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US 2014/0110024 A1Published application
Variable Compliance Wheel
AssigneeMillenWorks
InventorsEric Anderfaas, Brian Miller, Dean Banks, Jon Charland, David Clemens, Chris Culbertson, Peter LeNoach, Jared Trauernicht
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims21
A system for modifying the stiffness of a rotating element comprising:
- an inner radial member;
- a collar member disposed to slide on said inner radial member;
- an outer radial member;
- a plurality of spoke members, each of which having a first end fixed to said collar member and a second end fixed to said outer radial member;
- an actuator coupled to said collar member;
- said actuator axially moving said collar member to change a position of said plurality of spokes and thereby adjust a firmness of at least part of said rotating element.
3 more elements
A method of modifying the stiffness of a circular element during rotation comprising:
- providing a circular element coupled to an axle;
- rotating said circular element with said axle;
- and
- modifying a firmness of said circular element by directing an actuator to change a tension of a plurality of spokes disposed on said rotating element.
1 more element
A system for modifying the stiffness of a rotating element comprising:
- an inner radial member;
- a first ring member disposed to slide on said inner radial member;
- a second ring member disposed to slide on said inner radial member;
- an outer radial member positioned substantially around said inner radial member;
- a first plurality of elongated elements, each of which having a first end fixed to said first ring member and a second end fixed to said outer radial member;
- a second plurality of elongated elements, each of which having a first end fixed to said second ring member and a second end fixed to said outer radial member;
- a first actuator coupled to said first ring member for varying a stiffness of said first plurality of elongated elements;
- a second actuator coupled to said second ring member for varying a stiffness of said first plurality of elongated elements;
- a controller connected to said first actuator and said second actuator for independently controlling said first actuator and said second actuator.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.