Self-Balancing Vehicle Platform With Integrated Load Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicles, such as hoverboards, face issues with cost, weight, and complexity due to the need for independent sensors on each foot platform, which can cause instability and make them cumbersome to carry, and require additional sensors for rider detection, lacking the ability to measure weight distribution effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-balancing transport vehicle with a single platform section that integrates a carrying handle and uses load sensors under each foot placement section to sense weight and distribution, along with gyro and orientation sensors for balance control, eliminating the need for independent sensors on each side and allowing for a more stable and user-friendly design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent sensors are used on each foot platform, then balance control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated sensor unit located at the center of the platform. This single unit performs both balance detection (through gyroscope and accelerometer) and weight distribution measurement (through load sensor), eliminating the need for separate sensors on each foot platform while maintaining comprehensive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects platform tilt for balance control, measures weight distribution between feet, and provides orientation data. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensor systems, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If independent sensors are used on each foot platform, then balance control is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sensor components (gyroscope, accelerometer, and load sensor) into a single integrated unit at the platform center, thereby reducing the total weight compared to having duplicate sensor sets on each foot platform
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors are added for rider detection, then rider detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load sensor integrated in the central sensor unit serves dual purposes: it measures the total weight on the platform (rider detection) and simultaneously measures weight distribution between the rider's feet (balance control). This eliminates the need for separate rider detection sensors
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of the vehicle by using a single platform with integrated load sensors and inertial sensors, enhancing stability and usability, while enabling comfortable carrying and improved weight detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
load sensors under each foot placement section to sense weight and distribution
Implementation Method 2
gyro and orientation sensors for balance control
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4c
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A portable two-wheeled self-balancing personal transport vehicle comprises a single support platform having first and second foot placement sections, one or more inertial sensors operable to provide pitch data for the platform. The first foot placement section and the second foot placement section are associated with a first wheel and a second wheel respectively controlled by a first and a second drive motor. At least one load sensor provides first load data for the first foot placement section and at least one load sensor provides second load data for the second foot placement section. Control circuitry is connected to the first and second drive motors, and operable to transmit to the first and second drive motors balancing signals for self-balancing the support platform housing in response to the pitch data, as well as one or more steering torque signals in response to the first and second load data.