US20180280787A1 - Skateboard for Maintaining Multiple Cruising Speeds - Google Patents
Skateboard for Maintaining Multiple Cruising Speeds Download PDFInfo
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- US20180280787A1 US20180280787A1 US15/833,325 US201715833325A US2018280787A1 US 20180280787 A1 US20180280787 A1 US 20180280787A1 US 201715833325 A US201715833325 A US 201715833325A US 2018280787 A1 US2018280787 A1 US 2018280787A1
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- controller
- skateboard
- footboard
- speed
- pressure sensor
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Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/12—Roller skates; Skate-boards with driving mechanisms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/011—Skateboards with steering mechanisms
- A63C17/012—Skateboards with steering mechanisms with a truck, i.e. with steering mechanism comprising an inclined geometrical axis to convert lateral tilting of the board in steering of the wheel axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/014—Wheel arrangements
- A63C17/015—Wheel arrangements with wheels arranged in two pairs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K26/00—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
- B60K7/0007—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor being electric
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L15/00—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
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- B60L15/00—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles
- B60L15/20—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
- B60L15/2045—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed for optimising the use of energy
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
- B60L50/20—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power generated by humans or animals
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
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- A63C2203/18—Measuring a physical parameter, e.g. speed, distance
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/24—Processing or storing data, e.g. with electronic chip
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/42—Details of chassis of ice or roller skates, of decks of skateboards
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K26/00—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles
- B60K26/02—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles of initiating means or elements
- B60K2026/025—Input devices for controlling electric drive motors
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2200/00—Type of vehicles
- B60L2200/20—Vehicles specially adapted for children, e.g. toy vehicles
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- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
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- B60L2240/12—Speed
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- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
- B60L2240/40—Drive Train control parameters
- B60L2240/42—Drive Train control parameters related to electric machines
- B60L2240/423—Torque
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
- B60Y2200/00—Type of vehicle
- B60Y2200/80—Other vehicles not covered by groups B60Y2200/10 - B60Y2200/60
- B60Y2200/81—Toys
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/64—Electric machine technologies in electromobility
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
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- Y02T10/72—Electric energy management in electromobility
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
- Y02T90/16—Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to skateboards. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to electric skateboards that can maintain a number of speeds manually set by a user of the skateboard.
- Electric skateboards are powered by one or more electric motors, which are typically controlled with a hand-held device.
- the output of the electric motors drives one or more wheels of the skateboard, causing the skateboard to move with the user.
- a user can manipulate the hand-held device to increase or decrease the output of the electric motors.
- the problem with this mode of control is that it results in unnatural and jerky acceleration and deceleration, which can cause a user to lose his or her balance and fall off the skateboard.
- an electric skateboard includes a footboard and a plurality of wheels connected to the footboard and configured to rotate relative to the footboard.
- the wheels rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the footboard.
- the electric skateboard further includes a controller mounted to the footboard, a motor mounted to the footboard and in signal communication with the controller, and a pressure sensor mounted to the footboard and in signal communication with the controller.
- the controller is configured to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor.
- the controller is configured to output a first control signal to the motor corresponding to a first torque, after receiving a first pressure signal from the pressure sensor.
- the controller is configured to output a second control signal to the motor corresponding to a second torque different from the first torque, after receiving a second pressure signal from the pressure sensor.
- a method for operating an electric skateboard includes manually moving the electric skateboard forward without engaging an electric motor, then engaging a pressure sensor on the electric skateboard to output a pressure signal to a controller on the electric skateboard. The controller then generates a control signal to the electric motor corresponding to a first cruising torque. The method further includes engaging the pressure sensor on the electric skateboard a second time, to output a second pressure signal to the controller, which in turn generates a second control signal corresponding to a second cruising torque.
- a skateboard in yet another embodiment, includes a footboard, a plurality of wheels connected to the footboard and configured to rotate relative to the footboard, and a controller mounted to the footboard.
