Automatic adjustment of center of mass of a vehicle
US10669015B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M1/127
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method, vehicle, and system for calculating the location of a center of mass of the vehicle and transferring fuel to move the location of the center of mass are provided. The location of the center of mass of the vehicle is determined by measuring or calculating forces acting on the vehicle that counteract the gravitational forces on the vehicle. The location of the center of mass is calculated by determining on a moment arm of the gravitational force that counteracts the moment arms of the other forces acting on the vehicle. Fuel can be transferred among differently-located fuel tanks in the vehicle to move the location of the center of mass to a position in which at least some of the other forces acting on the vehicle are reduced, which may increase the speed and/or efficiency of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.