Mobility Scooter Steering Force Control for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility scooters face instability issues when turning at high speeds, leading to potential tipping over, as the steering angle is limited by mechanical constraints and existing systems fail to provide sufficient control during emergency maneuvers, reducing maneuverability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A mobility scooter design that adjusts the force required to alter the steering angle based on speed, using a combination of mechanical and electronic signals to limit the steering angle and reduce speed when necessary, ensuring stability and allowing maximum steering in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering angle is allowed to be turned to any angle up to the maximum physically allowed while traveling at high speed, then the maneuverability is improved, but the stability deteriorates and the device may tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the steering angle limit variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the maximum steering angle based on the current traveling speed of the mobility scooter. At high speeds, the steering angle is automatically limited to a smaller range to maintain stability, while at low speeds, the full steering range is available for maximum maneuverability. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the steering characteristics to the operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of steering angle limit based on speed parameter. The control system monitors the traveling speed and相应地 adjusts the maximum allowable steering angle. This parameter change ensures that at high speeds where stability is critical, the steering angle is restricted, while at low speeds where maneuverability is prioritized, the full steering range is permitted.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the speed is reduced quickly when a sharp turn is detected, then the stability is improved, but the response time is insufficient to prevent tipping over in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively limiting the steering angle before the instability occurs. Instead of waiting to detect a sharp turn and then reducing speed, the system continuously monitors speed and preemptively restricts the steering angle to a safe range at high speeds. This prevents the centrifugal forces from building up to dangerous levels in the first place, providing immediate stability protection without requiring delayed speed reduction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the maximum steering angle is reduced at high speeds, then the stability is improved, but the maneuverability in emergency situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the steering angle parameter dynamically based on speed. At high speeds, the maximum steering angle is reduced to maintain stability, while at low speeds, the full steering angle range is restored for maximum maneuverability. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by ensuring that the steering characteristics match the operational requirements at each speed level.
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 3d~3h
Figure 4~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger conveyance device comprising at least one first wheel and at least one second wheel, wherein the first wheel acts as a drive wheel, the second wheel acts as a steerable wheel and a steering angle of the second wheel is measured relative to a steering position of the second wheel corresponding to a forward or a rearward traveling direction of the passenger conveyance device, wherein further based on a first value representative for a speed of the passenger conveyance device, especially of the first wheel, a force necessary for altering the steering angle in at least one predefined region is changed, and a method for controlling the steering of a passenger conveyance device.