Field of the invention

The present invention relates to motor vehicles and more specifically vehicles for manoeuvring in areas of limited space.

Background of the invention

US 3,404,746 discloses a motor vehicle comprising at castor wheels at the front and back end of the vehicle chassis and a driving wheel positioned between the front and back end castor wheels. The driving wheel is connected to a motor and allows the vehicle to be manoeuvred in such a manner that it can change directions on the spot.

US 5479998 discloses an electrically powered motor vehicle with an on-board propelling power source and operator control functions for steering the vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis with an operator seat for receiving a human operator, a front steering wheel which is connected to an electronic motor for propelling the vehicle and laterally directed by the operator. The vehicle further comprises a drive- gear assembly and a pair of rear wheels for supporting and assisting in manoeuvring the vehicle as well as a pair of front stabilizing wheels spaced laterally from the front wheel with the front wheel intermediate to the front stabilizing wheels.

The problems with modern cars are many, such as pollution, high oil prices and the fact that the conventional car is full of energy waste. Furthermore, the conventional automobile is getting more and more complex, and issues such as maneuverability where space is limited including parking in downtown areas has yet to improve. The normal car is relatively heavy and the weight increases the braking distance , more wear on the tires and affects fuel economy.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a new way of driving and a new way of making a car. The solution consists of a revolutionary invention in the new under body design for automobiles. This is the best solution for electric automobiles in crowded places like cities, cargo- and industry areas. The simplicity of the construction makes it capable to only use three mechanical units for the whole underbody within the service centre to fully service mechanical maintenance issues. The know-how needed at the service site is very limited which reduces labour cost. The trouble-shooting can be done in centres via IT technology. The vehicle of the present invention can be applied to passenger vehicles, cargo vehicles, industry vehicles and vehicles designed for handicapped persons. The vehicle also requires less maintenance cost than conventional electric cars and maximum efficiency in energy usage results in low power consumption. Higher energy yield and limited environmental impact as well as more flexibility/convenience in manoeuvring are also advantages provided by this new vehicle.

The present invention provides a new and improved motor vehicle chassis frame comprising fewer movable components as a driving mechanism. The motor vehicle chassis frame has a central driving and steering wheel and has the ability of changing driving direction of 360° on the spot. This provides a simpler vehicle for operating in areas with limited space such as inner-city (down town) area and in storage areas such as warehouses.

In the first aspect of the present invention a motor vehicle chassis frame with an onboard propelling power source and operation control is provided. The motor vehicle chassis frame comprises a first chassis frame having a horizontal plane and a first longitudinal axis, a first set of at least front support wheels projecting from said chassis frame, which are rotatable about a first axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal plane, and a second set of at least rear support wheels projecting from said chassis, which are rotatable about a second axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal plane. The motor vehicle chassis frame further comprises at least one central driving wheel assembly attached to the chassis frame, said central driving is propellant for the vehicle. The driving wheel assembly is steerable at least about 180° on either side of a straight ahead direction of said first longitudinal axis, a power source to propel said central driving wheel in forward and reverse directions and an operation control for interaction with at least said central driving wheel assembly. The central driving wheel assembly is moveably attached to said chassis frame allowing the driving wheel assembly position to be changed so that the distance to and from respective support wheels is altered. The central driving wheel assembly is arranged in-between said first and second set of support wheels in most embodiments, but can be moved to a parallel position to the front and the rear support wheels.

The vehicle of the present invention is operated through traditional operation control means including a computer synchronises the driving wheel assembly, the breaks and the wheel supports. If the vehicle is being driven sideways in a parking spot and a hindrance is present in front of one of the wheel, the computer synchronises the movement of the wheels using both the driving wheel assembly and the breaks on the support wheels.