- the skateboard further includes a motor mounted to the footboard and in signal communication with the controller, a battery connected to the controller and to the motor, to provide electrical current to both the controller and the motor, and a pressure sensor mounted to the footboard and configured to send a pressure signal to the controller.
- the controller outputs a control signal to the motor corresponding to a first speed, after receiving a first pressure signal.
- the controller outputs a control signal to the motor corresponding to a second speed different from the first speed, after receiving a second pressure signal.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a skateboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a first method for using the skateboard disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a second method for using the skateboard disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an electric skateboard 100 .
- Skateboard 100 includes a footboard 105 that includes one pressure sensor 110 .
- the footboard 105 is made from a robust, sturdy material such as wood, metal, or a composite, such that it can support a user's weight.
- the pressure sensor 110 is located on a surface of the footboard 105 , on a rear portion of the footboard 105 . In alternative embodiments (not shown), the pressure sensor 110 can be placed on other locations on the footboard 105 , such as a front region of the board.
- the pressure sensor 110 is configured to detect when a user's foot is placed on and removed from the pressure sensor 110 . In alternative embodiments (not shown), multiple pressure sensors can be used on a surface of the footboard instead of a single pressure sensor.
- the pressure sensor 110 is surrounded by a silicone pad 115 , which protects the edges of the pressure sensor 110 , and provides a softer surface for a user's foot.
- An abrasive paster 120 overlays the top of the footboard 105 , and covers the silicone pad 115 and pressure sensor 110 .
- the abrasive paster 120 protects the silicone pad 115 and pressure sensor 110 , and further provides traction for a user standing on footboard 105 .
- Footboard 105 is fixed to fore trestle 125 and rear trestle 130 with mechanical fasteners, such as screws. Between the footboard 105 and trestles 125 , 130 , rubber mats 135 are included to absorb forces from bumps and imperfections on a surface on which the skateboard 100 is used.
- the fore trestle 125 includes two wheels 140 , which are connected to the fore trestle such that wheels 140 are permitted to rotate about a horizontal axis located lateral to a direction of travel of the skateboard 100 .
- Rear trestle 130 includes a wheel 140 and one motor 145 housed within a drive wheel 147 .
- the motor 145 outputs a torque that drives the skateboard 100 .
- the motor 145 can output a range of torques that correspond to different speeds of the skateboard 100 .
- the motor 145 is connected to battery 155 to receive a current.
- the skateboard may include two or more drive wheels containing motors, which receive current from a battery.
- the skateboard 100 further includes a controller 150 , a switch 160 , a charging port 165 , and a pilot light 170 .
- the controller 150 and battery 155 are enclosed within a protective shell 175 , while the switch 160 , charging port 165 and pilot light 170 are located on a surface of the protective shell 175 .
- a protective cover 180 attaches to the top of protective shell 175 , enclosing the controller 150 and battery 155 .
- Controller 150 is connected to the pressure sensor 110 via wiring, and can detect when the pressure sensor 110 is depressed by the weight of a user's foot. Controller 150 is further connected to the motor 145 , and is configured to receive an input from motor 145 corresponding to an angular velocity of the motor 145 . In other embodiments (not shown), the controller 150 can obtain an angular velocity from a wheel 140 , using an appropriate sensing element. The controller 150 can also control a torque output of the motor 145 . In one embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to output a torque to the motor 145 according to the number of times a user taps the pressure sensor 110 .
- the controller 150 may output a first torque after the user taps the pressure sensor 110 a first time, output a second torque after the user taps the pressure sensor 110 a second time, and output a third torque after the user taps the pressure sensor 110 a third time.
- Controller 150 is also connected to the battery 155 to receive power.
- the protective shell 175 and protective cover 180 prevent either physical or elemental damage to the controller 150 and battery 155 .
- Protective shell 175 is mounted to footboard 105 with mechanical fasteners, such as screws.
- a bubble cotton mat 185 is located between protective cover 180 and footboard 105 . Bubble cotton mat 185 absorbs impact forces while the skateboard 100 is in motion, and dampens the forces transferred to protective shell 175 .
