Stepping Cycle with Rotating Wheel for Skating and Walking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller skates with large diameter wheels face challenges in maintaining balance due to a non-coincident center of mass, controlling force transmission, and efficiently switching between skating and walking modes on various road conditions.

Innovation Solution

A stepping cycle device featuring a riding wheel mounted between the ends of a U-shaped frame, with a rotating stepping assembly and foot pedals for support, allowing adjustable angles and a mechanism to convert between riding and walking modes using a U-shaped frame and stepping assembly with adjustable legs and a foot pedal system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a large diameter wheel is used for skating, then the skating speed and smoothness are improved, but the balance control and maneuverability deteriorate due to non-coincident center of mass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskating speedVSAvoidbalance control
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the wheel angle adjustable relative to the foot support through a rotation mechanism. The wheel can rotate between a horizontal position for skating and a vertical position for walking, allowing the device to adapt its configuration dynamically based on the operational mode and road conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the angular parameter of the wheel relative to the foot support. By adjusting the wheel angle from horizontal to vertical, the device transforms between skating and walking modes, optimizing performance for different road conditions while maintaining balance control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If a large diameter wheel is used for skating, then the skating performance is improved, but the adaptability to different road conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskating speedVSAvoidroad condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic wheel angle adjustment mechanism that allows the wheel to rotate between horizontal and vertical positions. This enables the device to adapt to different road conditions by switching between skating mode (horizontal) and walking mode (vertical), improving overall versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both skating and walking operations. The adjustable wheel mechanism allows a single device to handle various road conditions effectively, making it universally applicable to different scenarios rather than requiring separate devices.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wheel is mounted vertically to enable walking mode, then the adaptability to rough surfaces is improved, but the skating efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewalking mode capabilityVSAvoidskating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a rotation mechanism that allows the wheel to dynamically change its orientation. When skating, the wheel is positioned horizontally for efficient rolling; when walking or encountering rough surfaces, the wheel rotates to a vertical position, enabling the device to adapt to different conditions while maintaining skating efficiency when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8985596B2Stepping cycle for accelerated walking
Publication Date: 2015.03.24 WU KATHERINE
  • US8985596B2 patent drawing
  • US8985596B2 patent drawing
  • US8985596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a transportation device comprising one riding wheel, a U-shaped frame, and a stepping assembly. The riding wheel is mounted between the two ends of the U-shaped frame and the stepping assembly is mounted on the axle of the riding wheel. The stepping assembly contains a foot pedal and one or two supporting legs with an optional stepping wheel beneath the foot pedal. This device can conveniently convert between a riding mode and a walking mode to allow rider skate, walk, and stand in various ground surfaces.