Self-Balancing Vehicle Strain Gauge Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicles face issues with safety and reliability due to complex balance and steering control systems, including numerous moving parts and manufacturing complexity, which hinder customizability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of strain gauge systems to detect rider-induced strain on a rigid platform, allowing for precise control of yaw movements and rider presence detection, enabling simpler and more reliable self-balancing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex balance and steering control systems are used, then vehicle stability and control precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the balance control and steering control functions into a single integrated control system. The rigid platform with rigidly coupled foot placement sections merges the previously separate balance and steering mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining both vehicle stability and control precision through unified sensor and motor control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid platform structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mounting structure for sensors, transmits rider input forces for both balance and steering control, and acts as the structural framework for the entire vehicle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If numerous moving parts are included in the control system, then control precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary moving parts from the control system by using a rigid platform structure. Instead of using multiple movable components to detect rider position and intent, the system uses strain gauges on the rigid platform to directly sense rider forces, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining control precision through direct force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and moving parts with electronic sensing elements (strain gauges) mounted on the rigid platform. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical transmission components while maintaining measurement precision through direct electrical sensing of rider-induced strains.
3Device complexity
If a rigid platform with rigidly coupled foot placement sections is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different rider preferences worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control parameters that can be adjusted in real-time based on rider characteristics and preferences. The control system continuously adapts the aggressiveness of balance control and steering response by processing strain gauge data to determine rider weight and intent, allowing the rigid platform structure to accommodate different riding styles through software-based parameter adjustment rather than mechanical modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customization of riding characteristics by changing control parameters such as balance control aggressiveness, steering sensitivity, and motor response thresholds. These parameters are dynamically adjusted based on rider weight detection and user preferences, allowing the same rigid platform structure to provide personalized riding experiences without requiring physical modifications to the hardware.
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
This solution enhances safety by automatically adjusting balance control aggressiveness based on rider weight and provides intuitive, customizable ride experiences while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first strain gauge attached to the platform and configured to sense twisting strain in the platform induced by imbalanced forces exerted upon the first and second foot placement sections
Implementation Method 2
a balance position sensor attached to the platform and configured to sense inclination of the platform
Implementation Method 3
a first drive motor configured to drive the first wheel, and a second drive motor configured to drive the second wheel, wherein the drive motors are configured to drive the wheels toward self-balancing the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A self-balancing electric vehicle may include an elongate platform having a first foot placement section and a second foot placement section rigidly coupled to each other, a first and second wheel being respectively coupled to opposite ends of the platform. Rider presence and turning intentions may be determined based on strain induced in the platform by the rider. The strain may be detected by one or more strain gauge systems. One of the strain gauge systems may be configured for use in a steering control circuit, and may include a strain gauge sensor mounted diagonally with respect to a long axis of the platform, such that the strain gauge detects only twist-induced strain.