Patent Application
20190308447
The present disclosure relates to centerless wheel assemblies for vehicles.
Some vehicles use traditional wheels with spokes connecting the axle of the wheel to the tire. Vehicles that use traditional wheels have certain requirements for steering and other aspects associated with mounting the wheel. As described herein, some of these limitations of traditional wheels may be overcome with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this section is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a vehicle. The vehicle may include a vertical axle, a support rod coupled to the vertical axle, and a wheel assembly coupled to the vertical axle via the support rod. The wheel assembly may include a centerless rim, a stationary hub coupled to the support rod and disposed at least partially within the centerless rim, and a roller guide supported by the stationary hub and shaped to roll along the centerless rim. The wheel assembly may be configured to rotate at least one hundred and seventy degrees relative to the vehicle.
One or more additional embodiments may include a wheel assembly that includes a stationary hub. The stationary hub may include multiple arms extending outwardly from a central region of the stationary hub, with a support arm link shaped to interface with a support arm of a vehicle. The stationary hub may also include an axle connector projecting outward from a middle of the stationary hub, and a brake caliper. The wheel assembly may also include multiple roller guides, each supported at an end portion of one of the arms. The wheel assembly may additionally include a centerless rim that may be shaped to interface with the roller guides such that the roller guides roll along the centerless rim when the centerless rim rotates relative to the stationary hub. The centerless rim may include a rim gear with teeth oriented towards a middle of the centerless rim, and an internal slanted portion angled inwards towards the rim gear and shaped to interface with at least one of the roller guides. The centerless rim may additionally include an external slanted portion on an opposite side from the rim gear and angled inwards towards the rim gear and shaped to interface with at least another of the plurality of roller guides. The wheel assembly may also include a brake rotor physically coupled to the centerless rim such that slowing of the brake rotor causes a corresponding slowing of the centerless rim, where the brake rotor may be positioned to correspond to the brake caliper such that when the brake caliper is activated, the brake rotor is slowed.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter.
Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The present disclosure is generally directed to centerless wheel assemblies that may be used for vehicles. The principles of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to vehicles. For example, the centerless wheel assemblies themselves, or principles of operation thereof, may be applied to other circumstances or used in other ways. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assemblies disclosed herein may include a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements. It will also be understood the centerless wheel assemblies may include any suitable number and combination of features, components, aspects, and the like. It will be further appreciated that the disclosed example embodiments of the centerless wheel assembly may be used in numerous locations, environments, and arrangements.
The present disclosure additionally relates to the use of a turning mechanism possible through the use of centerless wheel assemblies that permit the centerless wheel assembly to turn much further than traditional wheels. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the turning mechanism may permit the centerless wheel assembly to rotate significantly further relative to the vehicle than a traditional wheel, such as one hundred and eighty degrees of rotation relative to the vehicle.
Example embodiments of the centerless wheel assemblies are disclosed and described in detail below. It will be understood that different embodiments may have one or more different parts, components, features and aspects; and the different parts, components, features and aspects may not be required. Further, it will be understood that different embodiments may include various combinations of these parts, components, features and aspects depending, for example, upon the intended use of the centerless wheel assembly.
The stationary hub 110 may include any device or component that acts as a rim, frame, exoskeleton plate, and/or structure for the centerless wheel assembly 100 such that the stationary hub 110 may remain in a fixed orientation relative to the tire 140 as the tire 140 rotates. The stationary hub 110 may include any shape or profile. As illustrated in
The centerless rim 130 may include any device or component configured to roll along one or more roller guides 122a-122c and interface with the tire 140. The centerless rim 130 may be sized of a circumference and/or width comparable or similar to any standardized size of wheel used on automobiles, motorcycles, scooters, earth-moving equipment, military vehicle, aircraft, lawn and garden machines, planetary rovers, and/or any other vehicle in general. In some embodiments, the centerless rim 130 may enclose a generally cylindrical shape with two flat faces and one curved face. The centerless rim 130 may be configured to rotate about a line that passes perpendicularly through the two flat faces. The centerless rim 130 may contain a void of material within the centerless rim 130. In some embodiments, the centerless rim 130 may have a profile such that the tire 140 may be coupled to the outer portion of the centerless rim 130.
The centerless rim 130 and/or the one or more roller guides 122a-122c may include a coating that may reduce the friction that may be created by the interaction between the centerless rim 130 and the one or more roller guides 122a-122c and/or may prevent corrosion of the centerless rim 130. The coating may include, but is not limited to, any one and/or combination of the following: paint, zinc, cadmium, aluminum, chrome, nickel, nickel-chromium, iron oxide, silver, silicon nitride, one or more electro-coatings, one or more epoxy coatings, plastic coatings, resin coatings, Teflon coatings, etc.
The axle assembly 150 may include any device or component configured to couple the centerless wheel assembly 100 to a vehicle via the hub, axle, and/or other portion of the vehicle. The hub assembly may include an axle connector 152 and a nut 154. In some embodiments, the axle assembly 150 may couple to a vehicle via the axle connector 152. Additionally and/or alternatively, the axle assembly 150 may be fixedly coupled with the stationary hub 110 via the nut 154.
