Abstract:
Disclosed is a movable object which includes a wheel assembly including a main rotary part that rotates about a first rotational axis and a variable rotary part that moves relative to the main rotary part in a direction not aligned with the first rotational axis. The variable rotary part rotates at the same angular velocity as a main angular velocity when the main rotary part rotates, the main angular velocity being an angular velocity of the main rotary part.
Abstract:
An expandable wheel (100) assembly attached to a vehicle includes a circular rim disc (200) operable to receive a plurality of drive members (300) about its circumference. The drive members (300) are pivotally connected to the rim disc (200) and expand outward from the rim disc (200) via sliding levers (500) when a rotational force is applied to the rim disc (200). As a result, the drive members (300) increase the ground clearance and enhance the ability for the vehicle to negotiate variable terrain while also increasing the top velocity of the vehicle. The expandable wheel (100) assembly contracts to a circumferential closed position when the rotational force is removed.
Abstract:
A vehicle includes a frame including a front frame part and a rear frame part. An elongated single wheel is rotatably connected to one of the front frame part and the rear frame part. The elongated wheel houses an expansion device including a linkage mechanism adapted to reconfigure a shape of the elongated wheel between a cylindrical shape in top view of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in a straight direction and a frustoconical shape in top view of the vehicle in a turning condition of the vehicle.
Abstract:
Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Abstract:
The invention relates mainly to a wheel system (S) intended to be rotationally driven about a central axis (X), comprising two distinct parts (R1, R2) arranged in such a way as to be in pivoting connection with one another about the central axis (X), the wheel system (S) is designed in such a way as to occupy two positions; a first position, referred to as the mounted position, in which the two distinct parts (R1, R2) are superposed, and a second position, referred to as the standard position, in which the two distinct parts (R1, R2) are angularly offset from one another so as to form a disc in the plane (P) perpendicular to the central axis (X), the transition from the mounted position to the standard position being carried out by means of a translational movement, along the central axis (X), of one of the distinct parts (R2) with respect to the other (R1).
Abstract:
A wheel with adjustable radius or tread firmness including a hub assembly, primary spokes, a suspension assembly positioned at the outer end of each primary spoke, and treads attached to the outer end of each suspension assembly. The hub assembly includes a radius lock and a tensioner lock. When each is in a locked position, the radius and tread firmness of the wheel remains constant. When the radius lock or the tensioner lock is in an unlocked position, the radius or the tread firmness, respectively, is adjusted by rotating the wheel relative to internal components of the hub assembly. This relative rotation adjusts the tension on internal cords to adjust the length of the primary spokes or flexibility of the suspension assemblies, respectively. Optionally, secondary spokes may be positioned between each of the primary spokes and the suspension assemblies. The radius and tread firmness is adjustable under a load.
Abstract:
Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Abstract:
An adaptable wheel has a central hub, radial segments connected to the central hub at a proximal end and extending radially from the central hub, each radial segment having a linear actuator configured to change a length of the radial segment; a shoe connected to a distal end of the radial segment for contacting a surface being traversed by the wheel; and a locking mechanism for selectively preventing linear motion of the linear actuator. A control system for an adaptable wheel includes a distance sensor on a vehicle for determining distance to a surface in the path of the vehicle and a computer for receiving distance information from the distance sensor and, responsive to the distance information, determine a desired length of a segment of an adaptable wheel for maintaining a hub of a wheel level, and provide control signals to a linear actuator of the segment.
Abstract:
A wheel assembly for use with a vehicle is provided. The wheel assembly includes a first inner wheel portion, a second inner wheel portion positioned adjacent to the first inner wheel portion, a first wheel bladder coupled to the first inner wheel portion, and a second wheel bladder coupled to the second inner wheel portion.
Abstract:
An adaptable wheel has a central hub, radial segments connected to the central hub at a proximal end and extending radially from the central hub, each radial segment having a linear actuator configured to change a length of the radial segment; a shoe connected to a distal end of the radial segment for contacting a surface being traversed by the wheel; and a locking mechanism for selectively preventing linear motion of the linear actuator. A control system for an adaptable wheel includes a distance sensor on a vehicle for determining distance to a surface in the path of the vehicle and a computer for receiving distance information from the distance sensor and, responsive to the distance information, determine a desired length of a segment of an adaptable wheel for maintaining a hub of a wheel level, and provide control signals to a linear actuator of the segment.