In one embodiment there are five wheels under the vehicle. The four outer wheels are for support and stability and rotate 360°. The 5th wheel is under the center and the vehicle (the driving wheel assembly) which rotates 360° around it and moves with it. The simplicity in the mechanic makes it much less weight than a conventional car and the power requirements are minimal. The maneuverability in crowded cities is in all aspects better than with the conventional car. The direction of movement is governed by the center wheel, which means that the vehicle turns 360° around the 5th wheel. The driving wheel assembly moves forward in the car frame in accordance with speed for stability while driving as well as making the car safer. The movements may be by Jackscrew or similar design like flaps on an airplane. It is able to get at least in line with the trailing edge of the front wheels. In fact it should feel like you are driving a front wheel drive car.

The front wheels are fixed in the vehicle frame but rotate 360°. When the vehicle picks up speed the front wheels will tilt to gain more stability in the forward movement. It will work well with the Centrifugal force of the wheel and the

Momentum (Inertia) of the car. The wheel will be more stable. It should also be more stable during braking. The rear wheels are fixed in the vehicle frame but rotate 360°. When the vehicle picks up speed and the 5th wheel starts to move forward or backward they should get a fixed position parallel direction with the vehicle. There can be a combustion engine of any type to charge the batteries.

In an embodiment of the present invention each front and rear wheel have a break system. In an embodiment of the present invention the front and rear wheels having a locking device provided in the wheel support of the vehicle, providing one or more locked direction position for one or more wheels.

In an embodiment of the present invention the each of the front and rear wheels have a free 360° swivel about a first vertical axis of rotation unless locked in a fixed position.

In an embodiment of the present invention the central driving wheel assembly is mounted onto a second chassis frame moveably attached to the motor vehicle chassis frame and the central driving wheel has a 0 - 360° rotational range.

In an embodiment of the present invention the second chassis frame is moveable within said chassis frame along a first longitudinal axis and thereby allowing changing of said driving wheel position with respect to said support wheels.

In an embodiment of the present invention a second chassis frame is connected to and arranged within the first chassis frame including said horizontal plane.

In an embodiment of the present invention the front wheels projecting from the said first chassis frame, have a wheel-fork support. In other embodiments the front wheels projecting from the said first chassis frame are supported by side axel support or any other wheel support.

In an embodiment of the present invention wherein the rear wheels projecting from the first chassis frame, have a wheel-fork support. In other embodiments the rear wheels projecting from the said first chassis frame are supported by side axel support or any other wheel support.

In an embodiment of the present invention a power source for supplying power to the driving wheel is provided.

In an embodiment of the present invention the wheel support horizontal alignment is adjustable. This means that the distance between the front and the rear wheels can be altered. Furthermore, if the position axel of rotation for the wheels is different for the axel of rotation for the wheel support, the height of the chassis from the road can be altered by moving the support wheel forward or backwards. The adjustment of the wheel support, altering the between the front and the rear wheels, can be made using a combination of the driving motion of the car and the brake system of the car or by an electrical motor.

In an embodiment of the present invention the central driving wheel assembly is moveably attached to a first chassis frame or a second chassis frame associated with the first chassis frame allowing the driving wheel assembly position to be changed so that the distance to and from respective support wheels is altered. Additionally, the position of the locking device can be altered or moved forwards or backwards to increase stability of the vehicle, when the vehicle is driven with increased speed.

In a second aspect of the present invention a method for altering the direction of a motor vehicle chassis frame between a first direction of travel and a second direction of travel is provided. The motor vehicle chassis frame comprises a chassis frame, wherein the chassis has a horizontal plane and a first longitudinal axis, a first set of at least front support wheels projecting from said chassis frame, the wheels being rotatable about a first axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal plane, and a second set of at least rear support wheels projecting from said chassis, the wheels being rotatable about a second axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal plane. The motor vehicle chassis frame comprises at least one central driving wheel assembly attached to said chassis frame and arranged in-between said first and second set of support wheels, the wheel assembly being steerable at least about 180° on either side of a straight ahead direction of said first longitudinal axis, a power source to propel said central driving wheel in forward and reverse directions, and an operation control for interaction with at least said central driving wheel assembly. The central driving wheel assembly is moveably attached to the chassis frame allowing said driving wheel assembly position to be changed so that the distance to and from respective support wheels is altered and through rotation of the driving wheel from a first to a second driving direction followed by said support wheels, the chassis driving direction is 360° on the spot.

