Assisted propulsion system, method and chassis
US9937943B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2014 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assisted propulsion system, method and chassis for conveying a payload along a surface are described. A plurality of wheels disposed about the chassis support it on the surface. A drive provides at least assisted propulsion to the chassis along the surface. At least a driving part of the drive is connected to the chassis via a mount having a resiliently sprung link. At least the driving part of the drive has a fixed orientation and is moveable independently of the chassis and the plurality of wheels in a direction towards the surface. The resiliently sprung link is arranged to direct at least the driving part onto the surface during provision of the assisted propulsion. A sensor is arranged to monitor acceleration of the drive and to communicate data on acceleration to a controller, which controls operation of the drive in dependence on the data received from the sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.