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Variable Compliance Wheel

a wheel and compliance technology, applied in the field of wheels with variable compliance, can solve the problems of inability of the system to maintain adequate tire pressure, sensitivity to elements, cost, etc., and achieve the effects of improving the lateral performance of the wheel, reducing waste and rework, and improving maneuvering performan

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-04-24
MILLENWORKS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a design for a wheel that can be used in various vehicles and machines. By adjusting the stiffness of the wheel and the position of the attachment points, the wheel can have improved performance and stability on different terrains. The design allows for a wheel that can change its stiffness to improve steering, reduce rolling resistance, and increase durability. In some cases, the wheel can be designed to have a specific stiffness for better load-bearing capacity or for better ground contact with soft soils. The design also allows for a wheel that can counteract pitch and heave vibrations, and provides a more precise steering system. Overall, the design provides improved performance, durability, and versatility for various applications.

Problems solved by technology

The shortcomings of this design are complexity, sensitivity to the elements, cost, and inability of the system to maintain adequate tire pressure when the tire is badly damaged.

Method used

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  • Variable Compliance Wheel
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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0030]FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a variable stiffness wheel 10. The variable stiffness wheel 10 includes a rim 11, fixed flanges 12b and 13b and movable flanges 12a and 13a (also referred to as rings, plates and collars in this specification), and a plurality of wheel segments 17, 18 (e.g., two oppositely angled spokes 20) engaged with the flanges 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and an outer traction element 16.

[0031]The rim 11 includes an inner flange (not shown) which locates an adaptor plate and thereby allows the wheel 10 to be mounted on a spindle (not shown) which allows the variable stiffness wheel to rotate about the center axis. Preferably the spindle and mounting mechanism is similar to wheel mounting mechanism of present vehicles (e.g., secured by lug nuts). While the variable stiffness wheel 10, as well as other embodiments of the present invention, are described as being used on a vehicle, it should be understood that these embodiments can be u...

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Abstract

A system for adjusting the compliance of a wheel is provided. In one embodiment, wheel segments are adjusted, causing the stiffness of the wheel to change. Such adjustments can be made while the wheel is rotating, allowing the wheel compliance to be changed while a vehicle is in motion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 574,810 filed Mar. 6, 2007 entitled Variable Compliance Wheel, which is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT / US05 / 15478, International Filing Date 13 Jun. 2005, entitled Variable Radial And / Or Lateral Compliance Wheel; and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 869,714 filed Dec. 12, 2006 entitled Variable Compliance Wheel, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to a wheel with variable compliance having many applications, including ground vehicle wheels, printing press rollers, material processing and handling equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wheel that includes a rim having a center axis of rotation and a plurality of wheel segments engaged with the rim and connecting to a radial band appropriate fo...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60B9/26
CPCB60B9/26B60B9/04B60C19/00B60C7/18B60C7/14
Inventor ANDERFAAS, ERICMILLER, BRIANBANKS, DEANCHARLAND, JONCLEMENS, DAVIDCULBERTSON, CHRISLENOACH, PETERTRAUERNICHT, JARED
Owner MILLENWORKS
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