- other shock-absorbing members may be used instead of bubble cotton mat, such as fabrics or polymers.
- the bubble cotton mat can be omitted.
- Charging port 165 is designed to receive a plug from a charging adaptor (not shown) to recharge the battery 155 .
- the pilot light 170 is connected to the battery 155 , and indicates the level of charge of the battery 155 .
- the pilot light 170 could, for example, include yellow, red, and green lights that indicate the level of charge.
- Switch 160 selectively turns the controller 150 , pilot light 170 , and motor 145 on and off.
- step 200 a user of the skateboard first places one foot on the footboard 105 , but not on the portion of the footboard 105 where the pressure sensor 110 is located. The user's other foot remains on the ground.
- step 205 the user then manually pushes the skateboard 100 forward using the foot that is on the ground in the same fashion that a user would operate a normal skateboard.
- step 210 the user may push the skateboard 100 to whatever speed he desires, and once the skateboard 100 is moving at a desired speed, the user places his other foot on the pressure sensor 110 , so that the user is now standing on the footboard 105 with both feet.
- the controller 150 detects when a user's foot is placed on the pressure sensor 110 , and then reads the current angular velocity of motor 145 .
- the controller 150 calculates a torque output that corresponds to the measured angular velocity of the motor 145 , referred to as a “cruising torque,” and sends a control signal to the motor 145 that causes the motor 145 to output the cruising torque.
- the controller 150 maintains this control signal until the user removes his foot from the pressure sensor 110 , at which time the controller 150 sends a control signal to the motor 145 to cease the output of the cruising torque.
- the controller 150 could simply cease sending the control signal to the motor 145 when the user removes his foot from the pressure sensor 110 .
- step 300 a user of the skateboard first places one foot on the footboard 105 , but not on the portion of the footboard 105 where the pressure sensor 110 is located. The user's other foot remains on the ground.
- step 305 the user then manually pushes the skateboard 100 forward using the foot that is on the ground in the same fashion that a user would operate a normal skateboard.
- step 305 the user may push the skateboard 100 to whatever speed he desires.
- step 310 the user places his other foot on the pressure sensor 110 , so that the user is now standing on the footboard 105 with both feet.
- the controller 150 detects when a user's foot is placed on the pressure sensor 110 , the controller 150 outputs a control signal to the motor 145 to output a first torque, which may be referred to as a “first cruising torque.”
- the first cruising torque is a predetermined torque that corresponds to a predetermined first speed.
- the predetermined first speed may be a speed between 1 mph (1.6 km/h) and 7 mph (11.2 km/h). In one particular embodiment, the first speed is about 3.7 mph (6 km/h). However, it should be understood that the predetermined first speed may be any desired speed.
- the first cruising torque corresponds to a measured angular velocity of the motor 145 , and the motor 145 thus maintains the speed of the skateboard in the same manner described above with respect to FIG. 2 .
- the controller 150 determines if the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a second time. If the user has not tapped the sensor, but instead keeps his foot in place, the controller 150 continues to output a control signal to the motor 145 to output the first cruising torque. If the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a second time, the pressure sensor 110 sends a signal to the controller 150 (at step 325 ), which in turn outputs a control signal to the motor 145 to output a second torque, which may be referred to as a “second cruising torque.” In one embodiment, the second cruising torque is a predetermined torque that corresponds to a predetermined second speed.
- the predetermined second speed may be a speed between 4 mph (6.4 km/h) and 10 mph (16.1 km/h). In one particular embodiment, the predetermined second speed is about 7.5 mph (12 km/h). However, it should be understood that the predetermined second speed may be any desired speed.
- the controller 150 determines if the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a third time. If the user has not tapped the sensor, but instead keeps his foot in place, the controller 150 continues to output a control signal to the motor 145 to output the second cruising torque. If the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a third time, the pressure sensor 110 sends a signal to the controller 150 (at step 335 ), which in turn outputs a control signal to the motor 145 to output a third torque, which may be referred to as a “third cruising torque.” In one embodiment, the third cruising torque is a predetermined torque that corresponds to a predetermined third speed.
