Segmented Wheel Assembly for Powered Board Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The weight of electric motors and batteries in personal mobility vehicles, such as skateboards and scooters, limits their portability and increases their cost, while existing designs often compromise on stability and control when incorporating powered rear wheels.
Innovation Solution
A powered board vehicle design featuring a lightweight motor and battery configuration, with a rear wheel assembly and swivelable front wheels, along with an auxiliary wheel assembly that provides additional stability and control, allowing for a unique riding experience and improved portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large electric motor is used to power the vehicle, then the power and speed are improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses multiple small auxiliary wheels instead of a single large motor system. The auxiliary wheels are distributed along the side of the deck, with each wheel having its own small motor, thereby segmenting the propulsion system to reduce overall weight while maintaining power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration from one large motor to multiple small motors driving auxiliary wheels. This parameter change in the propulsion system allows the vehicle to achieve adequate power through multiple small units rather than one large unit, reducing weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large battery is used to power the motor, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight and cost of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple small battery units, each corresponding to an auxiliary wheel assembly. This allows the total energy capacity to be distributed across multiple small components rather than requiring one large heavy battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses multiple auxiliary wheels that can operate independently or in combination. Not all auxiliary wheels need to be powered simultaneously, allowing for partial operation that extends battery life and reduces the required total battery capacity.
3Productivity
If a powered rear wheel assembly is used, then the speed and efficiency are improved, but the stability and control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple auxiliary wheels distributed along the side of the deck rather than a single rear wheel assembly. This distribution of power units improves stability by spreading the mechanical load and providing multiple contact points with the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary wheels are positioned asymmetrically along one side of the deck, creating a unique configuration that balances propulsion with stability. The asymmetric arrangement allows for improved control while maintaining vehicle balance.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered board vehicle can include a deck having a support surface, a rear wheel assembly, and a front wheel assembly. The support surface can include a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a neck that connects the forward portion with the rearward portion. The forward portion, the rearward portion, and the neck can be integrally formed. The rear wheel assembly can include a powered rear wheel. The front wheel assembly can include at least one front wheel configured to swivel about a first axis and rotate about a second axis.