Resilient wheel assemblies
US9346499B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/01
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wheel assembly for a remote vehicle comprises a wheel structure comprising a plurality of spokes interconnecting a rim and a hub. The spokes comprise at least one slit extending therethrough radially inward from the rim to the hub. The assembly also comprises a flipper structure comprising an arm, a plurality of legs, and an attachment base. The plurality of legs and the attachment base comprise a four-bar linkage. The assembly further comprises an insert comprising a bore with a flat surface that tapers outward from a top portion to a bottom portion of the insert. The insert being configured to couple the flipper structure to the wheel structure via an axle on the remote vehicle and prevent backlash between the axle and the flipper structure. The flipper structure being configured to transmit axial forces to the wheel structure. The wheel structure being configured to absorb radial and axial forces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.