Vehicle Wheeled Device with Dynamic Support Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle wheeled devices like unicycles are statically unstable and require dynamic balancing, while two-wheeled devices need balance in the lateral direction, and four-wheeled devices are stable in both directions, necessitating a solution for enhanced stability and control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheeled device with a single drive wheel, two foot pads, and two support wheels that engage the ground, featuring a steering mechanism with a shaft and arms that pivot to steer the support wheels when the drive wheel tilts, allowing the rider to shift weight to lift the support wheels and control the device's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional support wheels are added to provide stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support wheels are designed to be dynamically engageable and disengageable from the ground through rider weight shifting. This allows the device to transition between stable (support wheels engaged) and dynamic (support wheels lifted) states, providing stability when needed without permanently increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stability function is segmented into primary drive wheel and secondary support wheels. The support wheels are positioned to engage only when needed for additional stability, allowing the core device to remain simple while providing enhanced stability capability when required
2Stability of the object's composition
If support wheels are added to enhance stability, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rider's own weight shifting serves dual purposes: it controls the engagement/disengagement of support wheels and simultaneously provides steering control. The rider's natural balancing movements operate the support wheel mechanism without requiring separate controls, making the device self-operating through the rider's inherent motions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive wheel is allowed to tilt for steering, then maneuverability is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support wheels act as intermediaries between the tilting drive wheel and the ground. When the drive wheel tilts for steering, the support wheels engage to provide additional stability and prevent excessive tipping, mediating the transition between steering input and actual device orientation
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
The solution provides improved stability and control by allowing the rider to balance and steer the device by shifting weight and using the steering mechanism to adjust the support wheels' orientation, enhancing predictability and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
the drive wheel is adapted to rotate about a rotational axis and engage a ground face in order to facilitate movement of the device
Implementation Method 2
the two support wheels are adapted to engage the ground face at a given one of the longitudinal sides of the drive wheel
Implementation Method 3
by shifting his weight longitudinally away from the support wheels the rider is adapted at least at some point to lift the support wheels from engagement with the ground face
Implementation Method 4
the steering mechanism comprising a shaft and two arms, the shaft comprising an effective center and two side segments located on opposing sides of the center, each arm extending between an associated one of the side segments and an associated one of the support wheels and being adapted to rotate about an axis passing through and along its associated side segment
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheeled device has a drive wheel, two foot pads and two support wheels. The drive wheel is adapted to drive the device along a longitudinal drive path with the foot pads being located at opposing longitudinal sides of the drive wheel. The two support wheels of the device are adapted to engage the ground face at one of the longitudinal sides of the drive wheel with the drive path being located therebetween.