- the predetermined third speed may be a speed between 8 mph (12.9 km/h) and 15 mph (24.1 km/h). In one particular embodiment, the predetermined third speed is about 11.2 mph (18 km/h). However, it should be understood that the predetermined third speed may be any desired speed. For example, the third speed may be equal to the first speed. Thus, the user may “toggle” between a first speed and a second speed.
- the cycle repeats.
- the fourth tap is treated the same as a first tap
- the fifth tap is treated the same as a second tap
- the sixth tap is treated the same as a third tap.
- the controller does not respond to any taps after the third tap.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a method having three cruising torques that correspond to three predetermined speeds
- the method may have two cruising torques corresponding to two predetermined speeds.
- the method may have four or more cruising torques corresponding to four or more predetermined speeds.
- the controller 150 maintains the control signal until the user removes his foot from the pressure sensor 110 , at which time the controller 150 sends a control signal to the motor 145 to cease the output of the cruising torque. In alternative embodiments, the controller 150 could simply cease sending the control signal to the motor 145 when the user removes his foot from the pressure sensor 110 .
- the controller 150 could measure the velocity of the skateboard 100 by using a position sensor mounted to the footboard 105 or either trestle 125 , 130 .
- the controller 150 could output a control signal for a cruising torque that corresponds to an angular velocity slightly less than the measured angular velocity from the motor 145 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
- Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/480,120, filed Mar. 31, 2017.
- The present disclosure relates to skateboards. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to electric skateboards that can maintain a number of speeds manually set by a user of the skateboard.
- Electric skateboards are powered by one or more electric motors, which are typically controlled with a hand-held device. The output of the electric motors drives one or more wheels of the skateboard, causing the skateboard to move with the user. A user can manipulate the hand-held device to increase or decrease the output of the electric motors. The problem with this mode of control is that it results in unnatural and jerky acceleration and deceleration, which can cause a user to lose his or her balance and fall off the skateboard.
- Thus, a need exists for an electric skateboard that is powered by an electric motor to move with a user, but does not rely on acceleration or deceleration methods that cause the skateboard to unnaturally jerk the board beneath a user's feet.
- In one embodiment, an electric skateboard includes a footboard and a plurality of wheels connected to the footboard and configured to rotate relative to the footboard.
- The wheels rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the footboard. The electric skateboard further includes a controller mounted to the footboard, a motor mounted to the footboard and in signal communication with the controller, and a pressure sensor mounted to the footboard and in signal communication with the controller. The controller is configured to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to output a first control signal to the motor corresponding to a first torque, after receiving a first pressure signal from the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to output a second control signal to the motor corresponding to a second torque different from the first torque, after receiving a second pressure signal from the pressure sensor.
- In another embodiment, a method for operating an electric skateboard includes manually moving the electric skateboard forward without engaging an electric motor, then engaging a pressure sensor on the electric skateboard to output a pressure signal to a controller on the electric skateboard. The controller then generates a control signal to the electric motor corresponding to a first cruising torque. The method further includes engaging the pressure sensor on the electric skateboard a second time, to output a second pressure signal to the controller, which in turn generates a second control signal corresponding to a second cruising torque.
- In yet another embodiment, a skateboard includes a footboard, a plurality of wheels connected to the footboard and configured to rotate relative to the footboard, and a controller mounted to the footboard. The skateboard further includes a motor mounted to the footboard and in signal communication with the controller, a battery connected to the controller and to the motor, to provide electrical current to both the controller and the motor, and a pressure sensor mounted to the footboard and configured to send a pressure signal to the controller. The controller outputs a control signal to the motor corresponding to a first speed, after receiving a first pressure signal. The controller outputs a control signal to the motor corresponding to a second speed different from the first speed, after receiving a second pressure signal.
