Zero Turn Vehicle Prone Seating and Independent Rear Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycles can cause stress on the lower back and increase the risk of flipping over during sudden braking, and zero turn vehicles lack maneuverability compared to conventional bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A zero turn vehicle design featuring a frame with a chest fork, leg assembly with rotational connectors, and independent rear wheels, allowing the rider to sit in a prone position with evenly distributed pressure, and a front assembly with differential gearing for enhanced maneuverability and reduced back stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional upright bicycle is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it causes stress on the lower back and increases the risk of flipping over during sudden braking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional bicycle seating arrangement by positioning the seat between the rider's legs rather than above them. This inversion places the rider in a recumbent position with legs extending forward, which eliminates back stress by removing the need for lumbar support and prevents flipping over handlebars by repositioning the rider's center of gravity. The chest rest and leg support structures provide support in this inverted configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical seating arrangement to a horizontal recumbent position, effectively changing the dimensional orientation of the rider relative to the bicycle frame. This dimensional change reduces the combined frontal area, lowering wind resistance, and redistributes weight more evenly across the rider's body, particularly on the legs and chest, thereby eliminating concentrated stress on the lower back.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a recumbent bicycle is used, then wind resistance is reduced and back stress is minimized, but maneuverability is worsened compared to conventional bicycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rear wheel assembly into two independent rear wheels instead of a single rear wheel. Each wheel can be independently steered and powered, allowing the bicycle to achieve zero turn radius capability. This segmentation of the rear propulsion and steering system enables sharp turns and complex path navigation while maintaining the stable recumbent seating position that reduces wind resistance and back stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates independent suspension systems for both rear wheels that can dynamically adjust to terrain variations and turning forces. The suspension allows each wheel to move independently, improving traction and stability during maneuvering. This dynamic capability enables the recumbent bicycle to maintain maneuverability comparable to conventional bicycles while preserving the ergonomic benefits of the recumbent position.
3Ease of operation
If two independent rear wheels are added to achieve zero turn capability, then maneuverability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the leg support structures to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the recumbent seating position, support the independent rear wheels, and facilitate the steering mechanism. The chest rest and leg supports are integrated into the frame structure that houses both wheels, allowing these components to perform both ergonomic and mechanical functions simultaneously, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the addition of the second rear wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle propellable by a human comprising a front assembly having a front wheel and a pair of hand pedals connect thereto; a rear assembly having a first rear wheel and a second rear wheel rotatably connected thereto; a chest rest located between the front assembly and the rear assembly, the chest rest configured to support the chest of a rider lying forward on the vehicle; and a first foot support structure operatively coupled to rotate the first rear wheel, and a second foot support operatively coupled to rotate the second rear wheel wherein the first rear wheel and second rear wheel are independently rotated by opposite feet of a rider when said feet are within said first and second foot support, respectively.