Independently rotating wheels with planetary drive
US6672985B2 · kind B2 · utility
14Cited by
87References
21Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wheel end assembly having a dual wheel configuration includes independently rotating wheel hubs to reduce tire wear. The wheel end includes a first planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear for driving one wheel hub. A second planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear drives another wheel hub. A differential assembly is coupled to the first and second sun gears to allow the first and second wheel hubs to rotate relative to one another as the vehicle executes turning maneuvers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.