Kick Scooter Steering Column Conversion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scooters face challenges in achieving both good transportability and stowability, as they often require large spaces for storage in their transport state and are cumbersome to carry due to their size and separate parts.
Innovation Solution
A procedure and scooter design that allows the steering column to be fully removed from the frame, enabling the scooter to be converted into a compact transport state. This is achieved by unlocking a first form connection between the steering column and frame, allowing the steering column to be twisted and inserted back into a locking sleeve, and then locking a second form connection, which facilitates both separate and combined storage and carrying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering column is made removable from the frame for storage, then the scooter can be stored in smaller spaces, but it becomes cumbersome to carry requiring both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The scooter is divided into two separable parts: the frame and the steering column. The steering column can be completely removed from the frame by unlocking the first positive connection, allowing each part to be stored or carried independently in smaller spaces or with greater ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the steering column and frame is made dynamic through two distinct states: a first positive connection for use (locked together) and a second positive connection for transport (separated). The conversion mechanism allows easy transition between these states, enabling the scooter to adapt between being a unified rideable unit and separable storage units.
2Ease of operation
If the steering column is pivoted around the frame to convert between positions, then the scooter remains connected and easy to carry, but it requires considerable distance between parts making it space-consuming in transport position
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pivoting the steering column around the frame, the invention segments the scooter into completely separable parts. The steering column can be fully removed from the frame by unlocking the first positive connection, allowing it to be stored separately in minimal space rather than maintaining a large distance between connected parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system provides dynamic adaptability with two distinct states: a first positive connection for use that maintains structural integrity, and a second positive connection for transport that allows complete separation. This dynamic design eliminates the need for pivoting while still enabling easy conversion between rideable and storage configurations.
3Volume of moving object
If the steering column is completely removed from the frame for storage, then the scooter occupies minimal storage space, but there is risk of losing or confusing the separate parts
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion mechanism allows easy transition between the first positive connection (use state) and second positive connection (transport state). The simple unlocking and locking actions make it difficult to lose parts during conversion, while the contoured cross-sections provide tactile feedback for correct assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second positive connections use different contoured cross-sections that are asymmetric to each other. This ensures that the steering column can only be correctly inserted into the frame in the proper orientation, eliminating confusion about which part goes where and preventing incorrect assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Method for converting a kick scooter (1) between a usage state (101) in which the kick scooter (1) is ready to ride and a transport state (102) in which the kick scooter (1) can be stored in a space-saving manner, wherein the kick scooter (1) has a frame (2) having a standing surface (4) and a steering column (3) having a handle (5a, 5b), comprising the following steps: unlocking a first positive locking connection (11) derivable between the steering column (3) and the frame (2), which blocks the steering column (3) relative to the frame (2) against movement in the axial direction (A) and rotational direction (B), leading out and completely removing the steering column (3) from the frame (2), rotating the steering column (3) at an angle of 180° in the circumferential direction (B), inserting the steering column (3) into an insertion sleeve (6) formed on the frame (2) and locking a second positive locking connection (12) that can be derived between the steering column (3) and the frame (2).