Steerable Wheel Assembly with Lean-to-Steer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lean-to-steer devices lack a mechanism to provide a non-linear steering response, which is essential for devices like training skis and skateboards that require varied steering capabilities based on user input.
Innovation Solution
A steerable wheel assembly with a roller bearing and a motion-limiting mechanism that restricts the range of motion between the shaft and the inner race, allowing for adjustable steering responses by altering the pivot axis inclination and using resilient elements to bias the motion, enabling both linear and non-linear steering actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pivot joint is used to connect the shaft to the wheel assembly, then the steering response is linear, but the device lacks the ability to provide non-linear steering response required for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motion-limiting mechanism that dynamically controls the range of motion between the shaft and inner race based on operating conditions. This mechanism allows the system to transition between different steering response characteristics (linear and non-linear) by adjusting the kinematic constraints, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the kinematic parameters of the connection between shaft and wheel assembly by introducing a motion-limiting mechanism. This mechanism modifies the range of motion and pivot axis inclination dynamically, allowing the system to provide different steering response characteristics (linear or non-linear) depending on the application requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the roller bearing allows free rotation between inner and outer races, then the wheel can rotate freely, but the shaft cannot be constrained to provide controlled steering motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motion-limiting mechanism as an intermediary element between the shaft and the roller bearing assembly. This mechanism mediates between the free rotation capability of the roller bearing and the control requirements of the shaft, allowing the inner race to rotate freely relative to the outer race while constraining the shaft's motion through controlled pivot points, thus resolving the contradiction between rotation freedom and control precision.
3Reliability
If the pivot axis is inclined at a fixed angle, then the steering response is predictable, but the system cannot be adjusted for different steering characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The motion-limiting mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the pivot axis inclination angle based on operating conditions. The mechanism can change the kinematic constraints to provide different pivot angles, allowing the system to maintain predictable steering response for each configured state while offering adaptability across multiple steering characteristics through adjustable configurations.
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 provides flexible and adjustable steering performance, allowing for precise control of steering responses, enhancing the maneuverability of lean-to-steer devices by accommodating different skiing techniques and applications.
Implementation Method 1
The roller bearing has an inner race mounted to the shaft and an outer race about which the wheel rotates
Implementation Method 2
A resilient element is interposed between the inner race and the outer race and is biased in the neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
The present steerable wheel assembly incorporates a lean-to-steer mechanism into an inner race of a roller bearing, while a wheel is mounted to an outer race of the roller bearing. A shaft extending from the mechanism is attached to a body, and the mechanism acts to steer the outer race and the wheel about a vertical steering axis when the shaft is tilted about a horizontal axis. The mechanism can be a pivot joint, providing a linear steering response, or can be a lean-to-steer mechanism that provides a non-linear response where the steering action is not proportionally responsive to tilting over the expected range of tilting.