Towing Module for Personal Mobility with Universal Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal mobility devices, such as electric kickboards and scooters, are limited in their versatility as they cannot be easily converted for different purposes, such as cargo transport, due to their specific designs.
Innovation Solution
A towing module with a vertically extending main body, a driving wheel, steering handle, and a connector system that allows for the selective connection of various modules, including a battery management system with improved cooling and an electric coupling device for easy attachment and detachment of modules, enabling the module to maintain a standing position and tow connected modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If personal mobility devices are designed with specific forms for particular purposes, then they can perform their designated functions effectively, but they cannot be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a towing module with a standardized connector that can attach to various types of modules (cargo modules, passenger modules, etc.), allowing a single personal mobility device to perform multiple functions. The connector is designed with universal compatibility to work with different module types while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
2Ease of manufacture
If modules to be towed include driving components, then they can operate independently, but manufacturing costs increase and the concept of being towed becomes redundant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driving components from the modules to be towed, leaving only passive modules that can be pulled by the main personal mobility device. This eliminates the need to manufacture driving systems in each module, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining operational reliability through centralized power source management.
3Ease of operation
If battery is installed without considering cooling, then installation is simple, but cooling efficiency is poor leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing cooling fins specifically at the battery housing location where heat dissipation is most needed, while keeping the rest of the installation simple. The cooling fins are integrated into the battery housing structure, maintaining installation simplicity while effectively addressing the temperature issue through localized thermal management.
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 the use of a single personal mobility device for multiple purposes by allowing easy attachment and detachment of different modules, improving battery cooling efficiency, and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for driving components in the modules to be towed.
Implementation Method 1
The cover may include a plurality of cooling fins made of a metal material on an outer surface thereof for heat exchange with air
Data Source
AI summary
A towing module of a personal mobility includes: a main body provided to extend in a vertical direction and in which a battery is mounted: a driving wheel installed on a lower portion of the main body and having a driving motor: a steering handle installed on an upper portion of the main body; and a connector provided in the main body to selectively connect one of various types of modules to be towed. The main body is maintained in a standing state while driving by the connection to the module to be towed. A personal mobility and a control method thereof utilize the towing module.