Acceleration on an electric unicycle, how much does the rider have to lean?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter rcgldr
  • Start date Start date
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of acceleration on an electric unicycle (EUC) and the necessary leaning mechanics of the rider to maintain balance during acceleration and deceleration. It includes mathematical calculations related to torque and forces involved, as well as comparisons to riding techniques on traditional unicycles and dirt bikes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a detailed mathematical analysis of the torque balance required for a rider on an EUC during acceleration, using specific weight and distance values.
  • Several participants express concern about the use of English units versus SI metric units, suggesting that the latter may be more accessible for verification and understanding.
  • Another participant questions whether the discussion should include the dynamics of maintaining balance, drawing parallels with dirt bike riding techniques that involve leaning and body weight distribution.
  • A participant describes the mechanics of riding a unicycle, emphasizing the need to pedal back to create a lean angle, and relates this to the potential mechanics of EUC operation.
  • Further contributions clarify that EUCs use accelerometers and gyros to maintain vertical balance and that the rider's lean is influenced by the EUC's acceleration and deceleration.
  • There is mention of how tire camber affects turning dynamics on an EUC and the rider's role in counter-steering for balance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of unit systems and the complexity of balance dynamics. While some agree on the mechanics of leaning and balance, there is no consensus on the best approach to analyze or describe these dynamics.

Contextual Notes

Some mathematical steps and assumptions in the initial calculations remain unresolved, and the discussion includes various perspectives on the mechanics of riding an EUC versus traditional unicycles and dirt bikes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the physics of motion on electric unicycles, those studying balance dynamics in various riding scenarios, and enthusiasts looking to understand the technical aspects of EUC operation.

  • #31
Baluncore said:
It is the deflection angle from the vertical, of the line from the contact patch to the centre of mass, that decides the acceleration necessary to maintain or reduce that angle of deflection.
And adding weight to the upper body, that is strongly leaned forward (see video), will move the centre of mass forward, increasing that angle of deflection, and thus the necessary acceleration. The only problem is maintaining body tension under additional load, hence the railing for support.
Baluncore said:
Increasing the mass will increase the power required from the motors to stabilise the situation.
I was replying specifically to the scenario, where there is still more power available:
rcgldr said:
For the P6, the limit is the amount of torque the rider can exert onto the EUC.
 

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