In an embodiment of the present invention the front wheels is fixed in the car-frame with a 360° rotation around their axis. The locking device can be moved to a forward position (see fig. 3 and 5) (chopper position) when the speed of the motor vehicle increases to provide stability to the forward movement of the vehicle. This will further provide more stability to the wheel it self during increased speed of the motor vehicle as well as during breaking. The adjustment of the wheel support is controlled by a computer or the driver manually or automatically.

In an embodiment of the present invention the rear wheels (rear support wheels) are fixed in the car-frame with a 360° rotation around their axis. When the speed of the motor vehicle is increased, the central driving wheel is moved forwards or backwards in the cassis frame and the position of the rear wheels is fixed and rotate only in line with the direction of driving. The position of the rear wheels is locked by any control means such as by an electrical device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the driving direction of the motor vehicle is determined by the direction of the central driving wheel, which rotates 360° in the central driving wheel assembly. The central driving wheel assembly can be moved forward and backward in the in the car-frame. This longitudinal position of the central driving wheel assembly depends on and is in accordance with the speed of the motor vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present invention the position of the central driving wheel assembly is at least in line with the aft edge of the front wheels. This is particularly relevant when the car is moving relatively fast compared to the capacity of the car.

In an embodiment of the present invention the driving system of the motor vehicle is hydraulic power pack.

In an embodiment of the present invention the driving system of the motor vehicle is electric power pack.

In an embodiment of the present invention each wheel unit, i.e. front wheels, rear wheels and the central driving wheel comprise electric generators.

In an embodiment of the present invention the motor vehicle can be manoeuvred in all directions from a single starting point, e.g. the vehicle can be driven straight ahead and then stopped and driven sideways in a 90° direction from the previous moving direction, from the still position. That means that the motor vehicle can be stopped in a parallel position to a single parking space (or the vehicles driving direction) and then move 90° into the parking space as compared to it's front and back orientation. An automated or computer controlled configuration of each wheel is determined according to the motion of the car, such as speed, direction (if the car is turning or moving straight ahead). The human interface or the steering instrument for the driver can be any operation device such as a traditional steering wheel or a joystick and the motor vehicle can be controlled from a remote location by a remote control. The vehicle can further be automatically controlled when driven in an intelligent road system using guiding signals.

In an embodiment of the present invention the power system of the motor vehicle can be any motor system, such as fuel (e.g. diesel, gasoline, biogas, ethanol, and the like), electrical/battery and/or a two engine configuration, which are used to charge the electrical system (cell).

In an embodiment of the present invention the motor vehicle chassis frame is equally functional in both forward and backwards directions, i.e. the front end of the vehicle functions as the aft end of the vehicle and vice versa. When directions are switched this way, the front support wheels are locked in a vertical position and the rear support wheels now function as front support wheels, where the locking device can be altered or moved forward to increase stability of the vehicle. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for vehicles to be operated in narrow storage spaces, where the body of the vehicle would be designed in such a manner that the operator can easily switch positions according to the direction of which the vehicle is driven.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention a motor vehicle chassis frame with an on-board propelling power source and operation control is provided, the vehicle comprises a chassis frame, where the chassis has a horizontal plane and a first longitudinal axis. The vehicle has a first at least one front support wheel projecting from said chassis frame, where the wheel is rotatable about a first axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal plane and a second set of at least rear support wheels projecting from said chassis, the wheels being rotatable about a second axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal plane. The vehicle further comprises at least one central driving wheel assembly attached to said chassis frame, said wheel assembly being steerable at least about 180° on either side of a straight ahead direction and/or backward of said first longitudinal axis, a power source to propel said central driving wheel in forward and reverse directions and an operation control for interaction with at least said central driving wheel assembly. The vehicle is characterised in that the central driving wheel assembly is moveably attached to said chassis frame allowing said driving wheel assembly position to be changed so that the distance to and from respective support wheels is altered. In this specific embodiment the first support wheel is the central driving wheel assembly.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 shows a top view of the motor vehicle chassis frame according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the motor vehicle chassis frame according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective drawing of the motor vehicle chassis frame according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a perspective overlay drawing overlay of the motor vehicle chassis frame according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a side view overlay drawing of the motor vehicle chassis frame according to the present invention.

