초록 ▼

A two-wheeled vehicle, with the wheels mounted in an in-line fashion, that maintains the point of contact of the wheels in an optimal controllability area during both straight and turning operations, thereby expanding the controllable operating envelope of the vehicle to be substantially coincident

A two-wheeled vehicle, with the wheels mounted in an in-line fashion, that maintains the point of contact of the wheels in an optimal controllability area during both straight and turning operations, thereby expanding the controllable operating envelope of the vehicle to be substantially coincident with the overall operating envelope of the vehicle. Preferably, this is accomplished with position regulator, such as a dynamically-variable linkage (DVL), connecting one or more of the wheels to the chassis of the vehicle. The position regulator permits a rider to reliably and easily control and maneuver throughout the operating envelope of the vehicle simply by tilting the vehicle. As a result, stable, hands-free maneuvering of the vehicle is possible simply by tilting the base in the direction of a desired turn, even over rough terrain, and without a user requiring excessive corrective force or unusually special balancing skills. A plurality of such position regulators can be installed on the vehicle to further enhance stability and performance of the vehicle. Also, the vehicle may be powered or de-powered, and can include additional suspension systems aimed at smoothing the vehicle's ride.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A two-wheeled vehicle for operating on a ground surface, the vehicle comprising:a base having a generally longitudinal length defining a longitudinal center line; a first wheel pivotally secured to said base at said longitudinal center line and having a first area of contact with the ground surfa

1. A two-wheeled vehicle for operating on a ground surface, the vehicle comprising:a base having a generally longitudinal length defining a longitudinal center line; a first wheel pivotally secured to said base at said longitudinal center line and having a first area of contact with the ground surface; a second wheel pivotally secured to said base, spaced apart from said first wheel, having a second area of contact with the ground surface, and a steering axis at said longitudinal center line; said steering axis aligned such that the second wheel can turn side-to-side relative to the base thereby steering the vehicle and defining range of motion of the second wheel that includes a straight position and a turned position of the second wheel relative to the base, said steering axis and said first area of contact defining the vehicle plane of the vehicle; said base able to tilt generally about said center line and thereby command the second wheel into one of said straight position and said turned position from the other of said straight position and said turned position based on the direction and angle of said tilt defining straight and turning operations of the vehicle; and, a position regulator operably securing said second wheel to said base such that said second area of contact remains substantially within said vehicle plane in both said straight position and said turned position wherein dynamic balance and maneuverability of the vehicle are maintained during both said straight and said turning operations of the vehicle.