The centerless brake assembly 160 may include any device or component configured to apply force to the centerless rim 130 such that the centerless brake assembly 160 may slow the rotation of the centerless wheel assembly 100. The centerless brake assembly 160 may include a centerless rotor 162 and a brake caliper 164. In some embodiments, the centerless brake assembly 160 may be configured to function similar to disc brakes, brake rotors, and/or brake calipers that may be present on a vehicle.
In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may be configured to interface with one or more motor assemblies (not shown) which may be used to power the centerless wheel assembly 100. The one or more motor assemblies may include, but are not limited to, one or more electric, magnet, brushed, brushless, synchronous, and/or induction motors. The one or more motor assemblies may be configured such that the one or more motor assemblies may operate when wet. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 100 and/or the one or more motor assemblies may be configured to function while partially and/or complete submerged in water or other liquid.
The centerless wheel assembly 100 may contain one or more regenerative systems and may be configured to store energy generated by one or more devices and/or components of the centerless wheel assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more motors may use energy stored in one or more batteries to drive the centerless wheel assembly 100. In some embodiments, when a brake system of the centerless wheel assembly 100 is engaged or when the centerless wheel assembly 100 is decelerating, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may act as a generator and may transfer a portion of the momentum stored in the centerless wheel assembly 100 into one or more batteries. In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 with one or more regenerative systems may be coupled with the back axle of a vehicle. Additionally and/or alternatively, the centerless wheel assembly 100 with one or more regenerative systems may be coupled with the front axle of a vehicle such that the one or more regenerative systems may recover optimal energy due to braking while maintaining vehicle stability.
The centerless wheel assembly 100 may be configured to be retrofitted to one or more conventional wheel assemblies including, but not limited to, conventional wheels, hubs, and/or axles. In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may be configured to be coupled with any type of vehicle including, but not limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, scooters, earth-moving equipment, military vehicle, aircraft, lawn and garden machines, planetary rovers, and/or any other vehicle in general.
In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may act as a heat-sink for the one or more motors. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may act as a heat-sink such that the temperature of the one or more motor assemblies may be lower than the one or more motors of a conventional wheel assembly during and/or after operation of the vehicle and/or the centerless wheel assembly 100. In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may contain a heating coil (not shown) that may be coupled with and/or form part of the centerless rim 130 and/or the stationary hub 110. For example, the heating coil may be an electric heating coil and may be powered by an inductive electric connection. In some embodiments, the heating coil may facilitate the removal of ice, snow, and/or other material from the centerless wheel assembly 100.
In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may have a larger polar moment of inertia than wheel assemblies on conventional vehicles. In some embodiments, the configuration of the centerless wheel assembly 100 may require less force to decelerate and accelerate the centerless rim 130 and/or tire 140 than a conventional vehicle due to the larger polar moment of inertia of the centerless wheel assembly 100. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may have a lower moment of inertia as compared to wheel assemblies on conventional vehicles. For example, the triangular configuration of the stationary hub 110 may permit the use of a ring design that is significantly lighter than the rims of conventional wheel assemblies. Additionally or alternatively, the forces acting on the axle of the centerless wheel assembly 100 may be distributed over a wider area than a conventional wheel. For example, such forces acting on the axle may be distributed across the two lower roller guide assemblies 120b and 120c of the triangular shaped stationary hub 110.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless wheel assembly 100 of
One or more of the components of the stationary hub assembly 111 may be similar or comparable to the commonly named and numbered components of
The stationary hub 110 may contain an outer ring that may be generally circular in shape. The stationary hub 110 may also include an inner ring that may be generally circular in shape. The inner ring of the stationary hub 110 may be substantially flat and may generally form a plane. In some embodiments, the plane generally created by the front face of outer ring of the stationary hub 110 and the plane generally created by the front face of the inner ring of the stationary hub 110 may be substantially parallel. In some embodiments, the front face of inner ring of the stationary hub 110 may be recessed back from the outer ring of the stationary hub 110. In some embodiments, the inner ring of the stationary hub 110 may be coupled to the outer ring of the stationary hub 110 via the one or more arms 112a-112c. In these and other embodiments, the inner ring may be thicker than the outer ring. For example, the inner ring may be approximately between two and five times as thick as the outer ring. In some embodiments, the inner ring may be seated against an existing component of a vehicle when retrofitting the wheel assembly to an existing vehicle.
The one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may include any device or component configured to be rotatably coupled with the back surface of the stationary hub 110 and interface with the centerless rim 130. The one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may be coupled with the stationary hub 110 via the one or more arms 112a-112c.
The one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may include one or more roller guides 122a-122c, one or more sets of bearings 124a-124c, one or more shafts 126a-126c, and one or more bearing housings 128a-128c. The one or more roller guides 122a-122c may be coupled with the one or more sets of bearings 124a-124c such that the one or more roller guides 122a-122c may rotate. The one or more roller guides 122a-122c may be coupled with the one or more shafts 126a-126c such that the one or more shafts 126a-126c act as an axle and facilitate rotation of the one or more roller guides 122a-122c about the one or more shafts 126a-126c. The one or more shafts 126a-126c may be coupled with the one or more bearing housings 128a-128c. For example, the one or more shafts 126a-126c may be fixedly coupled with the one or more bearing housings 128a-128c. The top face of the one or more bearing housings 128a-128c may be generally parallel with the plane created by the top surface of the one or more arms 112a-112c. In some embodiments, the top face of the one or more bearing housings 128a-128c may sit at an angle as compared with the plane created by the top surface of the one or more arms 112a-112c. In some embodiments, the ends of the one or more shafts 126a-126c may be generally parallel to the plane created by the top face of the one or more bearing housings 128a-128c.
