Steerable Riding Device Segmented Wheel Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for maneuverable devices that can transport heavy loads and users over various surfaces, including tight corners, ramps, and narrow pathways, without using internal combustion engines, which are often undesirable in settings like university or business campuses.
Innovation Solution
A riding device with a load-bearing platform, laterally spaced swivel caster wheels, drive wheels, and a power source, allowing for high maneuverability and the ability to fit through standard doorways, equipped with a steering mechanism and foot stand for user support, powered by batteries or other sources, and capable of carrying additional tools or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard motorized vehicles are used, then power and speed are sufficient, but maneuverability in confined spaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into three separate wheel sets positioned at different locations along the frame, with each wheel set independently connected to the frame. This segmentation allows each wheel set to function autonomously in terms of movement and steering, enabling the vehicle to navigate tight corners and narrow pathways while maintaining overall structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle employs swivel caster wheels at the front and rear that can rotate freely to change direction, combined with independently motorized drive wheels. This dynamic configuration allows the vehicle to adapt its orientation and movement path in real-time, achieving high maneuverability in confined spaces while maintaining a compact form factor that can fit through standard doorways.
2Power
If internal combustion engines are used, then power is sufficient for heavy loads, but environmental impact and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle replaces the internal combustion engine with an electric motor system powered by a battery pack. This substitution eliminates harmful emissions and reduces noise while providing sufficient power to move the vehicle and its heavy loads. The electric motors are directly connected to the drive wheels, providing efficient power transmission without the mechanical complexity of combustion engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source parameter is changed from chemical energy (internal combustion) to electrical energy (battery). This parameter change fundamentally alters the vehicle's environmental impact profile, eliminating exhaust emissions and reducing noise pollution, while maintaining the power output necessary for transporting heavy equipment and materials across various surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle width is reduced to fit through doorways, then access to confined areas improves, but load-bearing capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system is segmented into three separate laterally spaced wheel sets positioned at the front, middle, and rear of the vehicle. Each wheel set is independently connected to the frame and can support portion of the total load. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain a narrow width for doorway access while distributing the heavy load across multiple contact points, preventing structural failure and maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing width to handle heavier loads, the vehicle distributes weight support across the longitudinal dimension by positioning three wheel sets at different locations along the frame. This dimensional redistribution allows the vehicle to maintain a narrow profile for confined space access while achieving sufficient load-bearing capacity through extended weight distribution along the length of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A riding device for transporting a load and a human with three sets of laterally spaced wheels, and a foot stand assembly suspended above the riding surface, wherein a user may stand on the foot stand assembly and steer the riding device. The device comprises a first set of swivel caster wheels, a second set of drive wheels, and a third set of foot stand assembly wheels connected with a frame and load bearing platform. The riding device preferably uses a battery as a power source, and is sized to fit through doorways, hallways, and into elevators so that it may be used inside or outside to transport tools or other equipment.