Finding the leeway within our project involved doing research into existing products. We began researching different patents pertaining to the problem we are trying to solve, this problem being the ability to detect objects while on a skateboard or skateboard-like mode of transport. Most patents that we researched revolved around the idea of illuminating the path in front of the skateboarder’s view. While there were already existing solutions to this problem, our group and those around us had never heard of these products. This led us to pursuing this topic as our project in order to advance the problem of skateboard sensing, especially at night time when traveling at higher speeds.
Figure D1
Skateboard With Luminescence Function
Patent Number: JP 3099645 U
Publication Date: 2004-04-15
This solution is a skateboard that emits light through the wheels while the user is riding. The skateboard is built with the same framework as a regular skateboard including a skateboard body and two sets of wheels both positioned symmetrically on the bottom of the skateboard. The rotation of the wheels are what powers the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) present on the wheel to illuminate. This solution helps illuminate the path around the user in order to aid vision at night.
Figure D2
Skateboard with Light Emitting
Patent Number: KR 10-1655386 B1
Publication Date: 2016-09-07
This solution is a skateboard that has one or more light-emitting parts that are built into the skateboard deck. These light emitting parts come out the side of the board and illuminate the surroundings of the skateboard in the direction it is facing. These lights can be attached and detached based on the user’s preference. The light is also controlled by the user through a switch on the underside of the board. The light will aid the user in having a better sense of their position at night.