The one or more roller guides 122a-122c may be shaped to roll along the centerless rim 130 as the centerless rim 130 rotates. In some embodiments, the one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may allow the centerless rim assembly 102 to operate at a lower temperature than the wheel/axle combination of convention wheels.
The one or more sets of bearings 124a-124c may be configured such that the one or more roller guides 122a-122c may swivel and move reactionary to a directional change in force that the centerless rim 130 exerts on the one or more roller guides 122a-122c.
In some embodiments, the one or more sets of roller guides 122a-122c may be allowed to swivel and/or rotate in response to one or more thrust and/or axial loads placed on the one or more roller guides 122a-122c such that the one or more roller guides 122a-122c may maintain contact with the centerless rim 130 and/or reduce friction between the one or more roller guides 122a-122c and the centerless rim 130.
The one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may be configured to float such that the one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may maintain contact with the centerless rim 130 if the centerless rim 130 is jostled and/or comes into contact with another object. The one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may be located at an angle that may be generally parallel with the inner portion of the centerless rim 130. In some embodiments, the roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may be configured to float by applying a spring-loading force to the roller guide assemblies 120a-120c such that the roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may be biased by the spring force towards the centerless rim. As another example, the roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may be disposed within a channel that curves towards the centerless rim 130 such that as the roller guide assemblies 120a-120c are displaced in a radial direction relative to the front face of the stationary hub 110, a corresponding displacement may occur in a circumferential direction. Additionally or alternatively, the roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may be configured to be moveable along a circumferential direction, such as by the use of multiple pre-drilled bolt holes or a channel along which the roller guide assemblies 120a-120c and/or the associated arms 112a-112c. In some embodiments, the centerless rim 130 may contain one or more grooves that may run along the centerless rim 130 in a circumferential direction. For example, the one or more grooves may run along the centerless rim 130 in a way that may facilitate the removal of liquid, debris, and/or other materials and/or obstructions from within the centerless rim 130.
The axle assembly 150 may contain an axle connector 152 and an axle coupler 158. The axle assembly 150 may be coupled to the stationary hub 110 via the axle coupler 158. The axle connector 152 may include any device or component that may be cylindrical in shape and may interface with the axle coupler 158 and the vehicle via the hub, axle, and/or other component of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the axle connector 152 may include a portion that may contain external threads such that the axle connector 152 may be coupled to the vehicle via hub, axle, and/or other component of the vehicle by a fastener and/or may engage a set of threads that may be located on the hub, axle, and/or other component of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the axle assembly 150 and/or the axle connector 152 may connect the stationary hub 110 to an additional stationary hub.
The one or more support rods 156a-156c may include any device or component that may couple with the stationary hub 110 and provide stability to the stationary hub assembly 111. The one or more support rods 156a-156c may be coupled with the one or more arms 112a-112c of the stationary hub 110. In addition, the one or more support rods 156a-156c may extend from the stationary hub 110 and be coupled with the vehicle via the hub, axle, and/or other component of the vehicle.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the stationary hub assembly 111 of
One or more of the components of the centerless rim assembly 102 may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of
The centerless rim 130 may be configured to interface with the one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c. As illustrated in
The gear 134 may include a device or component with teeth such that the relationship between the speeds of the centerless rim 130 and the devices and/or components that may drive the centerless rim 130 may be altered. The gear 134 may be formed as part of the inner portion of the centerless rim 130 or may be a separate device and/or component that is coupled with the centerless rim 130. For example, the gear 134 may be an internal gear and may run parallel to the inner circumference of the centerless rim 130. In some embodiments, the gear 134 may run parallel with the centerline of the inner circumference of the centerless rim 130, effectively separating the centerless rim 130 into two equal halves. The gear 134 may include any type of gear including, but not limited to, a herringbone, spur, helical, bevel, and/or worm gear. In some embodiments, the gear may include an arrow-point-shaped or chevron-shaped profile.
The one or more roller guide assemblies 120a-120c may include one or more roller guides 122a-122c, one or more sets of bearings 124a-124c, and one or more shafts 126a-126c. The profile of the one or more roller guides 122a-122c may be any size and/or shape. The one or more roller guides 122a-122c may be coupled with the one or more shafts 126a-126c such that the one or more roller guides 122a-122c rotate around the one or more shafts 126a-126c. In some embodiments, the one or more shafts 126a-126c are configured such that they may not be generally perpendicular with a front face the centerless rim 130 and/or the infer face of the one or more angled portions 133a-133b.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the roller guides 122a-122c may take any other shape or profile. In some embodiments, the roller guides 122a-122c may include a generally similar shape to that illustrated in
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless rim assembly 102 of
One or more of the components of the centerless wheel assembly 200 may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of
The floater assembly 270 may include any device or component coupled with the stationary hub 210 and configured to contact the centerless rim 230. The floater assembly 270 may include the floater roller 272 and a floater adjustor 274. The floater roller 272 may be coupled with stationary hub 210. In some embodiments, the floater roller 272 may be hingedly coupled with stationary hub 210, which may allow the floater roller 272 to engage and/or disengage with the centerless rim 230.
