Wheel stabilization mechanism and method
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorMoin U. Asjad
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wheel stabilization mechanism includes an actuator configured to be coupled to a vehicle body and a wheel stabilizer configured to be movably coupled to the vehicle body such that the wheel stabilizer is configured to move with respect to a wheel. The actuator is configured to move the wheel stabilizer with respect to the wheel from a disengaged position toward an engaged position in response to a force applied to the vehicle body. In the engaged position, the wheel stabilizer is configured to inhibit at least a portion of the wheel from moving with respect to the vehicle body to minimize movement of the wheel with respect to the vehicle body.
Claims9
A wheel stabilization mechanism, comprising:
- an actuator coupled to a vehicle body;
- a wheel stabilizer movably coupled to the vehicle body such that the wheel stabilizer is configured to move with respect to a wheel, wherein the vehicle body includes a frame coupled to the wheel, and the actuator includes a rod movably coupled to the frame;
- wherein the actuator is configured to move the wheel stabilizer relative to the wheel from a disengaged position toward an engaged position in response to a force applied to the vehicle body;
- and
- wherein, in the engaged position, the wheel stabilizer is configured to inhibit at least a portion of the wheel from moving relative to the vehicle body to minimize movement of the wheel relative to the vehicle body.
A vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle body;
- a wheel coupled to the vehicle body, wherein the vehicle body includes a frame configured to be coupled to the wheel;
- an actuator coupled to the vehicle body, wherein the actuator includes a rod movably coupled to the frame;
- a wheel stabilizer movably coupled to the vehicle body;
- wherein the actuator is configured to move the wheel stabilizer with respect to the wheel from a disengaged position and an engaged position in response to a force applied to the vehicle body;
- and
- wherein, in the engaged position, the wheel stabilizer is configured to inhibit at least a portion of the wheel from moving with respect to the vehicle body to minimize movement of the wheel with respect to the vehicle body.
A method of controlling a crush mode of a vehicle body structure movable longitudinally and rollingly supported on a tire/wheel rotatable in a longitudinal plane, comprising:
- providing said vehicle body structure with a tire/wheel stabilizer actuatable between first and second positions with respect to said tire/wheel;
- and
- actuating, using an actuator, said tire/wheel stabilizer to one of said positions in response to a vehicle impact eccentric to a longitudinal movement of said vehicle body structure;
- wherein the vehicle body structure includes a frame coupled to the tire/wheel;
- and
- wherein the actuator includes a rod movably coupled to the frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.