How do segways work

Then I thought, this would be a great time to write an article explaining how a Segway works. Some may say I am being very insensitive, that it is too soon. I do not intend to use this article to make fun of the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. When Dean Kamen, inventor of Segway, unveiled his invention, he declared that it would revolutionize the way we get around. While that prediction has not panned out, the Segway is nonetheless an impressive machine.

Modeled after the human body, the Segway reacts precisely to the slightest motion. A series of tilt-sensors act like the balancing system in the inner ear and the microprocessor acts like the human brain. The primary sensor system consists of an assembly of gyroscopes.

A basic gyroscope is made up of a spinning wheel inside a stable frame. The actual physics behind gyroscopes is very simple and is based on the conservation of angular momentum.

When a force is applied to the gyroscope, an opposite force is produced by the spinning wheel. The forces end up balancing out. The key can also be used to ask the Segway to conform to a profile that governs speed, turning radius, and battery life. The principle is simple: as the rider shifts his or her balance, the Segway adjusts itself to keep from tipping over.

The same algorithm governs the turning radius at various speeds, preventing the driver from tipping over while cornering. Douglas Field, vice-president of product development at the company. But standing on a stepladder on a Segway is not recommended. Each component has either two or three backup devices in case the primary fails, Field said. The Segway contains two motors, each with a set of windings, but with a common shaft.

Since the motors can apply opposite torque, the machine can turn in place with no additional turning radius. At idle, the Segway can stand upright by itself, balancing on its internal gyros, and will do so for up to 34 hours, Field said.

The Segway user interface is very easy to toggle through and can be used while driving. The user interface is very important as it also functions as the primary control system for the entire Segway. Without this system, the Segway would be virtually useless as it would not be able to receive input from the user. A hydraulic excavator digger is a large vehicle that is designed for excavation and demolition Traffic lights are basically signalling lights placed at crossroads or turning-points to regulate the flow Your email address will not be published.

Let us know what you have to say:. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just try it out for yourself! How did you find out about us: select Write a E-Mail. Subscribe Newsletter. We move you. How the Segway PT functions. To move the Segway PT forward or backwards, the driver simply leans forward or backwards. To turn left or right, the driver simple tilts the LeanSteer handlebars to the left or right.

When the driver stands upright, the vehicle stops. Segway engineers call this "dynamic stabilisation". This body related steering belongs to the most intuitive worldwide and contributes substantially to the fun of driving. It is easy to understand what he means when you observe the vehicle in motion.

Unlike a car, the Segway PT has only two wheels, which means it is capable of standing upright by itself. How dynamic stabilisation functions. The most fascinating feature of the Segway PT and the key to its handling is its ability to independently maintain balance.