DIY Segway crafted from existing parts is apt for city streets

The inherent charm of DIY triumphs once again! This time Automaton and Mechatronics student Petter has contrived the Segway - an interesting twist to the ubiquitous two-wheeler motorized scooter. Literally (and ingeniously) built from scraps, the crucial components ranging from motors to gears, were salvaged from existing electric scooters. The final product is a bantam vehicle with a conspicuous handle bar and an user platform between the small wheels.

Segway

The 24Volt, 2750 rpm motors were 'reclaimed' from some old Chinese electric scooter, while testing showed they sufficiently coped up to 30A of current. The gearing system was conceived in a single step (in the ratio of 6:1), with their connection to the 12 inch wheels being based on free-wheel mechanism (two-directional). This was done by applying epoxy after cleaning up the grease inside the freewheel component. Epoxy was used because of its superior quality of mechanical handling. The wheels themselves are attached to a fixed axle, supported by three aluminum blocks.

Coming to steering, the evident handlebar is actually a bicycle handlebar, connected to a 25mm hollow steel pipe. Braced by a system of two springs (attached to steel wires), the designer has also thought of an emergency button on the bar. This application being directly linked to the in-built mechanical setup would directly cut the power to the motors in cases of emergency. The overall battery pack powering the vehicle incorporates two 12V 12Ah lead batteries.

The electronic paraphernalia regarding computation and collection of data consists of general circuitry involving a gyro, an accelerometer and a potentiometer. The main processor used is an AVR AtMega168 while connection to a computer system is achieved by Bluetooth, utilizing a RN-41 from Roving Networks. This electronic setup is separately powered by a LiPo 7.4v 900mAh battery.

Finally, coming to the overall form, the petite design (including the assembly and electronic box) was conceived in the CAD based software of SolidWorks and then crafted in a CNC mill. According to the designer, an over-estimation of the cost involved in the total project comes to near about €300 ($429). Not a bad deal, considering the novelty of approach. Moreover, the intrinsic mobility exhibited by the conception can just prove to be apt for a carefree romp around the congested urban corners.

Via: CRF