Self-powered actively steerable converter dollies for long combination vehicles
US10518831B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/70
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided are self-powered actively steerable converter dollies (SPASCDs) for long combination vehicles (LCVs), LCVs utilizing SPASCDs, and methods of operating such LCVs. These SPASCDs could be used with conventional tractors and/or specifically configured tractors. A SPASCD may include an electrical drive, which can generate power (e.g., to charge SPASCD's battery) or generate torque using the electrical power stored in SPASCD's battery (e.g., to assist the tractor during acceleration or going uphill). The SPASCD also comprises steerable wheels and a steering component, configured to change the steering angle of the steerable wheels. The steering angle may be changed in response to various inputs, such as the steering angle of the tractor's front steerable wheels, the steering angle of the steerable wheels of another trailer in the same LCV, sensor inputs, and the like. This steering feature allows change the track of the SPASCD, e.g., to follow the tractor's track.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.