Wheel suspension and retraction system
US7316594B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2300/28
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanism is provided by which the wheels of an amphibious vehicle are simultaneously retracted or protracted for switching between a land mode and a marine mode of operation. Each of a transversely spaced pair of wheels is supported by a horizontally arranged spring and damper combination acting on at least one suspension link. Each spring and damper combination is in turn supported by a movable anchor point, the position of which determines the extent of protraction or retraction of the associated wheel. The anchor points for the two wheels may be located at opposite ends of a rotatable rocker member, the rotational orientation of which is determined by an actuator taking the form of for example a hydraulic ram or electric motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.