Micromobility Walk-Assist Control for Safe Low-Speed Pushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micromobility transportation options are not well suited for moderate distance trips (2-5 miles) due to user fatigue and discomfort, especially when navigating varied terrains.
Innovation Solution
A micromobility electric vehicle with a throttle and sensor system that allows for a walk-assist mode, limiting speed to walking pace (e.g., less than 5 mph) and a riding mode with higher speeds (e.g., over 10 mph), controlled by a controller based on user input and sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the vehicle operates in riding mode with higher speeds for moderate distance trips, then travel time is reduced, but user fatigue and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle implements dynamic mode switching between walk-assist mode and riding mode based on real-time sensor feedback about user presence and terrain conditions. This allows the system to automatically adapt speed and power delivery characteristics, providing high-speed riding mode for efficient travel when appropriate while switching to lower-speed walk-assist mode to reduce fatigue during extended moderate distance trips.
2Productivity
If the vehicle provides high speed for riding mode, then productivity increases, but safety risks increase for users pushing the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor whether a user is mounted on or pushing the vehicle, and this feedback automatically controls the motor's power delivery. When the sensor detects a user is pushing the vehicle, the system restricts power to walk-assist levels, preventing dangerous high-speed operation. When a user is mounted, the system enables full riding mode power for high-speed travel, thus dynamically managing safety based on real-time operational context.
3Productivity
If the vehicle is designed for speed over stability, then travel efficiency improves, but accessibility to users with limited physical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed with multi-functionality to serve diverse user needs and physical capabilities. It provides both riding mode for users seeking speed and efficiency, and walk-assist mode for users with limited physical strength who need to push the vehicle. The system automatically adapts to the user's physical state through sensor detection, making the vehicle accessible to a broader range of users regardless of their strength or mobility limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
A micromobility electric vehicle with a controller that operates the vehicle in a walk-assist mode, expanding the population of users that can comfortably use the vehicle. In walk-assist mode, the speed of the vehicle may be limited to a walking speed, regardless of the position of a throttle. In contrast, in a riding mode, the maximum speed may be higher. The walk-assist mode may be entered or exited based on output of one or more sensors, indicating that the user is or is not riding the vehicle or that a user is or is not pushing the vehicle. Such sensors may be positioned in a seat, in a floorboard or on the handlebars of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may be associated with a control, such as a tab configured to be pressed by a user's thumb when the user is pushing the vehicle.