Reconfigurable wheel-track assembly with bowtie configuration
US12195113B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60B19/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) device is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice versa. The wheel mode allows a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track mode for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheeltrack device comprises several main components: an outer tire/tread, a drive mechanism for driving the tread when in track mode and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from wheel mode to track mode and vice versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transitions, and securely maintain each wheel and track shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.