Self-Balancing Vehicle Steering and Power-Wheel Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous and self-balancing vehicles lack an effective complementary steering system and efficient propulsion solutions, particularly for applications like self-delivery and recreational use on varied terrain, and face limitations in range and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of ANPATH™ vehicles, which utilize pivotable wheel assemblies for steering and balance, combined with 'Power-Wheels' that integrate hub motors, batteries, and electronic control systems, enabling efficient navigation, balance, and propulsion, and allowing for quick battery swapping and regenerative braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional battery charging is used, then energy storage is maintained, but wait time for charging increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging replacement batteries while the vehicle is in operation. Multiple batteries are charged in advance, so when one battery is depleted, an already-charged replacement is immediately available, eliminating charging wait time and maintaining continuous vehicle availability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hub motors are integrated into wheels, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hub motor, battery, and wheel into a single integrated Power-Wheel assembly. This consolidation improves propulsion efficiency by directly coupling the motor to the wheel while managing complexity through modular design that allows the entire assembly to be replaced as one unit rather than servicing individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system is segmented into multiple independent Power-Wheel assemblies that can be individually replaced. This segmentation allows the complex motorized wheels to be managed as discrete modular units, simplifying maintenance and enabling quick swaps without affecting the entire vehicle system.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple Power-Wheels are used for extended range, then duration of action is improved, but loss of time in swapping wheels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares replacement Power-Wheels in advance by pre-charging them and positioning them at swap locations along the route. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a wheel needs replacement, an ready-to-install wheel is immediately available, minimizing swap time while extending operational range through multiple pre-positioned wheels.
4Ease of operation
If autonomous navigation systems are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous navigation system is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal control platform that handles navigation, monitoring, and coordination of the modular Power-Wheel system. This universal approach consolidates multiple control functions into a single integrated system, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through standardized protocols.
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
ANPATH™ vehicles provide efficient, safe, and versatile transportation solutions for both recreational and commuter use, offering extended range, reduced wait times for charging, and the ability to transform traditional bikes into electric vehicles, while leveraging unused infrastructure for cost-effective and efficient transportation systems.
Implementation Method 1
Power-Wheels that integrate hub motors
Implementation Method 2
regenerative braking
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-autonomous, self-balancing, inline wheeled vehicle utilizes one or more of the wheels to establish and maintain the balance of the vehicle, and one or more of the remaining wheels to steer. The vehicle is particularly suited for narrow pathways and may utilize sensing and vision technologies and/or mechanical sensors to discern and safely negotiate a variety of path types. A feature is the ability to discern and negotiate narrow paths and avoid obstacles with little or no input from the user. Paths may be real-world, real-time paths or may take the form of virtual programed paths. Pathways may include roads, hiking trails, delineated bike lanes, as well as tram-paths built upon modified railroad tracks and railbeds. Versions of the vehicle may be network-controlled from external sources, such that convoys of these vehicles may be operated as a single entity. Some aspects of the design, particularly when combined with modified railways or railbeds, may take the form of a bi-directional monorail system. Such a system will likely have the distinction of being the first monorail, not guided by physical pressure of the rail upon the vehicle's steering mechanism, but rather by the observation of a path where corresponding data is processed and converted into steering instructions. To extend range, and enable speedy power replenishment, electrically powered versions of this vehicle may feature swappable Power-Wheels™, standard size wheels that incorporate batteries, motors, and electronic motor controls.