The floater adjustor 274 may include a device or component that may be coupled with the stationary hub 210 and may interface with the floater roller 272 such that movement of the floater adjustor 274 enacts a corresponding movement of the floater roller 272. For example, the floater adjustor 274 may move in a generally downward direction and cause the floater roller 272 to correspondingly move in a generally upward direction until the floater roller 272 engages with the centerless rim 230 (e.g., an opposite direction orientation/implementation). Additionally and/or alternatively, the floater adjustor 274 may move in a generally upward direction and cause the floater roller 272 to correspondingly move in a generally upward direction until the floater roller 272 engages with the centerless rim 230 (e.g., a same direction orientation/implementation). Additionally and/or alternatively, the floater adjustor 274 may move in a generally downward direction and cause the floater roller 272 to correspondingly move in a generally downward direction so that the floater roller 272 disengages and/or avoids contact with the centerless rim 230.
In some embodiments, the height of the various devices or components of the floater assembly 270 may be adjusted manually by a user of the vehicle via remote and/or direct contact with the floater assembly 270. Additionally and/or alternatively, the height of the various devices or components of floater assembly 270 may be adjusted automatically with respect to predetermined settings. In some embodiments, the floater assembly 270 may include one or more servo motors and/or one or more controllers which may be used to adjust the floater assembly 270.
In some embodiments, the floater assembly 270 may be utilized to facilitate the separation of the centerless rim assembly 230 from the stationary hub assembly 210. Additionally or alternatively, the floater assembly 270 may be utilized to adjust any of the orientation and/or location of the floater roller 272 relative to other roller guide assemblies.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless wheel assembly 200 of
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless wheel assembly 306 of
One or more of the components of the vehicle 308 may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of
In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may contain one or more assemblies and/or components that are modular and/or interchangeable. For example, the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be configured such that the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be interchanged with the one or more other centerless wheel assemblies. Additionally and/or alternatively, the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be coupled with the vehicle 308 in any one of the four locations suited for coupling with the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306. In some embodiments, the one or more centerless brake assemblies 360, one or more suspension assemblies 380, one or more motors 390, and/or other assemblies and/or components may be modular and/or interchangeable.
In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may be an autonomous vehicle. Additionally and/or alternatively, the vehicle 308 may utilize a driver to operate the vehicle 308. In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may be partially autonomous such that the vehicle 308 may perform some maneuvers without the input of a driver and may utilize input from a driver to perform other maneuvers.
In some embodiments, the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be configured to be coupled with any type of vehicle including, but not limited to, automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, aircrafts, and/or watercrafts.
In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may be configured to operate using a conventional combustion engine and/or using conventional automobile steering mechanisms. In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may be configured to operate using one or more motors 390, such as the motors 390a-390d. For example, the configuration of the vehicle 308 may replace the need for a conventional combustion engine, conventional hybrid engine, and/or conventional electric engine.
In some embodiments, the one or more motors 390 may be powered by one or more batteries. The one or more motors 390 may be coupled with the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 to drive the centerless wheel assemblies. In some embodiments, the one or more motors 390 may be more easily accessible and/or easily replaceable than conventional combustion engines. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more motors 390 may be accessible by removing the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306, the one or more brake assemblies 360, and/or the one or more suspension assemblies 380.
In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may be equipped with one or more motors 390 for each of the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306. In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may be designed such that the space in the vehicle generally used for a conventional combustion engine may be used for other purposes. Additionally and/or alternatively, the vehicle 308 of
The various motors 390a-d may be used in a variety of ways in a variety of circumstances as explained herein.
In some circumstances, the vehicle 308 may use one of the one or more motors 390a-390d for operation. For example, the vehicle 308 may use the motor 390a for operation when the vehicle is operating at highway speeds or some other speed that is optimum or efficient for the vehicle 308 to travel.
In some circumstances, the vehicle 308 may utilize two of the one or more motors 390a-390d. For example, the vehicle 308 may use two of the one or more motors 390b and 390c to power the vehicle 308 during normal operation. Additionally and/or alternative, the vehicle 308 may use the one or more motors 390b-390c when traveling on relatively flat terrain and/or at lower speeds in order to promote efficiency.
In some circumstances, the vehicle 308 may use all four of the motors 390a-390d to power the centerless wheel assemblies 306. For example, the vehicle 308 may utilize all four of the motors 390a-390d to power the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 located in the front and the rear of the vehicle 308 when traveling uphill, accelerating quickly, and/or at higher speeds. In some embodiments, the vehicle 308 may use four of the one or more motors 390a-390d, with each of the one or more motors 390a-390d powering one of the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306, such that the vehicle 308 may have four-wheel drive capabilities. In these and other embodiments, the use of the motors 390a-d may be powered at different speeds to prevent slippage and/or to provide greater traction.
