MÜV
The MÜV (pronounced like the word 'move') is a pure-electric, self-balancing, hands-free
assistive mobility vehicle concept that grants the user true omni-directional maneuverability.
Designed by NEUTRON HER
2020
Introduction
I recently visited a warehouse and noticed a man working while standing on a Segway. Aesthetically, it looked dorky and unappealing. It was clunky and could not slip comfortably through tight corridors. Combined with the nature of their job, warehouse employees further noted that riding the vehicle was tiresome on the legs due to the prolonged standing position. I decided to explore a solution.
Goals & Process
Primary goals were improved safety, comfort, aesthetics & maneuverability. Additional details such as range, affordability and overall user-friendliness were also important factors that had to be considered.
To help center the design, a product vision was developed:
“To evolve the way people move by spreading joy and ease of movement”
Market research of competitors and available technologies were explored to help develop early sketches. Understanding where this vehicle fits in the market, alongside the typical engineering systems inside these vehicles gives us a strong starting point to develop accurate, honest industrial design solutions; forms that can be realistically achieved while satisfying the goals.
Once creative designs are roughly sketched and reviewed, I modelled the design I found most promising in CAD. CAD helps to keep my design true to proportions. Rough renders are then developed and reviewed for presentation.
FEA
A finite element analysis simulation helps us understand why a mechanical design fails, where it failed and how we can improve it. A primary area of concern that requires attention is the seating area and neck of the MÜV. We need to ensure its structural stability under typical loads, with an added safety factor. With the average rider at 175 lbs (79.38 kg) , we can expect a vertical downward distributed force of 780 N alongside secondary forces along the backside of the seat. Thus, there is exists a non-linear force distribution on the seat. For simplicity, I used 500N as an average total applied force throughout the seat for the FEA analysis.
Below we can see the FEA simulation for stresses on the seat.
NOTE: The animation is an exaggeration to allow engineers to qualitatively understand the displacement more simply.
(Deformation Scale - 53.7)
True displacement is only about 1.5 mm at the max (RED) under loaded conditions.
Below, we can see that seat operates well under the 500N distributed load. As well, we can see the area most likely to fail is the area which glows RED. Even though it is RED, the likelihood of a catastrophic failure at that point of stress is low, as it would require a force so large, it would likely never happen, even during extreme use. To keep the weight low (in order to optimize battery life and enhance maneuverability), I used a safety factor (FOS) of 2.3, meaning I'd like the seat design's yield strength to handle 2.3 times the normal/design load. Yield strength is chosen (instead of ultimate strength) so that we avoid plastic deformation (permanent deformation). Units are in N/m2 = Pa.
We can see from the FEA that the system functions comfortably.
NOTE: we wouldn't want the system to be entirely green or blue; this would indicate an over engineered design.
Finalizing Physical Details
Iterative design is employed and external housing details are reviewed and finalized. I would have liked to spend time modelling the internal mechanisms and electronics. The system would have consisted of mechanical brackets and frames mounted within the internal walls of the housing, encompassing the ball wheel with three motorized omni-wheels. Above the wheel would contain the electronic control boards and thermal regulation units. It would also be necessary to model connectors and interconnects for this electromechanical system.
Familiar, Yet New
The MÜV is designed with a traditional chair-like form to remain familiar to new users but is discretely equipped with highly sophisticated tech. Engineered using the latest robotics self-balancing technologies, the MÜV gives the rider an intuitive and exciting navigational control scheme.
It's made of two major housing casings; both made of polyamid (nylon) reinforced with fibre-glass and each injection-moulded in one single operation. A two-tone colour scheme creates a minimalist, yet striking design. The front panel is full depth coloured semi-matte obsidian black to convey a sense of utilitarian ruggedness yet remaining sporty and modern. Complemented by a sleek titanium painted finish back panel, the MÜV looks sturdy, robust and reliable.
The metallic painting on the convex form reflects its surroundings, adding a sense of slenderness.The parting line where black and titanium meet simply flows along the neck, making the body look slimmer.
One Ball, Any Direction
The MÜV moves using a spherical drive system which grants riders true omnidirectional maneuverable capabilities. Tilt, lean or twist in any direction and the MÜV gently rolls/rotates accurately to the rider's intention. The design is ergonomic and safe; foot rests are available while cruising and adequate clearance around the user's legs is available for emergency stops. Sensors and advanced control algorithms take note of every physical rotation/translatory intention made by the rider to ensure a safe and effortless ride.
Perfectly Balanced, Clear
The MÜV is designed with the user in mind. The center of gravity remains low, providing great stability while improving control. Ground clearance is sufficient for tight turns and obstacle avoidance during daily joy rides. To reduce bulkiness, the interior dead space is minimized by organizing printed circuit boards, fans, filters and motors tightly together.
The MÜV has no charging port; it uses a wireless charging method by tilting its wireless charging pad located below the battery onto a wireless charging station. This surface also doubles as a stable resting pad during stops / short breaks. At this angle, the electronics enter a sleep mode to conserve power. When tilted back for use, the system powers up and begins automatically stabilizing at full power preparing for the rider to safely mount.
Rechargeable, Convenient
The lithium ion battery pack is placed at the front for optimized cooling, proximity to the charging pad, lowered center of gravity and convenience. It can be easily swapped for a full battery or kept attached and recharged on-board by tilting the wireless charging pad on a MÜV charging dock. The MÜV's battery level is indicated by 7 white LED along the front neck of the MÜV.
For Work & Play
Besides its primary use on flat warehouse environments, the MÜV can be adapted to life in the home and short trips around the neighbourhood. Its overall design elements and functional technologies give it freedom to operate in more dynamic environments.
Thank You!
