Steering Apparatus Using Rotary-to-Linear Converter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In manually propelled vehicles like exercise tricycles, steering the front directional wheel simultaneously with propulsion using arm movements compromises either action, especially when a full turning radius is required.
Innovation Solution
A steering system integrating a rotary to variable linear converter assembly and a digitally operated control assembly, allowing users to steer the directional wheel using their thumbs, amplifying small digital movements into larger turning motions through a rotatable friction wheel and servo motor mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the rider uses arms to actuate the cable-bar assembly for propulsion, then propulsion is achieved, but steering capability is compromised because arms are unavailable to steer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from the arm-operated cable-bar system by introducing a separate thumb-operated control lever. This allows the arms to be dedicated solely to propulsion while the thumbs handle steering, eliminating the conflict between propulsion and steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into two independent control mechanisms: one for propulsion (cable-bar assembly operated by arms) and one for steering (control lever operated by thumbs). This segmentation allows each function to be operated independently without interfering with the other.
2Ease of operation
If the rider uses arms to steer while maintaining propulsion, then steering is achieved, but propulsion is compromised to allow full turning radius
Solution Approach 1:
The steering function is extracted from the arm-operated propulsion system and assigned to a separate thumb-operated control mechanism. This extraction allows full steering capability without reducing propulsion effort, as the thumbs handle all steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions are segmented into propulsion (arms) and steering (thumbs), allowing each to operate at full capability simultaneously without compromising the other.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional steering mechanism is used, then steering control is achieved, but the system complexity increases and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steering mechanisms with a simpler system using a control lever that directly actuates a cable connected to the front wheel steering mechanism. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining effective steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable acts as an intermediary between the simple thumb-operated control lever and the front wheel steering mechanism, transmitting the steering force efficiently without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
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 dynamic control of the directional wheel's direction, extent, and rate of movement with minimal input force, allowing for effective steering without compromising propulsion, even at a full turning radius.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable pivotable friction wheel held in contact with the cylinder outer surface for rotation therewith
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus comprises a rotary to variable linear converter which functions to steer a pivotable rotatable directional wheel of a vehicle.The converter comprises a driven rotatable cylinder and a rotatable pivotable friction wheel pressed against the surface of the cylinder so that they rotate together. The friction wheel is slidably mounted on guide rods extending parallel to the cylinder surface so that the friction wheel can advance helically along the cylinder if angled relative to the cylinder axis. The friction wheel generates a lateral force which is used to apply torque to the directional wheel to turn it. The orientation of the friction wheel is varied and controlled by a digit-operated control lever operated by a rider of the vehicle.