In some circumstances, the vehicle 308 may use the one or more motors 390a-390d to regenerate power. For example, the vehicle 308 may use the movement of the vehicle 308 and/or the one or more motors 390a-390d to regenerate power and/or recharge the one or more batteries. For example, the one or more motors 390 may be configured to cooperate with the one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 such that power may be regenerated when the one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 are used to slow the vehicle 308. As another example, the one or more motors 390 may be coupled via clutch or other mechanism to the centerless wheel assemblies 306 such that the motors 390 may be selectively engaged or disengaged from the centerless wheel assemblies 306. For example, if the vehicle 308 is traveling faster than the motors 390 would drive the vehicle 308, the clutch may be engaged such that the motors 390 impose a load on the vehicle 308, slowing it down and generating power in the motor (e.g., the motor in effect becomes a generator). Additionally and/or alternatively, the one or more motors 390 may be configured such that that power may be regenerated when the vehicle 308 is coasting on relatively level terrain and/or traveling downhill. In some embodiments, the one or more motors 390a-390d may be placed in a front of the vehicle 308 such that the power regeneration is enhanced. For example, the one or more motors 390a-390d may be placed in the front of the vehicle 308 such that a weight bias towards the front of the vehicle 308 during braking and/or deceleration enhances the power regeneration. In some embodiments, the location and/or configuration of the one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 in the vehicle 308 may permit a higher ratio of power generation than the location and/or configuration of conventional brake systems on conventional vehicles.
In these and other embodiments, the kinetic energy of deceleration of the surrounding vehicle mass (or resisting acceleration down a hill) may be stored chemically in batteries or electricity storage systems as the vehicle 308 slows down. Additionally or alternatively, the kinetic energy of deceleration may be stored mechanically in a flywheel. In these and other embodiments, the stored energy may be drawn from the batteries and/or the flywheel such that the energy recouped during deceleration can be conversely applied to the same device for assist with acceleration.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the vehicle 308 of
The one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be configured such that the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be easily coupled with and/or removed from the vehicle 308. For example, as illustrated in
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the vehicle 308 of
The one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 may include a centerless rotor 362 and a brake caliper 364. The one or more brake assemblies 360 may have a familiar structure and/or function to conventional disc brakes. In some embodiments, the one or more brake assemblies may have a different structure and/or function than conventional disc brakes. The one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 may be configured such that the brake caliper 364 may contact and slow the centerless rim 330.
In some embodiments, the one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 may require less force to slow the centerless rim 330 and/or the vehicle 308 than conventional brake assemblies. In some embodiments, the one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 may operate at a lower temperature than conventional brake assemblies. For example, the one or more centerless brake assemblies 360 may operate at a lower temperature than conventional brake assemblies because the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be lighter than conventional wheel and axle assemblies.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the brake caliper 364 may be located at a point approximately equidistant between the ground and the top of the centerless wheel assembly 306. In these and other embodiments, the brake caliper 364 may be located on a leading edge of the centerless wheel assembly 306, or in other words, in a direction of forward travel for the vehicle 308.
The one or more suspension assemblies 380 may include a device or component that may be used to dampen the forces that may be encountered by the centerless wheel assembly 306 during use of the vehicle 308. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In these and other embodiments, the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 may be coupled with the odometer 366. In some embodiments, the odometer 366 may be used to measure the directional velocity and/or angular velocity of the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 and/or the vehicle 308. Additionally and/or alternatively, as illustrated in
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless wheel assembly 306 and/or vehicle 308 of
The turning mechanism 382 may include a device or component that may be used to pivot the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 around an axis created by the vertical axle 384. For example, a servo motor or other motor may be coupled to the vertical axle 384 to rotate the vertical axle about a vertical axis of rotation through the axle. As another example, a pneumatic or other pressurized device may be coupled to the vertical axle 384 to facilitate the rotation of the vertical axle 384. The turning mechanism 382 may function similarly to and/or differently from a rack and pinion steering mechanisms found in conventional vehicles. In some embodiments, the turning mechanism 382, when coupled with the vertical axle 384 and/or the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306, may utilize more space around the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 than is utilized to turn a wheel in a conventional steering system. Additionally and/or alternatively, the turning mechanism 382, when coupled with the vertical axle 384 and/or the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306, may utilize less space around the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 than is utilized to turn a wheel in a conventional steering system. The turning mechanism 382 may be coupled with the vehicle 308 such that the turning mechanism 382 may pivot three hundred and sixty degrees about the axis created by the vertical axle 384. In some embodiments, the turning mechanism 382 may allow a steering method in which the turning mechanism 382 may pivot between minus ninety degrees (as illustrated in
The vertical axle 384 may be coupled with the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 at a location outside of and/or at a short distance from the footprint created by the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306, as illustrated in
The vertical axle 384 may be coupled with the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306 at a location outside of and/or at a larger distance than the embodiment of
In some embodiments, the inside wheels of a turn may be at a sharper angle than the outside wheels of the turn to lessen the amount of rubbing experienced by the tires as the vehicle 308 turns sharply.
