Transforming a Hoverboard into a Futuristic Balancing Bike
Introduction:
Last time, I took the guts from a hoverboard and used them to create a unique balancing bike. In this article, we’ll explore the process of repurposing hoverboard technology to make a self-balancing bicycle.
Hoverboard Integration:
Mounting the Original Wheels: To maintain the original hoverboard’s balance, I mounted its wheels on the bike, connected through a drive belt. This preserved the hoverboard’s initial velocity.
Independent Front and Back: I split the bike into two parts, allowing the front and back to move independently, similar to a hoverboard. This enabled sharp turns by pushing on the foot pegs.
Innovative Omni Wheels:
Omni Wheels: The bike features Omni Wheels with small wheels around their circumference. The drive belt can drive these wheels on one axis while remaining passive on the other.
Steering Enhancement:
Challenges in Steering: Initially, maneuvering the bike sideways was challenging. I upgraded the steering system to replicate the hoverboard’s ankle movements for better control.
Fly-by-Wire System: The plan involved tilting the hoverboard electronics using servos. This required a sophisticated steering wheel arrangement that could move in two axes.
Assembly and Components:
3D Printing: All components were 3D printed, allowing for precise customization.
Handlebar Setup: Bicycle handlebars were mounted on a metal tube to create a steering stem.
Two-Axis Steering: The steering assembly featured two axes for turning and lateral movement, providing comprehensive control.
Position Measurement:
Potentiometer Integration: A potentiometer, connected to a big pulley, was used to measure the position along one axis, providing fine control.
Feedback Mechanism: A feedback potentiometer was added to enhance control for the side-to-side axis.
Final Implementation:
Seesaw Assembly: A seesaw assembly with servos and gears was designed to tilt each side of the hoverboard, simulating ankle movements.
Arduino Control: An Arduino Uno was employed to read analog inputs from the joystick and drive the servos.
Smooth Motion: Motion filtering was added to ensure smooth and controlled movement.
Testing and Future Enhancements:
Initial Testing: With the components in place, it was time to put the bike to the test.
Potential Improvements: Further adjustments and enhancements, such as integrating a twist grip for propulsion, were considered.
Upgrading Steering with Artificial Ankles
Learn about upgrading the bike’s steering system, featuring artificial ankles that tilt the hoverboard electronics for enhanced control.
3D Printing Sponsorship
Acknowledgment of sponsorship from LulzBot for 3D printing support and 3D Fuel for providing filament for the project.
Creating a Fly-By-Wire Steering System
Get an inside look at creating a fly-by-wire steering system with two axes, allowing both turning and sideways movement.
Explore the construction of the steering column, complete with 3D printed parts, bearings, and a pulley system for precise control.
Implementing Two-Axis Control
Learn how the two-axis control system was implemented, enabling the bike to turn and move sideways seamlessly.
Feedback Mechanisms for Precision
Discover feedback mechanisms, including potentiometers, to ensure precision and accuracy in controlling the bike’s movements.
Seesaw Assembly for Hoverboard Tilt
Get insights into creating a seesaw assembly that tilts the hoverboard electronics, replicating the action of moving one’s ankles to steer.
Arduino Uno Integration
Learn about the integration of Arduino Uno for reading analog inputs and controlling servos, allowing for precise control of the bike’s movements.
Testing the Futuristic Bike
Witness the exciting moment as the transformed hoverboard bike is put to the test, showcasing its unique abilities and innovative design.
Motion Filtering and Smooth Operation
Understand the importance of motion filtering in ensuring smooth and controlled movements and explore techniques to achieve it.
Additional Possibilities
Discover the potential for further enhancements, including adding a twist grip for propulsion and using jets for forward motion.
Sponsor Appreciation
Express gratitude to Qualcomm, the video sponsor, for their support throughout this remarkable project.
Conclusion:
Innovation and creativity have taken center stage in the thrilling journey of transforming a simple hoverboard into a futuristic balancing bike. By repurposing the hoverboard’s components and engineering a clever drive system, we’ve unveiled a unique mode of transportation that retains the essence of the hoverboard while offering enhanced maneuverability.
Preserving the hoverboard’s balance electronics ensures a smooth and stable ride, while the bike’s split design allows for agile, on-the-spot turns reminiscent of the hoverboard’s nimbleness. The incorporation of Omni Wheels further amplifies the bike’s versatility, enabling it to move forward in a direction that mirrors the hoverboard’s capabilities.
