Innovating on Wheels: Ivan Miranda’s Journey to Create a Safer Two-Wheeled Electric Skateboard
In the ever-evolving world of personal electric vehicles, innovation often stems from a blend of creativity and necessity. Ivan Miranda, a passionate inventor, has taken on the challenge of reimagining the OneWheel, a popular single-wheeled electric skateboard known for its exhilarating yet precarious ride. His ambitious project aims to enhance stability by introducing a second wheel, a concept that not only promises to improve safety but also redefines the user experience.
The Inspiration Behind the Design
Miranda’s journey began at OpenSauce 2024, where he engaged in a conversation with Wren from Corridor Digital, a seasoned OneWheel enthusiast. The allure of the OneWheel lies in its unique lean-to-steer mechanism, allowing riders to accelerate by leaning forward and decelerate by leaning back. However, Miranda quickly identified a critical flaw: the board’s tendency to tip over when pushed beyond its limits. This realization sparked his determination to create a two-wheeled version that retains the original’s steering mechanism while enhancing stability.
The Design Process: From Concept to Creation
To bring his vision to life, Miranda opted for 3030 aluminum extrusions for the frame. This material is not only robust but also easy to manipulate, making it ideal for rapid prototyping. He constructed a square base by connecting the extrusions with 3D-printed brackets, a hallmark of his innovative approach. The goal was to design a platform that could tilt to control the board while keeping the rider’s center of gravity low.
Miranda’s initial attempt involved a complex four-bar linkage system, which proved to be time-consuming and ultimately unsuccessful. After a sleepless night filled with frustration, he had a breakthrough at 2:30 AM: a platform that would slide on curved rails, akin to a seesaw but without the height. Lacking a pipe bender, he ingeniously used an MDF jig and heavy-duty clamps to bend the extrusions, resulting in a pair of curved rails that formed the backbone of his tilting mechanism.
Building the Wheels: A 3D Printing Challenge
To maximize efficiency, Miranda built the wheels in parts, distributing the workload across multiple 3D printers. Each wheel consisted of two halves, featuring a pulley for a toothed belt and a brushless DC motor for propulsion. The wheels, crafted from nylon on a Prusa XL printer, were designed to slide over the curved rails, allowing for smooth tilting. To ensure durability, he incorporated aluminum end stops and upgraded to stainless steel springs from PCBWay, capable of withstanding the weight of a rider.
The power system was equally innovative, utilizing three 18V power tool batteries wired in series to achieve over 60V, complete with a safety cutoff switch. This setup not only provided the necessary power but also added an element of safety to the design.
The Electronics: Balancing Act
At the heart of Miranda’s creation lies a sophisticated electronic system. An Arduino Due, paired with an MPU6050 IMU, was employed to sense the board’s tilt and relay commands to a speed controller that managed the motor’s response. Springs beneath the platform were intended to detect when a rider stepped off, theoretically preventing the board from rolling away. However, as Miranda soon discovered, the gap between theory and practice can be vast.
During a demonstration at OpenSauce, Miranda humorously dubbed his creation a “death trap.” The motor emitted alarming noises, and the board exhibited erratic behavior, moving unexpectedly when someone stepped on it. Despite these challenges, Wren’s test ride, which nearly ended in a crash, concluded with a thumbs-up, indicating that the board had potential.
Troubleshooting and Refinement
Following the initial tests, Miranda returned to his workshop to diagnose the issues plaguing his design. He identified that the motor noises stemmed from the batteries’ MOSFETs cutting current too aggressively, which interfered with the controller’s performance. By using a single battery or connecting them in parallel, he was able to smooth out the power delivery.
Additionally, he replaced the MPU6050 with a BMI160 IMU, which he mounted directly to the board. This adjustment, along with a reflow package, significantly improved the balance control. After countless hours of tweaking, the board became rideable, albeit slow and tense.
A Proof of Concept
Despite the challenges and injuries sustained during testing, Miranda considers his creation a proof of concept. The board is capable of moving, responding to the rider’s leans, and even carrying a rider-albeit with some reservations. Feedback from Wren and other testers highlighted areas for improvement, including enhanced motor control, additional sensors, and a more refined user experience.
The Future of Electric Skateboarding
Miranda’s journey reflects a broader trend in the electric vehicle industry, where innovation is often driven by individual creators and small teams. As personal electric vehicles gain popularity, the demand for safer, more stable designs is paramount. Miranda’s two-wheeled skateboard not only addresses these concerns but also showcases the potential of 3D printing and DIY engineering in creating solutions that cater to the needs of riders.
In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, the story of Ivan Miranda serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and perseverance. His endeavor to improve the OneWheel experience is not just about creating a new product; it is about fostering a community of innovators who are willing to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Conclusion
As electric skateboards continue to capture the imagination of riders worldwide, Ivan Miranda’s two-wheeled design stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation. While challenges remain, his journey underscores the importance of creativity, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity. As he refines his design, the future of electric skateboarding looks promising, with the potential for safer and more enjoyable rides on the horizon.