In some embodiments, the one or more centerless wheel assemblies 306a-306d, may rotate at an angle of slightly less than ninety degrees (e.g., between seventy five and ninety degrees, or between negative sixty and negative ninety degrees), with zero degrees being the point where the one or more centerless wheel 3 assemblies 306 may be substantially parallel to the plane created by a body 309 of the vehicle 308, allowing the vehicle to drive in a three-hundred and sixty degree circle without moving outside a sphere of space created by rotating a length slightly longer than the length of the vehicle 308. Stated another way, each of the centerless wheel assemblies 306a-306d may be rotated until they lie approximately on the circumference of an imaginary circle created by the circular shape that includes each of the points where the centerless wheel assemblies 306a-306d touches the ground. For example, the front left centerless wheel assembly 306 may be turned approximately eighty degrees, the front right centerless wheel assembly 306 may be turned approximately negative eighty degrees, the rear left centerless wheel assembly 306 may be turned approximately negative eighty degrees, and the rear right centerless wheel assembly 306 may be turned approximately eighty degrees.
As illustrated in
The support arm 386b may be configured to couple the vertical axle 384 to the centerless wheel assembly 306. In some embodiments, the support arm 386b may be shaped and configured to span from the vertical axle 384, around the tire of the centerless wheel assembly 306, and into a middle portion of the centerless wheel assembly where the support arm 386b may couple to the stationary hub 310 of the centerless wheel assembly 306. The support arm 386b may take any shape, including a curved profile (e.g., a U-shaped profile), an angled profile (e.g., a V shaped profile), or some combination of straight and curved portions. Using such an arrangement, by rotating the vertical axle as described herein (e.g., with a servo motor, hydraulics, etc.), the centerless wheel assembly 306 may be rotated in any direction, including three hundred and sixty degrees. In such an arrangement, the amount of rotation available to the centerless wheel assembly 306 may be determined by the amount of rotation available to the vertical axle 384.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, such as illustrated in
In some embodiments, a motor or other device may control the motion of the vertical axle 384 through the arcuate path illustrated by the track 395 rather than using an actual track 395. For example, a servo motor or other motor may be used to control the motion of the vertical axle 384 as it rotates about the centerless wheel assembly 306. In these and other embodiments, the motor or other device may or may not use a track.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the vehicle 308 utilizing the turning mechanism 382 of
One or more of the components of the centerless rim assembly 400 may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of other Figures of the present disclosure. For example, one or more stationary hubs 410a-410b, the one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420f, and the centerless rim 430 of
As illustrated in
The one or more stationary hubs 410a-410b may act as a rim, frame, exoskeleton plate, and/or structure for the centerless rim assembly 400. The one or more stationary hubs 410a-410b may be coupled via the axle assembly 450.
The one or more stationary hubs 410a may include any shape or profile. As illustrated in
The one or more stationary hubs 410b may include any shape or profile. As illustrated in
The mounting bracket 414 may include a device or component that may interface and/or couple with the mounting arms 412a-412f and/or the one or more stationary hubs 410a-410b and may be used to couple the centerless rim assembly 400 to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 414 may couple to the mounting arms 412a-412c and may interface with the mounting arms 412d-412f to provide increased stability for one or more components of the centerless rim assembly 400. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 414 may be used to provide increased stability for the mounting arms 412a-412f and/or the one or more stationary hubs 410a-410b. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 414 may allow the orientation and/or location of the mounting arms 412a-412f and/or the one or more roller guides 420a-420f.
The one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420f may include a device or component that may be configured to be rotatably coupled with the back surface of the one or more stationary hubs 410a-410b and interface with the centerless rim 430. The one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420c may be coupled with the one or more stationary hubs 410a via the one or more arms 412a-412c. The one or more roller guide assemblies 420d-420f may be coupled with the one or more stationary hubs 410b via the one or more arms 412d-412e.
The one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420f may include one or more roller guides 422a-422f, one or more sets of bearings 424a-424f, one or more shafts 426a-426f, and one or more bearing housings 428a-428f The one or more roller guides 422a-422f may be coupled with the one or more sets of bearings 424a-424f such that the one or more roller guides 422a-422f may rotate. The one or more roller guides 422a-422f may be coupled with the one or more shafts 426a-426f such that the one or more shafts 426a-426f act as an axle and facilitate rotation of the one or more roller guides 422a-422f about the one or more shafts 426a-426f. The one or more shafts 426a-426f may be coupled with the one or more bearing housings 428a-428f. For example, the one or more shafts 426a-426f may be fixedly coupled with the one or more bearing housings 428a-428f The top face of the one or more bearing housings 428a-428f may be generally parallel with the plane created by the top surface of the one or more arms 412a-412f In some embodiments, the top face of the one or more bearing housings 428a-428f may sit at an angle as compared with the plane created by the top surface of the one or more arms 412a-412f In some embodiments, the ends of the one or more shafts 426a-426f may be generally parallel to the plane created by the top face of the one or more bearing housings 428a-428f.
