Patent classifications
B62K5/10
Stabilizing arrangement for a tilting running gear of a vehicle and tilting running gear
A stabilizing arrangement for a tilting running gear of a non-rail-borne vehicle is disclosed. The stabilizing arrangement includes a balance beam configured to have each end coupled to a respective suspension side of a multi-track running gear axle of the tilting running gear. A pivot bearing is connected to a frame or body of the vehicle and defines a stationary axis of rotation. The pivot bearing rotatably supports the balance beam about the stationary axis of rotation. At least one stabilizing element is connected to the balance beam and is supported with respect to a frame or body of the vehicle. The at least one stabilizing element is configured to provide a reaction force to counteract a tilting moment of the vehicle. A non-rail-borne vehicle comprising the stabilizing arrangement also is disclosed.
Stabilizing arrangement for a tilting running gear of a vehicle and tilting running gear
A stabilizing arrangement for a tilting running gear of a non-rail-borne vehicle is disclosed. The stabilizing arrangement includes a balance beam configured to have each end coupled to a respective suspension side of a multi-track running gear axle of the tilting running gear. A pivot bearing is connected to a frame or body of the vehicle and defines a stationary axis of rotation. The pivot bearing rotatably supports the balance beam about the stationary axis of rotation. At least one stabilizing element is connected to the balance beam and is supported with respect to a frame or body of the vehicle. The at least one stabilizing element is configured to provide a reaction force to counteract a tilting moment of the vehicle. A non-rail-borne vehicle comprising the stabilizing arrangement also is disclosed.
Human Powered, Narrow Track, Enclosed, Tilting, Commuter Vehicle
A pedal powered vehicle characterized by three or four-wheels, and comprising a human powered apparatus for controlling wheel and body lean is disclosed. The tilt control apparatus produces a parallel tilting of the main frame and hub-centered wheels; which, when combined with vehicle speed, indirectly governs a free to caster steering arrangement. Since the rider controls vehicle tilt at all times; and, because free to caster steering operates from full stop to full speed, there is no need to employ the technique of steer/counter steer, or the need for an on/off lean-lock device at slower/higher speeds. Operationally, the tilt control apparatus functions like a variable lean-lock device which ensures stability throughout the range of tilt and enables the operator to maximize the roll over resistance, making the vehicle's high profile (height of a compact sedan) and narrow track (functional fit with cycle lanes) suitable for urban commuting.
Human Powered, Narrow Track, Enclosed, Tilting, Commuter Vehicle
A pedal powered vehicle characterized by three or four-wheels, and comprising a human powered apparatus for controlling wheel and body lean is disclosed. The tilt control apparatus produces a parallel tilting of the main frame and hub-centered wheels; which, when combined with vehicle speed, indirectly governs a free to caster steering arrangement. Since the rider controls vehicle tilt at all times; and, because free to caster steering operates from full stop to full speed, there is no need to employ the technique of steer/counter steer, or the need for an on/off lean-lock device at slower/higher speeds. Operationally, the tilt control apparatus functions like a variable lean-lock device which ensures stability throughout the range of tilt and enables the operator to maximize the roll over resistance, making the vehicle's high profile (height of a compact sedan) and narrow track (functional fit with cycle lanes) suitable for urban commuting.
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a left front wheel, a right front wheel, and a rear wheel that tilt together with a body frame, wherein, while a large capacity of a fuel tank is ensured, a variation in the center-of-gravity position of the vehicle while driving is small. When viewed in a side view with the body frame in an upright position, the fuel tank is disposed between a first center and a second center, the first center being located between a third center and right and left front wheel ground contacting portions, the second center being located between the third center and a rear wheel ground contacting portion, the third center being located between the right and the left front wheel ground contacting portions and the rear wheel ground contacting portion.
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a left front wheel, a right front wheel, and a rear wheel that tilt together with a body frame, wherein, while a large capacity of a fuel tank is ensured, a variation in the center-of-gravity position of the vehicle while driving is small. When viewed in a side view with the body frame in an upright position, the fuel tank is disposed between a first center and a second center, the first center being located between a third center and right and left front wheel ground contacting portions, the second center being located between the third center and a rear wheel ground contacting portion, the third center being located between the right and the left front wheel ground contacting portions and the rear wheel ground contacting portion.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TILTABLE VEHICLE
A vehicle of the present disclosure may include at least one pair of opposing wheels coupled to a tiltable central chassis by a four-bar linkage or the like, such that the wheels are configured to tilt in unison with the central chassis. A steering actuator and/or a tilting actuator may be discretely controllable by an electronic controller of the vehicle. The controller may include processing logic configured to maintain alignment between a median plane of the chassis and a net force vector caused by gravity and any induced centrifugal forces. Various control algorithms may be utilized to steer the vehicle along a desired path, either autonomously or semi-autonomously.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TILTABLE VEHICLE
A vehicle of the present disclosure may include at least one pair of opposing wheels coupled to a tiltable central chassis by a four-bar linkage or the like, such that the wheels are configured to tilt in unison with the central chassis. A steering actuator and/or a tilting actuator may be discretely controllable by an electronic controller of the vehicle. The controller may include processing logic configured to maintain alignment between a median plane of the chassis and a net force vector caused by gravity and any induced centrifugal forces. Various control algorithms may be utilized to steer the vehicle along a desired path, either autonomously or semi-autonomously.
A KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM, A WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME
Please replace the abstract with the following amended abstract: A knuckle assembly for use with a wheel suspension system of a vehicle having a vehicle longitudinal axis, a frame extending therealong, the suspension system comprising upper and lower suspension arms, each having a frame engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the frame about a proximal suspension axis, and a knuckle engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the knuckle assembly about a distal suspension axis parallel to the proximal suspension axis.
A KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM, A WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME
Please replace the abstract with the following amended abstract: A knuckle assembly for use with a wheel suspension system of a vehicle having a vehicle longitudinal axis, a frame extending therealong, the suspension system comprising upper and lower suspension arms, each having a frame engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the frame about a proximal suspension axis, and a knuckle engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the knuckle assembly about a distal suspension axis parallel to the proximal suspension axis.