The improved mobile robot utilizes a cooperative wheeled support arrangement having a unique axle design that preferably cooperates with a base support module. A tri-axle is preferably used to support at least one omni-wheel on each axle section. Multiple omni-wheels on each section can be used for higher load applications. The tri-axle is of a fixed design and each wheel pivots on the individual axle section. Preferably, the axle sections are welded to each other.

Methods and systems of an active aerodynamic wheel cap device are provided. The active aerodynamic wheel cap device can be mounted to a vehicle wheel and configured to actuate from a flap-open to a flap-closed state. The flap-open state provides an air vent path from an outer portion of a wheel to an internal component of the wheel, especially at low speeds or during braking. The flap-closed state provides a substantially gapless aerodynamic cap for the wheel of the vehicle at highway speeds or during acceleration. The actuation of the active aerodynamic wheel cap device may be based on an all-mechanical controlled centripetal force movement mechanism.

Methods and systems of an active aerodynamic wheel cap device are provided. The active aerodynamic wheel cap device can be mounted to a vehicle wheel and configured to actuate from a flap-open to a flap-closed state. The flap-open state provides an air vent path from an outer portion of a wheel to an internal component of the wheel, especially at low speeds or during braking. The flap-closed state provides a substantially gapless aerodynamic cap for the wheel of the vehicle at highway speeds or during acceleration. The actuation of the active aerodynamic wheel cap device may be based on an all-mechanical controlled centripetal force movement mechanism.

The present invention relates to a plurality of airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades which may be flat or take the form of airfoil wings in a preferred embodiment are attached to an automobile's wheel rims for the extraction of air pressure buildup within the wheel wells during forward movement to improve overall performance, styling and brake cooling. The airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades may either be adhered to a wheel surface or individually or collectively fastened to wheels' hub using open-ended lug nuts, and securing lug bolts. Further, the airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades may be arranged to specific concavity and angel of attack using twistable beveled washers on both sides of the airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades.

The present invention relates to a plurality of airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades which may be flat or take the form of airfoil wings in a preferred embodiment are attached to an automobile's wheel rims for the extraction of air pressure buildup within the wheel wells during forward movement to improve overall performance, styling and brake cooling. The airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades may either be adhered to a wheel surface or individually or collectively fastened to wheels' hub using open-ended lug nuts, and securing lug bolts. Further, the airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades may be arranged to specific concavity and angel of attack using twistable beveled washers on both sides of the airfoil rim wings, and/or fan-like blades.

Provided is a power generation system. The power generation system comprises: a pneumatic tire; a wheel on which the pneumatic tire is mounted; and at least one generator wind turbine attached to the pneumatic tire and/or the wheel in a cavity defined by the pneumatic tire and the wheel. The generator wind turbine is configured to lay flat or stand upright.

A hubcap for a heavy-duty duty vehicle that includes mounting structure that is formed with and cooperates with a side wall of the hubcap to provide a stiff, rigid structure that enables non-cantilevered connection to a wheel hub. The mounting structure can be a plurality of elongated bosses circumferentially spaced about the side wall that are formed with corresponding elongated bolt openings to enable the non-cantilevered attachment to the wheel hub. The elongated bosses cooperate with the hubcap side wall to provide a stiffened or rigid structure between the elongated bolt openings for increased and more uniform clamping force on a sealing gasket between the hubcap and the wheel hub. The hubcap profile provides clearance for removal of an outboard mounted disc brake rotor in heavy-duty vehicle wheel end assemblies that include such rotor configurations. The hubcap may support simple mounting of a hub odometer.

A variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel having a plurality of spokes connecting a hub and a rim together are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of through spaces defined between the plurality of spokes to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and configured in a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof; and a drive unit disposed in the spoke wheel, and connected to the variable flap such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted.

A variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel having a plurality of spokes connecting a hub and a rim together are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of through spaces defined between the plurality of spokes to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and configured in a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof; and a drive unit disposed in the spoke wheel, and connected to the variable flap such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted.

Provided is a power generation system capable of efficiently converting wind power into electric power. The power generation system comprises: a pneumatic tire; a wheel on which the pneumatic tire is mounted; and at least one generator wind turbine attached, in a cavity defined by the pneumatic tire and the wheel, to the pneumatic tire and/or the wheel.