- In the accompanying drawing, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a skateboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a first method for using the skateboard disclosed in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a second method for using the skateboard disclosed in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of anelectric skateboard 100. Skateboard 100 includes afootboard 105 that includes onepressure sensor 110. Thefootboard 105 is made from a robust, sturdy material such as wood, metal, or a composite, such that it can support a user's weight. Thepressure sensor 110 is located on a surface of thefootboard 105, on a rear portion of thefootboard 105. In alternative embodiments (not shown), thepressure sensor 110 can be placed on other locations on thefootboard 105, such as a front region of the board. Thepressure sensor 110 is configured to detect when a user's foot is placed on and removed from thepressure sensor 110. In alternative embodiments (not shown), multiple pressure sensors can be used on a surface of the footboard instead of a single pressure sensor. - The
pressure sensor 110 is surrounded by asilicone pad 115, which protects the edges of thepressure sensor 110, and provides a softer surface for a user's foot. Anabrasive paster 120 overlays the top of thefootboard 105, and covers thesilicone pad 115 andpressure sensor 110. Theabrasive paster 120 protects thesilicone pad 115 andpressure sensor 110, and further provides traction for a user standing onfootboard 105. - Footboard 105 is fixed to
fore trestle 125 andrear trestle 130 with mechanical fasteners, such as screws. Between thefootboard 105 andtrestles rubber mats 135 are included to absorb forces from bumps and imperfections on a surface on which theskateboard 100 is used. - The
fore trestle 125 includes twowheels 140, which are connected to the fore trestle such thatwheels 140 are permitted to rotate about a horizontal axis located lateral to a direction of travel of theskateboard 100.Rear trestle 130 includes awheel 140 and onemotor 145 housed within adrive wheel 147. Themotor 145 outputs a torque that drives theskateboard 100. Themotor 145 can output a range of torques that correspond to different speeds of theskateboard 100. Themotor 145 is connected tobattery 155 to receive a current. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the skateboard may include two or more drive wheels containing motors, which receive current from a battery. - The
skateboard 100 further includes acontroller 150, aswitch 160, acharging port 165, and apilot light 170. Thecontroller 150 andbattery 155 are enclosed within aprotective shell 175, while theswitch 160,charging port 165 andpilot light 170 are located on a surface of theprotective shell 175. Aprotective cover 180 attaches to the top ofprotective shell 175, enclosing thecontroller 150 andbattery 155. -
Controller 150 is connected to thepressure sensor 110 via wiring, and can detect when thepressure sensor 110 is depressed by the weight of a user's foot.Controller 150 is further connected to themotor 145, and is configured to receive an input frommotor 145 corresponding to an angular velocity of themotor 145. In other embodiments (not shown), thecontroller 150 can obtain an angular velocity from awheel 140, using an appropriate sensing element. Thecontroller 150 can also control a torque output of themotor 145. In one embodiment, thecontroller 150 is configured to output a torque to themotor 145 according to the number of times a user taps thepressure sensor 110. For example, thecontroller 150 may output a first torque after the user taps the pressure sensor 110 a first time, output a second torque after the user taps the pressure sensor 110 a second time, and output a third torque after the user taps the pressure sensor 110 a third time.Controller 150 is also connected to thebattery 155 to receive power. - The
protective shell 175 andprotective cover 180 prevent either physical or elemental damage to thecontroller 150 andbattery 155.Protective shell 175 is mounted tofootboard 105 with mechanical fasteners, such as screws. Abubble cotton mat 185 is located betweenprotective cover 180 andfootboard 105.Bubble cotton mat 185 absorbs impact forces while theskateboard 100 is in motion, and dampens the forces transferred toprotective shell 175. In alternative embodiments (not shown), other shock-absorbing members may be used instead of bubble cotton mat, such as fabrics or polymers. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the bubble cotton mat can be omitted. - Charging
port 165 is designed to receive a plug from a charging adaptor (not shown) to recharge thebattery 155. Thepilot light 170 is connected to thebattery 155, and indicates the level of charge of thebattery 155. Thepilot light 170 could, for example, include yellow, red, and green lights that indicate the level of charge. Switch 160 selectively turns thecontroller 150,pilot light 170, andmotor 145 on and off. - With reference to the flow chart in
