Mobile platform with retractable drive wheels and steerable wheels

US11472500B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. · US

Inventors

• Matthew Amacker · San Jose, US
• Joseph Taylor · Overland Park, US
• Gregory J. Klein · Newport, US
• Jonathan Yao · San Jose, US
• Andrew Custer · Oakland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 22, 2019
• Grant date: Oct 18, 2022
• Expiry date: Jul 18, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2500/30
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A mobile platform includes a base having a first surface and at least one drive wheel coupled to the base so as to movable with respect to the base first surface. A drive wheel retention mechanism is coupled to the at least one drive wheel and is structured to retain the at least one drive wheel in a first position in which the at least one drive wheel extends to a first distance from the first surface along a first side of the first surface. A plurality of roller elements is also coupled to the base and is structured to extend to a distance from the first surface along the first side of the first surface. The distance of the plurality of roller elements from the first surface is less than the first distance of the at least one drive wheel from the first surface.