oscillation that maintains lateral stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the drive torque parameter in response to detected roll angle deviations, adjusting the magnitude and direction of torque applied by the drive motor to counteract tipping and maintain vertical alignment
3Device complexity
If the vehicle uses existing drive motor for stabilization, then the device complexity is minimized, but the control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a sensor system that continuously measures the roll angle and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the drive torque accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise control using only the existing drive motor without additional actuators
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
Enables the electric scooter to maintain balance and prevent tipping while stationary, allowing riders to sit without supporting the vehicle, providing a stable and convenient experience similar to a Segway's longitudinal stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
the tilt direction is ascertained with the aid of an inertial sensor system
Implementation Method 2
the electric motor is controlled in such a way that it exerts drive torques on the motor vehicle that act in alternation in the forward direction and in the reverse direction
Implementation Method 3
a wheel drive is controlled in such a way that the wheel drive holds the vehicle together with the person in equilibrium by acceleration and deceleration
Data Source
AI summary
A method for laterally stabilizing a single-tracked motor vehicle, driven with the aid of an electric motor, that is in a vertically aligned state and at a standstill. The front wheel of the motor vehicle has a steering angle in which the electric motor is controlled in such a way that it exerts drive torques on the motor vehicle that act in alternation in the forward direction and in the reverse direction.