FIG. 2 , a first method for operating theskateboard 100 will now be described. Instep 200, a user of the skateboard first places one foot on thefootboard 105, but not on the portion of thefootboard 105 where thepressure sensor 110 is located. The user's other foot remains on the ground. Instep 205, the user then manually pushes theskateboard 100 forward using the foot that is on the ground in the same fashion that a user would operate a normal skateboard. Instep 210, the user may push theskateboard 100 to whatever speed he desires, and once theskateboard 100 is moving at a desired speed, the user places his other foot on thepressure sensor 110, so that the user is now standing on thefootboard 105 with both feet. - At
step 215, thecontroller 150 detects when a user's foot is placed on thepressure sensor 110, and then reads the current angular velocity ofmotor 145. Instep 220, thecontroller 150 calculates a torque output that corresponds to the measured angular velocity of themotor 145, referred to as a “cruising torque,” and sends a control signal to themotor 145 that causes themotor 145 to output the cruising torque. Instep 225, thecontroller 150 maintains this control signal until the user removes his foot from thepressure sensor 110, at which time thecontroller 150 sends a control signal to themotor 145 to cease the output of the cruising torque. In alternative embodiments, thecontroller 150 could simply cease sending the control signal to themotor 145 when the user removes his foot from thepressure sensor 110. - With reference to the flow chart in
FIG. 3 , a second method for operating theskateboard 100 will now be described. Instep 300, a user of the skateboard first places one foot on thefootboard 105, but not on the portion of thefootboard 105 where thepressure sensor 110 is located. The user's other foot remains on the ground. Instep 305, the user then manually pushes theskateboard 100 forward using the foot that is on the ground in the same fashion that a user would operate a normal skateboard. Instep 305, the user may push theskateboard 100 to whatever speed he desires. Atstep 310, the user places his other foot on thepressure sensor 110, so that the user is now standing on thefootboard 105 with both feet. - At
step 315, thecontroller 150 detects when a user's foot is placed on thepressure sensor 110, thecontroller 150 outputs a control signal to themotor 145 to output a first torque, which may be referred to as a “first cruising torque.” In one embodiment, the first cruising torque is a predetermined torque that corresponds to a predetermined first speed. For example, the predetermined first speed may be a speed between 1 mph (1.6 km/h) and 7 mph (11.2 km/h). In one particular embodiment, the first speed is about 3.7 mph (6 km/h). However, it should be understood that the predetermined first speed may be any desired speed. In an alternative embodiment, the first cruising torque corresponds to a measured angular velocity of themotor 145, and themotor 145 thus maintains the speed of the skateboard in the same manner described above with respect toFIG. 2 . - At
step 320, thecontroller 150 determines if the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a second time. If the user has not tapped the sensor, but instead keeps his foot in place, thecontroller 150 continues to output a control signal to themotor 145 to output the first cruising torque. If the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a second time, thepressure sensor 110 sends a signal to the controller 150 (at step 325), which in turn outputs a control signal to themotor 145 to output a second torque, which may be referred to as a “second cruising torque.” In one embodiment, the second cruising torque is a predetermined torque that corresponds to a predetermined second speed. For example, the predetermined second speed may be a speed between 4 mph (6.4 km/h) and 10 mph (16.1 km/h). In one particular embodiment, the predetermined second speed is about 7.5 mph (12 km/h). However, it should be understood that the predetermined second speed may be any desired speed. - At
step 330, thecontroller 150 determines if the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a third time. If the user has not tapped the sensor, but instead keeps his foot in place, thecontroller 150 continues to output a control signal to themotor 145 to output the second cruising torque. If the user has tapped the pressure sensor 110 a third time, thepressure sensor 110 sends a signal to the controller 150 (at step 335), which in turn outputs a control signal to themotor 145 to output a third torque, which may be referred to as a “third cruising torque.” In one embodiment, the third cruising torque is a predetermined torque that corresponds to a predetermined third speed. For example, the predetermined third speed may be a speed between 8 mph (12.9 km/h) and 15 mph (24.1 km/h). In one particular embodiment, the predetermined third speed is about 11.2 mph (18 km/h). However, it should be understood that the predetermined third speed may be any desired speed. For example, the third speed may be equal to the first speed. Thus, the user may “toggle” between a first speed and a second speed. - In one embodiment, if the user taps the pressure sensor 110 a fourth time, the cycle repeats. In other words, the fourth tap is treated the same as a first tap, the fifth tap is treated the same as a second tap, and the sixth tap is treated the same as a third tap. In another embodiment, the controller does not respond to any taps after the third tap.
