Skateboard Deck Axle Control via Pressure Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional skateboards lack efficient control mechanisms for direction and balance, making it difficult for users to navigate smoothly and safely, especially during turns and braking.

Innovation Solution

A skateboard control method and system that uses sensor groups on the deck to detect pressure differences, allowing the skateboard to turn and move based on pressure values, with the deck fixed on an axle, enabling precise control through turning angles, speeds, and braking torques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the skateboard deck is movably connected to the axle to allow flexible inclining, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection control flexibilityVSAvoiddeck-axle connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the deck movable relative to the axle, the patent fixes the deck to the axle and makes the axle itself rotatable. This inverts the traditional rotation mechanism from the deck side to the axle side, simplifying the connection structure while maintaining steering capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical balance-maintaining mechanism with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect user pressure and automatically adjusts the axle rotation to maintain balance, eliminating complex mechanical balance components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the skateboard deck is movably connected to the axle to allow inclining, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens due to potential falling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection control flexibilityVSAvoiduser safety during turning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sensors to continuously monitor user pressure distribution on the deck and feeds this information back to the control system, which automatically adjusts the axle rotation to prevent abrupt turns and maintain user balance, thereby improving safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual balance-maintaining operations with an electronic control system that automatically adjusts the skateboard's orientation based on sensor data, reducing the risk of user falling during direction changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If sensor groups are arranged on the skateboard deck to detect pressure differences, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure difference detectionVSAvoidsensor arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pressure detection function into multiple sensor groups arranged at different positions on the deck, with each group detecting local pressure. This segmentation enables precise determination of user stance and intended direction through comparison of pressure differences across groups

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor groups serve multiple functions: detecting user presence, determining standing position, identifying intended direction, and monitoring balance status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each detection task

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances safety and learnability by providing precise control over direction and movement, improving the overall usability and flexibility of the skateboard.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressure value of the first sensor group and a second pressure value of the second sensor group are acquired

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3578234B1Skateboard and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3578234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3578234B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(d)
  • EP3578234B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a skateboard and control method thereof, in the field of skateboard control. A skateboard deck of the skateboard is fixed on an axle of the skateboard, and a first sensor group and a second sensor group are sequentially arranged on the skateboard deck in a width direction. The method includes: acquiring a first pressure value of the first sensor group and a second pressure value of the second sensor group; controlling the skateboard to turn to a first direction when the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value and a difference value of the two pressure values is greater than a first threshold; and controlling the skateboard to turn to a second direction when the second pressure value is greater than the first pressure value, and a difference value of the two pressure values is greater than a second threshold.