Toy Vehicle Adjustable DC-DC Switch for Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toy skateboards lack an efficient control system that allows for various maneuvers without the need for a figurine or complex control mechanics, limiting their appeal and usability, especially for those with less advanced skills.
Innovation Solution
A convertible toy skateboard assembly with a deck, non-motorized truck assemblies, and a removable motorized truck assembly that can be controlled using fingers or a remote control unit, featuring a processor, motors, and a receiver for signal control, allowing for consistent performance and adjustable center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized assembly is added to the toy skateboard, then the skateboard can be controlled remotely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized assembly is designed as a separate, removable module that can be easily attached to and detached from the skateboard deck. This segmentation allows the complex motorized components (motor, battery, circuit board, receiver) to be contained in a discrete unit, simplifying both assembly and repair while enabling remote control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized assembly serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion through the motor, stores energy in the battery, processes control signals via the circuit board, and receives remote commands through the receiver. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal module, the overall system complexity is managed while achieving comprehensive remote control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a figurine with control mechanics is used, then the skateboard can perform maneuvers, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (figurine linkages, levers, and mechanical actuators) with an electrical control system. The receiver captures radio frequency signals and translates them into electrical commands that directly actuate the motor, enabling maneuvers without any mechanical figurine control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is extracted from the physical skateboard structure and placed entirely within the motorized assembly module. By removing the need for external figurines and their associated mechanical control systems, the patent simplifies the overall device while maintaining full maneuver capability through electronic control.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery voltage varies during discharge, then the battery provides sustained power, but the motor performance becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator actively maintains a constant output voltage parameter despite variations in battery discharge voltage. By dynamically adjusting its internal resistance and power conversion characteristics, the regulator ensures that the motor receives steady voltage throughout the entire battery discharge cycle, maintaining consistent performance from full to empty battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator incorporates feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor the output voltage and adjust the power delivery to the motor accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that even as the battery voltage naturally drops during discharge, the regulated output remains stable, providing consistent motor performance throughout the battery's operational life.
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 easy switching between manual and remote control modes, providing consistent performance and enhanced maneuverability, making the toy skateboard accessible to a wider range of users without the need for a figurine or complex control mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable high frequency DC-DC switch configured to convert a supply voltage to an output voltage, that is lower than the supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
an H-bridge circuit configured to control a direction of the motor
Implementation Method 3
a low inductance motor powered by a high frequency switched voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
In one embodiment there is a toy vehicle having a low inductance motor powered by a high frequency switched voltage at a frequency high enough to create continuous conduction. The vehicle further includes an H-bridge circuit configured to control a direction of the motor and an adjustable high frequency DC-DC switch configured to convert a supply voltage to an output voltage, lower than the supply voltage, for use by the H-bridge circuit to power the low inductance motor in a forward or reverse direction. In addition, a processor is included and has instructions configured to change the output voltage from the DC-DC switch from a first voltage to a second voltage.