Tri-mode Scooter with Split Deck and Telescoping Stem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal scooters lack a practical solution for transitioning between riding, towing, and storage modes with minimal manual effort and reduced size, often requiring significant stooping and manual manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A tri-mode collapsible scooter with a split deck and collapsible neck, featuring a telescoping stem and latch release system, allowing users to easily transition between 'go', 'tow', and 'stow' modes by releasing the deck and neck hinges, significantly reducing the scooter's wheelbase and height for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the scooter is designed to be collapsible for compact storage, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scooter deck is divided into front and rear sections connected by a hinge, allowing independent folding of each section. The stem is segmented into telescoping sections that can be compressed independently. This segmentation enables compact folding while maintaining structural integrity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping stem sections are nested within each other, with inner sections sliding into outer sections during compression. The handlebars fold nested against the stem structure. This nesting arrangement achieves maximum space reduction while using simple cylindrical geometries that minimize manufacturing complexity.
2Loss of time
If the scooter transitions rapidly between modes, then the time required for mode change is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
Latch mechanisms are pre-positioned at strategic locations along the hinge and stem structures. The latches are designed with spring-loaded or cam-actuated release systems that are pre-loaded to provide automatic engagement during folding and automatic release during unfolding, eliminating the need for sequential manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge and latch mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and disengage through the natural motion of folding and unfolding. The geometry of the latch paths and hinge movements creates self-locking during compression and self-release during expansion, allowing rapid mode transitions without continuous manual intervention.
3Volume of moving object
If the scooter is designed with a split deck and collapsible neck, then the compact storage capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is segmented into front and rear sections that can be independently positioned relative to each other through the hinge connection. The neck assembly is segmented from the main deck structure, allowing independent folding of the neck and deck sections. This segmentation enables progressive collapse to a compact configuration while using simple hinge and latch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections are designed with controlled motion paths that guide the front and rear deck sections through specific trajectories during folding. The neck hinge similarly provides controlled dynamic movement. These dynamic hinge designs enable compact folding geometries while maintaining structural stability in extended positions through geometric constraints rather than additional fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A tri-mode collapsible scooter includes: a deck; a stem; handlebars; a head tube; a neck hinge; a deck hinge; a wheelset; a neck control; and a deck control. The deck includes: a front deck section; a rear deck section; and a deck hinge interposed between the front deck section and the rear deck section. The neck control is configured to release the neck hinge for transition between an open neck position and a closed neck position. The deck control is configured to release the deck hinge for transition of the deck between an open deck position and a closed deck position. The deck hinge occupies the open deck position and the neck hinge occupies the open neck position in a ride mode; and the deck hinge occupies the closed deck position and the neck hinge occupies the closed neck position in a tow mode.