Seated Self-Balancing Vehicle With Foot-Mounted Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-balancing electric vehicles are difficult to ride due to their unstable nature when standing, requiring high balance and coordination, and pose a risk of injury or death from falls or crashes, especially at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A self-balancing vehicle designed for seated operation with foot-mounted wheels for additional stability and control, using a motorized hub and controller that activates based on seat tilt for propulsion and braking, and includes a seat detection sensor for safety and motor activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle is designed for standing operation, then the rider can maintain a higher center of gravity for better visibility, but the vehicle becomes unstable and requires high balance and coordination from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional standing operation mode to a seated operation mode. By having the rider sit on a seat rather than stand on the vehicle, the center of gravity is lowered and the rider's weight is supported by the seat structure, eliminating the need for continuous balance maintenance and making the vehicle easy to operate without requiring high coordination skills
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces foot-mounted wheels as an intermediary element between the rider and the ground. These wheels provide additional contact points with the ground, enhancing stability and providing intuitive steering control through natural foot movements, while the seat serves as an intermediary to support the rider's weight and eliminate balance requirements
2Speed
If the vehicle operates at high speeds up to 30 mph or more, then the vehicle provides faster transportation, but falls or crashes can cause physical harm or even death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing a seat that supports the rider's weight and positions the body in a protected manner. The seat structure and riding position prepare the rider for potential falls by distributing impact forces and reducing the severity of injuries, allowing high-speed operation with reduced injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional standing position to a seated position, fundamentally changing how the rider interacts with the vehicle and ground. This inversion allows the rider to be supported by the seat structure rather than balancing on the vehicle, significantly reducing injury risk during falls while maintaining high-speed capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rider sits on the vehicle, then the center of gravity is lowered for better stability, but the rider needs additional control mechanisms for speed and steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the rider's natural body movements and foot positions to control the vehicle. The foot-mounted wheels are positioned so that natural foot movements directly translate to steering control, and the rider's body position adjustments provide intuitive speed control, eliminating the need for complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the foot-mounted wheels serve multiple functions: they provide additional ground contact points for stability, act as steering control through natural foot movements, and contribute to speed control through body position adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms
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
The vehicle provides enhanced stability and control by allowing riders to use their legs for speed and directional control, reducing the risk of falls and crashes, and ensuring safe operation by automatically deactivating when the rider dismounts.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized hub attached to the frame and a wheel attached to the motorized hub
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments presented within present a self-balancing single wheeled electric vehicle. One embodiment has a seat attached to a frame with a seat low enough that a user can set a tilt of the seat with a foot of the user. The frame also has a motorized hub and wheel attached. A controller activates the motorized hub to move the vehicle when the seat is tilted forward and activates the motorized hub to slow the vehicle when the seat is tilted backward.