Seat Post Release Mechanism for Personal Transport Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact personal transport devices, such as electric scooters, require significant time to set up and collapse, limiting their widespread adoption due to inefficiencies in transitioning between riding and stowed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism that includes a latch connected to a pivot point within a frame post, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of the seat post and handlebar, utilizing a lever member to secure and release these components, facilitating rapid conversion between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seat post attachment mechanisms are used, then the seat post is securely fixed to the frame post, but the time required to set up and collapse the device is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic movable position when the lever is actuated. The latch is designed to be held in a secured position during normal use but can be quickly moved to a released position by applying force to the lever, enabling rapid transition between attached and detached states without compromising security during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the latch element that engages with the seat post, the lever member that actuates the latch, and the pivot point that enables movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the latch provides secure engagement, the lever provides easy actuation, and the pivot enables smooth transition between states
2Productivity
If a quick-release mechanism is implemented, then the setup and collapse time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch and lever mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the seat post to the frame post during riding, enables quick release for folding, and provides a user-friendly interface through the lever. This multi-functionality achieves rapid setup and collapse without requiring multiple separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
3Reliability
If the latch extends through the seat post opening, then the seat post is mechanically locked to the frame post, but the mechanism requires more space within the frame post
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is positioned within the frame post's internal cavity and extends outward only when needed to engage the seat post. When retracted, the latch nests within the frame post structure, minimizing the space required. The lever member is also positioned to utilize available space efficiently, allowing the mechanism to achieve reliable mechanical locking without excessively increasing the frame post's internal volume requirements
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 quick and convenient transition between riding and stowed configurations, enhancing the compact form factor for easy portability and use in 'last-mile' or 'first-mile' trips, improving user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The latch connected inside the frame post to a pivot point
Implementation Method 2
a lever member attached to the latch at a first end and having an engaging surface at an opposite second end
Data Source
AI summary
A compact personal transport device convertible between a riding configuration and a stowed configuration is described. In one embodiment, a seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism for the personal transport device includes a frame post attached internally and a seat post including an opening on one side that fits onto the frame post. The seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism also includes a latch connected inside the frame post to a pivot point. The latch extends outwards from one side of the frame post and extends through the opening in the seat post in a secured position. The seat post release and handlebar holding mechanism also includes a lever member attached to the latch at a first end and having an engaging surface at an opposite second end extending out from the frame post on an opposite side from the latch.