Abstract
A prototype of walking aid for riding over gaps and rough road surfaces was developed. To ride over gaps easily, it adopted virtual large diameter wheel concept that consists of multi small diameter wheels placed on the virtual wheel circumference, in combination with soft front suspension compliance. Giving the frame high stiffness by FEM topological and parametrical optimization minimized structural vibration amplification; and. reduced the vibration transmission to human hands with minimum weight. In addition, vibration isolation mechanisms were installed at the handle linkages and at the grips. This design was, however simple, proved to be effective through objective and subjective evaluation tests.