- While
FIG. 3 illustrates a method having three cruising torques that correspond to three predetermined speeds, in an alternative embodiment, the method may have two cruising torques corresponding to two predetermined speeds. In other alternative embodiments, the method may have four or more cruising torques corresponding to four or more predetermined speeds. - The
controller 150 maintains the control signal until the user removes his foot from thepressure sensor 110, at which time thecontroller 150 sends a control signal to themotor 145 to cease the output of the cruising torque. In alternative embodiments, thecontroller 150 could simply cease sending the control signal to themotor 145 when the user removes his foot from thepressure sensor 110. - There are alternative methods of controlling the
skateboard 100, and different elements may be used to control theskateboard 100. For example, instead of detecting an angular velocity of themotor 145 orwheel 140, thecontroller 150 could measure the velocity of theskateboard 100 by using a position sensor mounted to thefootboard 105 or eithertrestle controller 150 could output a control signal for a cruising torque that corresponds to an angular velocity slightly less than the measured angular velocity from themotor 145. - To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.
- While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative system and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/833,325 US20180280787A1 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2017-12-06 | Skateboard for Maintaining Multiple Cruising Speeds |
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US201762480120P | 2017-03-31 | 2017-03-31 | |
US15/833,325 US20180280787A1 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2017-12-06 | Skateboard for Maintaining Multiple Cruising Speeds |
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US20180280787A1 true US20180280787A1 (en) | 2018-10-04 |
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US15/603,678 Abandoned US20180280786A1 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2017-05-24 | Skateboard for Maintaining Cruising Speed |
US15/833,325 Abandoned US20180280787A1 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2017-12-06 | Skateboard for Maintaining Multiple Cruising Speeds |
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US15/603,678 Abandoned US20180280786A1 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2017-05-24 | Skateboard for Maintaining Cruising Speed |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180296906A1 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2018-10-18 | Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd | Motorized wheel assembly with quick release |
USD936165S1 (en) * | 2019-03-12 | 2021-11-16 | Wang-Chuan Chen | Skateboard |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109821226B (en) * | 2019-04-10 | 2020-04-24 | 南京振子智能科技有限公司 | Rear wheel drive type electric four-wheel skateboard |
EP4013669A4 (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2023-08-16 | DGL Group Ltd. | Three-wheeled power drift scooter |
-
2017
- 2017-05-24 US US15/603,678 patent/US20180280786A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-12-06 US US15/833,325 patent/US20180280787A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180296906A1 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2018-10-18 | Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd | Motorized wheel assembly with quick release |
US20190160366A1 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2019-05-30 | Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd | Powered skateboard |
US10576360B2 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2020-03-03 | Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd | Powered skateboard |
US10617935B2 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2020-04-14 | Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd | Motorized wheel assembly with quick release |
US10835806B2 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2020-11-17 | Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd | Motorized wheel assembly with quick release |
USD936165S1 (en) * | 2019-03-12 | 2021-11-16 | Wang-Chuan Chen | Skateboard |
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