Sealed Scooter Storage Compartment for Folding Mechanism Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compact personal transport devices lack a sealed storage compartment that can prevent objects from falling into internal mechanisms when transitioning between stowed and riding configurations, leading to potential damage or interference with internal components.

Innovation Solution

A personal transport device with a sealed storage compartment configured to receive components such as the steering assembly and seat when in a stowed configuration, and to prevent objects from entering and interfering with internal mechanisms during the riding configuration by using a barrier compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a compact personal transport device is designed with internal mechanisms for folding and storage, then the device achieves portability and compactness, but objects can fall into the internal mechanisms causing damage or interference

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidprotection of internal mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is segmented into a sealed storage compartment and an open area. The sealed compartment houses the steering assembly and other components, isolating them from objects that could cause damage. This segmentation allows the device to maintain portability while protecting internal mechanisms through spatial separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealed barrier or wall is introduced as an intermediary between the external environment and the internal mechanisms. This barrier prevents objects from falling into the folding mechanisms and electronic components, while still allowing the device to be folded and stored compactly. The sealed compartment acts as a mediator that protects sensitive parts without compromising portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the storage compartment is open to allow easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but objects can fall into internal mechanisms causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to storage compartmentVSAvoidobjects falling into mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage area is divided into a sealed compartment for storing personal items and an open area for accessing frequently used items. The sealed compartment prevents objects from falling into internal mechanisms while still providing accessible storage space. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating zones with different access characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The steering assembly and other protective components are extracted and placed into a sealed storage compartment, separating them from the open storage area. This extraction allows users to access the open area freely while the sealed compartment protects the removed components from objects that might fall in during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If components are stored inside the outer casing when stowed, then compactness is achieved, but objects can interfere with the folding mechanisms during transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidfolding mechanism operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is segmented into a sealed storage compartment that houses folding components and a separate open area. This segmentation ensures that objects stored in the open area cannot fall into and interfere with the folding mechanisms housed in the sealed compartment, while maintaining the compact folded configuration of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealed barrier acts as an intermediary between the folding mechanisms and the external environment. This barrier prevents objects from entering the space where folding components are stored, allowing the device to be compact when folded while protecting the mechanisms from interference during the folding and unfolding transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12522315B1Sealed storage compartment for personal transport device

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A personal transport device in the form of an electric scooter is described. The personal transport device includes an outer casing having an opening extending along a top surface. The personal transport device also includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a steering assembly, and a sealed storage compartment located inside the outer casing. The sealed storage compartment is configured to receive at least a portion of the steering assembly when the personal transport device is in a stowed configuration. The sealed storage compartment is also configured to prevent objects from falling into one or more internal mechanisms inside the outer casing when the personal transport device is in a riding configuration.