Abstract:
An expandable and retractable wheel assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments includes a hub structure having a circular periphery and a rim expandable in circumference from a retracted circular position to one or more expanded circular positions. The rim engages and is supported by the circular periphery of the hub structure when in the retracted position. A plurality of linear actuators is attached to and supported by the hub structure. Each linear actuator includes a piston rod and a drive system for moving the piston rod from a retracted position to one or more extended positions, wherein a distal end of the piston rod engages and moves the rim when the piston rod is extended and also supports the rim in the one or more expanded rim positions.
Abstract:
Provided is a non-pneumatic tire including an attachment body attached to an axle, a ring-shaped body (13) configured to surround the attachment body from the outside in the tire radial direction, and a plurality of connecting members disposed between an exterior body (12) and the ring-shaped body (13) in a tire circumferential direction and configured to connect the exterior body (12) and the ring-shaped body (13) in a relatively displaceable manner, wherein, when the tire comes in contact with the ground, the connecting members are deformed by a compressive load in the tire radial direction, and the exterior body (12) and the ring-shaped body (13) are relatively displaced in the tire radial direction, among the plurality of connecting members, the connecting members disposed between the ground surface (G), with which the tire comes in contact, and the exterior body (12) abut other connecting members neighboring in the tire circumferential direction.
Abstract:
A non-pneumatic tire assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential ring and an outer circumferential ring defining an annular space and a cylindrical space inside the inner circumferential ring. A plurality of partitions connect the circumferential rings within the annular space. A ground-contacting tread is located on the outer circumferential ring. A rim, including a plurality of pieces, is located within the cylindrical space. The non-pneumatic tire assembly further includes a hub that is removably connected to the rim.
Abstract:
A tension-based non-pneumatic structurally supported wheel with reduced lateral stiffness having a compliant tread band and a plurality of web spokes for bearing the load in tension extending transversely across and inward from a compliant tread band for attachment to a hub. The web spokes have an increasing draft angle and decreasing width as they extend from the compliant tread band to the hub reducing the lateral stiffness of the wheel thereby reducing steering force feedback to the steering mechanism.
Abstract:
An internal wheel suspension and shock absorbing system includes a hub with radially extending spokes, cooperating with springs axially mounted thereon, abutting a hub and entering the rim of a wheel. The spokes secure onto a hub that mounts onto the vehicle axle, for rotation. When a force is encountered, the forces are absorbed by the spokes, the springs, and the slots as the hub has limited translation within the rim. The springs are adjustable and bias against the head of the spokes and the hub, and absorb the impact of vector forces generated from any impact.
Abstract:
A wheel connectable to a vehicle comprises a stationary member comprising an axis, a rotary member rotatable about the axis, and at least one support member positioned between the stationary member and the rotary member thereby providing a normally fixed distance therebetween. The support member is adapted to retain the distance when stressed up to a threshold value and to recoverably alter the distance when stressed over the threshold value.
Abstract:
An internal wheel suspension and shock absorbing system includes a hub with radially extending spokes, cooperating with springs axially mounted thereon, abutting a hub and entering the rim of a wheel. The spokes secure onto a hub that mounts onto the vehicle axle, for rotation. When a force is encountered, the forces are absorbed by the spokes, the springs, and the slots as the hub has limited translation within the rim. The springs are adjustable and bias against the head of the spokes and the hub, and absorb the impact of vector forces generated from any impact.
Abstract:
In the wheel structure according to the invention, at least one and preferably several profile elements (2.1) are used for the transmission of forces between hub (1) and rim (3). Said parts (1.2, 1.3) are combined or combinable into an intrinsically stiff structure. The structure is particularly suitable for car wheels.
Abstract:
A deformable wheel useful for example as a vehicle wheel or as a gear comprises a tread which is incompressible around its periphery but flexible under radial forces and a tension transmission system connecting different points of the tread to substantially diametrically opposed points and designed in such a way that, under a normal load, the strength of the radial forces which act on part of the connecting system is sufficient to prevent the wheel from collapsing completely. The tread may be constructed of hinged plates or may be similar to a tire tread or may be provided with teeth, depending on the application of the wheel, and the wheel may also include a central rigid part or hub to which the connecting system is attached. The wheel may be used for vehicles, gearings, pulleys and so on.