Virtual-wheeled vehicle

US7588105B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Applied Minds, LLC · US

Inventors

• W. Daniel Hillis · Calabasas, US
• Bran Ferren · Beverly Hills, US
• Luke W. Khanlian · San Fernando, US
• Mark Setrakian · Los Angeles, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 3, 2005
• Grant date: Sep 15, 2009
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D57/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical 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.