Gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm for load carrying devices including pivotal load carrying devices
A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.
1. An apparatus for providing a gyroscopically-responsive power assist to a user for carrying a load, comprising:
a pair of spaced frame support members;
an elongated wheel support member coupled transversely across the pair of frame support members along a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pair of spaced frame support members, wherein the pair of spaced frame support members rotate about the horizontal axis at a pivot point of the elongated wheel support member;
a single wheel rotatably mounted substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis, the wheel being coupled to the elongated wheel support member, disposed between the frame support members, and extending at least partially below the frame support members;
a motor to drive the wheel when energized;
a sensor; and
a gyroscopic fore-and-aft balance control system configured to output an energized signal for controlling power being provided to energize the motor,
wherein the balance control system deactivates the motor using the energized signal after sensing, by the sensor, a rotational force applied to the frame support members about the pivot point, and wherein the balance control system activates the motor using the energized signal after sensing, by the sensor, a longitudinal force applied to the frame support members and instructs the motor to accelerate or decelerate the wheel in accordance with the direction and magnitude of the longitudinal force applied to the frame support members.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated wheel support member is attached to an upper surface of each frame support member.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated wheel support member is attached to a lower surface of each frame support member.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated wheel support member is attached to an inner side surface of each frame support member, wherein the inner side surfaces are each defined as a surface that faces the opposing frame support member.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a wheel housing in which the motor is disposed.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a pair of handles, each handle attached to a proximal end of each frame support member.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a load bucket coupled to the frame support members and having upwardly extending walls that define a hollow space therebetween suitable for holding materials to be transported.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the pair of spaced frame support members are coupled to a bottom surface of the load bucket.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein a portion of the frame support members extend longitudinally beyond a rear portion of the load bucket.
10. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein a portion of the frame support members extend longitudinally beyond a front portion of the load bucket.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the distal ends of the frame support members do not extend longitudinally beyond a front end of the load bucket.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a load bucket having upwardly extending walls that define a hollow space therebetween suitable for holding materials to be transported and an outer surface, the outer surface being attached to the frame support members.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated wheel support member is coupled transversely across the pair of frame support members by one or more struts positioned at the proximal and distal ends of the elongated wheel support member.