Revolutionary Hoverboard Powerbank Charger!

Revolutionary Hoverboard Powerbank Charger!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. What is a Hoverboard?
3. The Fascinating Electrical Properties of a Hoverboard Motor
4. The Challenge of Rotating the Motor
5. Introducing the Slip Ring Solution
6. Designing and Creating the Crank
7. Scrapping the Initial Plan and Redesigning
8. Converting AC Voltage to DC Voltage
9. Adding Supercapacitors for Energy Storage
10. Using a Buck Boost Converter for a Constant 5V Output
11. Testing the Powerbank Emergency Charger
12. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the world of hoverboard motors and their electrical properties. We will delve into the challenge of rotating the motor and discuss a solution using a slip ring. Additionally, we will guide you through the process of designing and creating a crank for the hoverboard motor. Furthermore, we will explain the conversion of AC voltage to DC voltage and the addition of supercapacitors for energy storage. Lastly, we will discuss the use of a buck boost converter to ensure a constant 5V output. So let's dive in and discover the potential of these hoverboard motors!

What is a Hoverboard?

Before we delve into the electrical properties of a hoverboard motor, let's first understand what a hoverboard is. A hoverboard is a personal transportation device that gained popularity a few years ago. It is similar to an electric scooter but with a twist. Hoverboards are known for their self-balancing capabilities, allowing users to ride them by shifting their weight. However, compared to electric scooters, hoverboards are slower and can only achieve slightly faster speeds than simply walking. This limitation has led to a decrease in their popularity, making them available at affordable prices secondhand or even as a bargain in certain regions.

The Fascinating Electrical Properties of a Hoverboard Motor

Now that we have a basic understanding of hoverboards, let's explore the fascinating electrical properties of their motors. The motor found in a hoverboard is a hub motor, which is responsible for the propulsion of the device. These motors operate on a low-voltage direct current (DC) input, typically around 10V. However, the rotation speed of the motor is relatively slow, making it possible to rotate the motor by hand. This fact sparks an interesting question: if a low voltage can turn the motor slowly, can we generate electricity by manually rotating the motor?

To test this hypothesis, the author of this article added a 1W LED between the wires of the motor and observed that it lit up brightly. This simple test demonstrated that it is indeed possible to generate enough energy to power external devices using the motor of a hoverboard. This opens up the possibility of utilizing hoverboard motors as emergency energy sources in situations where access to electricity is limited.

The Challenge of Rotating the Motor

Now that we know it is possible to generate electricity using a hoverboard motor, the next challenge is how to efficiently rotate the motor by hand. Simply turning the rubber wheel of the motor is not a practical solution, as it is not continuous and does not provide a stable rotation speed. A more feasible approach is to rotate the central part of the motor using a crank-like mechanism.

However, a significant hurdle that arises when implementing this crank mechanism is that the wires of the motor rotate along with the axis. This rotation causes the connected devices to become tangled and potentially damaged. To overcome this issue, the author initially considered rerouting the motor wires. However, this approach proved to be complicated and impractical.

Introducing the Slip Ring Solution

After abandoning the idea of rerouting the motor wires, the author discovered a brilliant solution: a slip ring. A slip ring is a component that acts like a bearing with wires on both sides. These wires are permanently connected to each other, even as the bearing spins. By soldering the motor wires to one side of the slip ring, the generated power can be passed to the other side without the need for spinning wires. This elegant solution allows for smooth rotation of the motor without tangling the wires, ensuring the safe and efficient generation of electricity.

Designing and Creating the Crank

With the slip ring mechanism in place, it was time to design a crank to facilitate the rotation of the hoverboard motor. Using CAD software, the author created a 3D model of the crank, considering the dimensions of the motor shaft. Once the design was complete, the crank was 3D printed using PETG filament. The 3D printed crank fit perfectly onto the motor shaft, providing a stable and reliable connection for manual rotation.

Scrapping the Initial Plan and Redesigning

Upon testing the initial crank mechanism, the author encountered limitations and realized the flaws in the design. To overcome these challenges, the author decided to scrap the initial plan altogether and take a new approach. The motor was reopened, and all the wires except the main three motor wires were desoldered and removed. This modification allowed for a clean and obstruction-free rotation.

Additionally, the author drilled a 5mm hole into the center of the motor rotor and another 5mm hole through the stator, aligning with the wire position. A technique utilizing silvered copper wire was employed to guide the motor wires through the newly created hole, ensuring they were positioned correctly. With these modifications, the motor wires were situated on the opposite side of the crank, eliminating any interference during rotation.

TO BE CONTINUED...