Tilting Steering Assembly for Go-Kart User Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Karts, particularly rental and two-seater models, face challenges in user installation due to low ground clearance and compact design, making it difficult for individuals with reduced mobility or seniors to easily access and operate the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable steering assembly that tilts forward to increase space between the steering wheel and seat, allowing easier entry and exit, while maintaining stability and operational kinematics through ball joints and telescopic connecting arms, and optional deactivation of steering wheels for passenger safety during demonstrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the kart maintains a compact design with low ground clearance, then the kart achieves better maneuverability and track performance, but it becomes difficult for users with reduced mobility to access and operate the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly is made dynamically adjustable through rotation around a substantially horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the kart. This allows the steering wheel to move between a retracted position (closer to the seat) for easy user installation and an extended position (farther from the seat) for normal operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and operational space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The steering assembly introduces a new dimension of movement by rotating around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the kart's longitudinal axis. This lateral rotation allows the steering wheel to move side-to-side relative to the seat, creating additional installation space without compromising the compact longitudinal dimensions of the kart
2Ease of operation
If the steering assembly is rotated to facilitate user installation, then space is created for easier access, but the steering assembly must maintain stability and operational kinematics during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly is segmented into rotatable and fixed components. The steering wheel and column can rotate around a horizontal axis for installation purposes, while the connection to the chassis through ball joints and connecting rods maintains structural stability. This segmentation allows independent movement of the steering control elements without compromising the overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Ball joints and telescopic connecting arms serve as intermediaries between the rotatable steering assembly and the fixed chassis. These intermediary elements accommodate the rotation needed for user installation while maintaining the structural connection and stability required for safe operation
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is moved away from the seat to facilitate installation, then user access is improved, but the steering control effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the steering wheel to be temporarily moved away from the seat during installation and then returned to the optimal operational position. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the steering control effectiveness is maintained during normal operation while facilitating easy user installation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a go-kart comprising a chassis (10) and, mounted thereon, at least one seat and a steering assembly (15, 16) supporting at least one steering wheel (13). According to the invention, such a steering assembly is hinged to the chassis such that it can occupy two positions, namely: a rolling position in which the steering assembly is positioned such that a user can operate the steering wheel when seated on the, or one of the seats; and a seat-taking position in which the steering assembly is positioned such as to facilitate the user in sitting on the, or one of the seats.