The one or more roller guides 422a-422f may be shaped to roll along the centerless rim 430 as the centerless rim 430 rotates. In some embodiments, the one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420c may allow the centerless rim assembly 400 to operate at a lower temperature than the wheel/axle combination of convention wheels.
The one or more sets of bearings 424a-424f may be configured such that the one or more roller guides 422a-422f may swivel and move reactionary to a directional change in force that the centerless rim 430 exerts on the one or more roller guides 422a-422f In some embodiments, the one or more sets of bearings 424a-424f may be allowed to swivel and/or rotate in response to one or more thrust loads placed on the one or more bearings 424a-424f such that the one or more sets of bearings 424a-424f maintain contact with the centerless rim 430 and/or reduce friction between the one or more sets of bearings 424a-424f and the centerless rim 430.
The one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420f may be configured to float such that the one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420f may maintain contact with the centerless rim 430 if the centerless rim 430 is jostled and/or comes into contact with another object. The one or more roller guide assemblies 420a-420f may be located at an angle that may be generally parallel with the inner portion of the centerless rim 430.
The gear 434 may include a device or component with teeth such that the relationship between the speeds of the centerless rim 430 and the devices and/or components that may drive the centerless rim 430 may be altered. The gear 434 may be formed as part of the inner portion of the centerless rim 430 or may be a separate device and/or component that is coupled with the centerless rim 430. As illustrated in
The axle assembly 450 may contain an axle connector 452 and an axle coupler 458. The one or more stationary hubs 410a-410b may be coupled together via the axle assembly 450. For example, the one or more stationary hubs 410a may be coupled to a first end of the axle assembly 450 and the one or more stationary hubs 410b may be coupled to a second end of the axle assembly 450 via the axle connector 452 and the axle coupler 458 using fasteners and/or connectors
The axle connector 452 may include any device or component that may be cylindrical in shape and may interface with the axle coupler 458 and the vehicle via the hub, axle, and/or other component of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the axle connector 452 may include a portion that may contain external threads such that the axle connector 452 may be coupled to the vehicle via hub, axle, and/or other component of the vehicle with by a fastener and/or may engage a set of threads that may be located on the hub, axle, and/or other component of the vehicle.
The one or more motors 490a-490b may include a device or component used to interface with and drive the centerless rim 430 via the gears 434. As illustrated in
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless rim assembly 400 of
One or more of the components of the centerless rim assembly 400 may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of
The centerless rim 431 may include two portions, the centerless rim 431a and the centerless rim 431b, as illustrated in
The gear 434 may be formed as part of the inner portion of the centerless rim 431 or may be a separate device and/or component that is coupled with the centerless rim 430. As illustrated in
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless rim assembly 431 of
One or more of the components of the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of
The centerless rim assembly 508 may be a device or component that may be configured to rotate around an axis defined by the center point of the centerless rim assembly 508 and may be coupled to the tire 540. The centerless rim assembly 508 may include a centerless rim 530, a retaining ring 538, and one or more fasteners 536.
The centerless rim 530 may be sized of a circumference and/or width comparable or similar to any standardized size of wheel used on automobiles, motorcycles, scooters, earth-moving equipment, military vehicle, aircraft, lawn and garden machines, planetary rovers, and/or any other vehicle in general. In some embodiments, the centerless rim 530 may enclose a generally cylindrical shape with two flat faces and one curved face. The centerless rim 530 may be configured to rotate about a line that passes perpendicularly through the two flat faces. The centerless rim 530 may contain a void of material within the centerless rim 530. In some embodiments, the centerless rim 530 may have a profile such that the tire 540 may be coupled to the outer portion of the centerless rim 530. The centerless rim 530 may be configured to be coupled to a vehicle.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be coupled to a vehicle. For example, in some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be configured to interface with a suspension assembly, hub assembly, and/or other component of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be configured to be coupled with heavy vehicles. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be coupled to earth-moving equipment, semi-trucks, aircrafts, trailers, and the like. In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be coupled to a motor that may drive the centerless wheel assembly 506. Additionally and/or alternatively, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may not be coupled with a motor. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be configured to rotate without direct input from a motor and/or power source. In addition, the centerless wheel assembly 506 may be coupled with a vehicle and may be configured to rotate with the movement of the vehicle.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless wheel assembly 506 of
One or more of the components of the stationary rim assembly may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of at least
The one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may include a device or component that may be used to prevent matter from entering into and/or interfering with the operation of the centerless rim assembly 507. The one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may be configured to remain stationary as the centerless rim 530 rotates. The one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may be any size or shape. In some embodiments, the one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may be similar in size and/or shape to the centerless rim 530. As illustrated in
The one or more patches 537 may include any device or component that may reduce the friction between the components of the centerless rim assembly 507 and/or help guide the path of the centerless rim 530. The one or more patches 537 may be constructed of a low-friction material and/or may include a coating that may reduce the friction created between the centerless rim 530 and the one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b. The one or more patches 537 may be generally rectangular in shape. In these and other embodiments, the patches 537 may be a point of contact with both the centerless rim 530 and the centerless rim covers 535a-535b such that the centerless rim covers 535a-535b may not actually physically contact the centerless rim 530.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless rim assembly 507 of
One or more of the components of the stationary rim assembly may be similar or comparable to the commonly named components of at least
The one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may include a device or component that may be used to prevent matter from entering into and/or interfering with the operation of the centerless rim assembly 507. The one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may be configured to remain stationary as the centerless rim 530 rotates. The one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may be any size or shape. In some embodiments, the one or more centerless rim covers 535a-535b may be similar in size and/or shape to the centerless rim 530. As illustrated in
The one or more centerless rim covers 535a may be shaped differently than the one or more centerless rim covers 535b. In some embodiments, the empty space in the center of one or more centerless rim covers 535a may be smaller than the empty space in the center of one or more centerless rim covers 535b. In addition, the one or more centerless rim covers 535b may include support material 539.
