Wheel-embedded suspension

US7938210B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology · US

Inventors

• Patrik Kunzler · Zürich, CH
• Peter Alfons Schmitt · Münstermaifeld, DE
• Raul-David Poblano · Somerville, US
• Brian Chan · Millbrae, US
• Philip A. Liang · Cambridge, US
• Franco H. Vairani · Cambridge, US
• Axel Kilian · Cambridge, US
• Ryan Chin · Cambridge, US
• William J. Mitchell · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 15, 2005
• Grant date: May 10, 2011
• Expiry date: Aug 14, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/64
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An in-the-wheel suspension system including a drive mechanism for coupling the rotational motion of a wheel rim to the drive shaft of an electric motor and for supporting the wheel rim with respect to the vehicle chassis using one or more springs and dampers. In a hubless version, a spring member supports extend between a frame member attached to the chassis and a bearing member that engages with the rim. In a version used with a wheel hub, the hub is supported by an axle and the spring member supports the axle in movable relation to the frame member. A pivoting support arm that is attached to the axel and pivots about a pivot point attached to the frame member at a location spaced from the wheel axis may be used to support the hub. A Peaucellier linkage may be used to support the axle for movement along a straight line vertical path, the linkage being attached to the frame member at two fixed pivot points. The wheel suspension units perform all the traditional drivetrain functions independently and can be attached to the chassis in a manner that allows for easy removal.