Spring Latching Mechanism for Rapid Seat Post and Handlebar Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact personal transport devices, such as electric scooters, require significant time to set up and collapse, hindering their widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism with a frame post and a latch spring that mechanically locks and unlocks the seat post and handlebar to facilitate quick conversion between riding and stowed configurations, utilizing a latch spring that extends outwards to secure the components in place and retracts for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional attachment mechanisms are used for seat post and handlebar, then structural stability is maintained, but setup and collapse time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into modular components: a latch spring for securing the seat post, a separate latch spring for the handlebar, and associated latches. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for quick operation while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism transitions from static traditional attachments to dynamic spring-based latches that can quickly engage and disengage. The latch springs provide automatic locking when engaged and rapid release when activated, enabling fast setup and collapse without compromising structural integrity during use.
2Productivity
If quick-release mechanisms are implemented, then setup and collapse speed increases, but mechanical reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The latch springs are pre-loaded to provide sufficient locking force before any load is applied to the seat post or handlebar. This pre-tensioning ensures that the quick-release mechanism maintains reliable mechanical locking under operational stresses, preventing accidental disengagement while enabling rapid release when intentionally activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to maintain its own locking force through the elastic properties of the springs. The latch springs automatically adjust to maintain engagement under varying loads, providing self-regulating reliability without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
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
Enables rapid setup and collapse of the device, allowing for convenient portability and ease of use, enhancing its usability for short trips.
Implementation Method 1
a latch spring that extends outwards from one side of the frame post in an extended position and retracts inside the frame post in a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A compact personal transport device convertible between a riding configuration and a stowed configuration is described. In one embodiment, a latching mechanism for the compact personal transport device includes a frame post attached internally to the personal transport device and a seat post including an opening on one side. The seat post fits onto the frame post. The latching mechanism also includes a latch spring that extends outwards from one side of the frame post in an extended position and retracts inside the frame post in a retracted position. The latch spring extends through the opening in the seat post when the seat post is attached to the frame post and the latch spring is in the extended position to mechanically lock the seat post to the frame post.