Bimodal conveyance mechanism
US7543663B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D61/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A virtual wheel provides a leg pair as a conveyance mechanism for a land vehicle. The virtual wheel propels the vehicle across a surface using a repetitive motion of the legs that contact the ground as would a wheel, due to their geometry. Vehicle embodiments include at least two-, three-, four- and six-wheeled vehicles, both transverse and in-line. Additionally, the invention provides a bipedal walking robot. One embodiment provides a robotic mule—a payload-carrying vehicle. The invention combines the flexible mobility of bipedal vehicles with the stability and functionality of very large-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, a bimodal conveyance mechanism readily converts between walking and rolling modes
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.