Foldable Scooter Steering Lock and Rear Wheel Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices with steering mechanisms lack a reliable locking system that prevents the front wheels from turning into end positions, increasing space requirements when at rest, and fail to optimize the space-saving design when folding, especially with larger rear wheels protruding in the idle state.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a rotary lever and pin mechanism that locks the steering in a neutral position for straight-line stability, and a pivoting rear wheel mechanism that folds away in the idle state, allowing for a more compact design and enabling the device to be used as a trolley.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering mechanism is unlocked during rest state, then the front wheels can turn into end positions, but the space requirements increase when the device is at rest
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically changes state based on the scooter's operational mode. During rest state, the locking mechanism engages to prevent wheel rotation and minimize space occupation. During operation, the locking mechanism disengages to allow steering flexibility. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between space efficiency and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the scooter's position and operational state, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the locking state to optimize between space efficiency and steering flexibility, resolving the contradiction through autonomous control.
2Device complexity
If the rear wheel is mounted fixedly, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot be folded into a compact configuration for storage or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wheel is mounted on a pivotable arm that can rotate between an operational position (extending backward) and a folded position (aligned with the scooter body). This dynamic mounting allows the wheel to be positioned for optimal performance during operation and minimized space occupation during storage, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and compact foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear wheel assembly is segmented into separate components: the wheel itself, a pivotable arm, and mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows the wheel and arm to move independently, enabling the wheel to be folded away from the main body while maintaining a simple overall structure. The modular design resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and compact configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If the handle support is folded close to the planar element in rest state, then the space-saving capability is improved, but the steering mechanism locking becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
A locking lever acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the folded position of the handle support into a locking action for the steering mechanism. When the handle support is folded close to the planar element, the locking lever automatically engages to lock the steering mechanism, preventing unintended wheel rotation. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable locking solution in the compact folded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage before the handle support is fully folded into its final position. The locking lever is positioned such that it engages the steering mechanism locking element as the handle support approaches the folded configuration, ensuring the steering is locked in advance of the final folding action. This preliminary locking action resolves the contradiction by ensuring steering security in the compact state without requiring complex additional locking mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device is described, comprising a flat element (4), at least one first wheel (12) mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation (12a), a handle support (6) having an end (6a) distal to the flat element (4) and carrying a handle (8), and an end (6b) proximal to the flat element (4), and a hinge located adjacent to the first wheel (12) that pivotably connects the proximal end (6b) of the handle support (6) to the flat element (4) about a first pivot axis (23) such that, in an operating state, the handle support (6) is oriented at an angle to the flat element (4), preferably approximately right or nearly right, and thus the distal end (6a) of the handle support (6) has a maximum distance to the flat element (4), and in a rest state, the distal end (6a) of the handle support (6) has a minimum distance to the flat element (4).and at least one second wheel (20) mounted to rotate about a second axis of rotation (20a), which is arranged at a remote end of the planar element (4) spaced apart from the arrangement of the first wheel and the hinge joint. The special feature of the invention is that locking means are provided for locking a steering mechanism, which are designed such that they lock the steering mechanism in a neutral position, preferably for straight-ahead driving, only when at rest.