The support material 539 may include a device and or component that may provide support to the one or more centerless rim covers 535b, may prevent debris from entering into the centerless rim assembly 509, and/or may help guide the path of the centerless rim 530. As illustrated in
In these and other embodiments, the patches 537 may be a point of contact with both the centerless rim 530 and the centerless rim covers 535a-535b such that the centerless rim covers 535a-535b may not actually physically contact the centerless rim 530.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless rim assembly 509 of
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless rim assembly 601 of
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the springs 790 may be coupled to the stationary hub 710 and the spring arms 780. The spring arms 780 may be configured to push against the floater assembly 770 such that the floater assembly 770 remains in contact with the centerless rim 730. In some embodiments, the centerless rim 730 may be non-uniformly circular, such as an ovoid shape, an oval shape, or including other features such that the centerless rim 730 is not perfectly circular. Such shape may be an artifact of a manufacturing process of the centerless rim 730 and/or an artifact of use of the centerless rim 730 over time. In some embodiments, such a shape may be intentional, or may be an undesired aspect of the centerless rim 730 being addressed through the use of the floater assembly 770. For example, as the floater assembly 770 rolls along the centerless rim 730, as the overall radius of the centerless rim 730 decreases, the springs 790 may be compressed, and as the overall radius of the centerless rim 730 increases, the springs 790 may expand via the spring force of the springs 790 to maintain contact between the floater assembly 770 and the centerless rim 730. In some embodiments, one of the springs may be compressed further than the other due to variations in the circularity of the centerless rim 730.
In some embodiments, the floater assembly 770 may include a roller guide 722, one or more bearings 724, and a shaft 726, which may be similar or comparable to similarly named elements described in the other Figures of the present disclosure. In operation, the floater assembly 770 may operate in a similar manner to the other roller guide assemblies, with the difference that the spring arms 780 and/or the springs 790 may facilitate variation in location and/or orientation of the floater assembly 770.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the springs 790 may be disposed within channels 792. The springs 790 may or may not be fixedly coupled to the base of the channels 792. Additionally or alternatively, the springs 790 may or may not be fixedly coupled to the spring arms 780.
In some embodiments, the spring arms 780 may be coupled to the floater assembly 770 via one or more shafts 782. The shafts 782 may span a portion of a casing of the floater assembly 770 such that the shafts 782 may act as pivot points for the spring arms 780. In these and other embodiments, the use of the shafts 782 may maintain the spring arms 780 at a fixed distance from the floater assembly 770. As the spring arms 780 receive force input from the springs 790, the spring arms 780 may push the floater assembly 770 directly upward from the springs 790, and/or may push on one of the spring arms 780 more than the other such that the floater assembly 770 changes orientation relative to the spring arms 780.
In some embodiments, the roller guide may be displaced to various locations both vertically and laterally as the floater assembly 770 responds to the spring force of the springs 790.
As illustrated in the embodiments of
In some embodiments, rather than the use of the springs 790, the spring arms 780 may be coupled to a servo motor or other device to change the location of the spring arms 780 in a vertical direction relative to the channels 792. In these and other embodiments, one or more sensors may be included such that variations in contact and/or variations in force between the interface of the floater assembly 770 and the centerless rim 730 may be utilized to drive the servo motor or other device to displace the spring arms 780.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the centerless wheel assembly 701 of
While embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to a “wheel,” it will be appreciated that the same principles and teachings are applicable to other similarly situated shapes or components. For example, the same principles described above with reference to wheels may be applicable to cogs or pinions, for example, for a tank or other tracked vehicle where the wheel may include a non-uniform outer surface and may or may not include a tire.
In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in the present disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.
Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” among others).
Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.
Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides.
The use of relative terms such as “approximately,” “around,” about,” “generally,” etc. are used herein as that term would be understood by an ordinarily skilled artisan in the pertinent art. For example, in some circumstances, such terms may mean within 10%, within 5% or within 1%. As another example, if two arms are “generally parallel,” it may be understand that they may be parallel within +/−five degrees of each other, etc. In some circumstances, such terms may mean within manufacturing tolerances. If one such term is used in one location, and not in another, it is to be understood that such a circumstance in no way conveys that the location that does not include the term is to be interpreted as being exact.
All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosure are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62/655,068 filed on Apr. 9, 2018, and U.S. Application No. 62/750,102 filed on Oct. 24, 2018, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62750102 | Oct 2018 | US | |
| 62655068 | Apr 2018 | US |