Figures 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the present invention indicating a parallel parking of a vehicle.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment where the vehicle has 3 wheels, where the single front wheel is also the driving wheel assembly.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings using reference numbers indicating the individual components of the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show a motor vehicle chassis frame according to the present invention. A chassis frame 1 has a horizontal plane along a first longitudinal axis (A) and the figure shows a rectangular frame 1 with two extending chassis protrusions 2 in each direction to support a first set of front support wheels 3 and rear support wheels 5. The front support wheels are arced to chassis frame through an axle 4 connecting both protrusions supporting the front support wheels of the car. The front support wheels 3 are rotatable about a first axis of rotation (B) parallel to the horizontal plane. The second set of rear support wheels 5 project from the chassis 1 and are rotatable about a second axis of rotation (C) parallel to the horizontal plane. The rear support wheels 5 are arced to chassis frame 1 through an axle 6 connecting both protrusions 2 supporting the rear support wheels 5 of the car. A central driving wheel assembly 7 is shown being attached to the chassis frame 1 through a second chassis frame 8 mounted into the first chassis frame 1. The central driving wheel assembly 7 is moveably attached to second chassis frame 8 such that the whole assembly can be moved forward and backwards in the second chassis frame 8 and thereby the relative distance between the driving wheel assembly 7 and the front and rear support wheels respectively is altered. The driving wheel assembly 7 is steerable at least about 180° on either side of a forward or backward direction of the first longitudinal axis (A) (360° on the spot change of direction) and the central driving wheel has further a 0 - 360° rotational range (D). Furthermore, each of the front and rear wheels have a free rotation of 360° swivel about first vertical axis (B or C), unless locked in a fixed position.

Figure 3 shows a perspective drawing of the motor vehicle chassis frame according to the present invention. The driving wheel assembly 7 comprises an annular frame structure 9, an axel 10 laterally and centrally positioned in the annular frame structure and a wheel 11 mounted on the axle. The front and rear support wheels are connected to chassis frame by a locking device 12, 13 providing one or more locked direction position for the wheels and each locking device 12, 13 are coupled to the axle linking the protrusions 2 in the forward and backward direction of the chassis frame 1. The locking device shown in figure 3 shows an arch extension attached to each axle 4, 6 creating a space for the wheel construction. A rotation axle is attached to the other end of the arch giving the wheel construction a 360° free rotation around this axle. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a fork portion connects the wheel to the free end of the rotation axle. The central driving wheel assembly 7 shown in this embodiment is mounted onto the second chassis frame 8, which is moveably attached to said motor vehicle chassis frame, but in other embodiments the central driving wheel assembly 7 can be movably attached to the first chassis frame 1 it self. In the embodiment shown in figure 3, the locking device 12, 13 have a wheel-fork support for the front support wheels 3 and rear support wheels 5 respectively.

Figure 4 shows a perspective drawing of the motor vehicle chassis frame of the present invention where the upper part of a car body is shown a an overlay over the motor vehicle chassis frame, indicating the orientation of the vehicle and demonstrating the applicability of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a side view overlay drawing as in figure 4, where the locking device 12 is placed in a forward position. This embodiment is used when the vehicle is driven with increased speed and provides stability to the vehicle, but the turning capacity of the wheels is restricted with increased forward movement of the locking device.

Figures 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the present invention indicating a parallel parking of a vehicle. Both the front support wheels 3 and rear support wheels 5 are turned 90° around their first vertical axis (B or C) from their forward driving direction. The central driving wheel assembly 7 is positioned centrally in the second chassis frame 8 and the steering wheel 11 is turned 90° from its forward driving direction, parallel to the front and rear support wheels. The locking device 12, 13 is in a perfect vertical position to provide optimal turning ability of the locking device 12, 13.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment where the vehicle has 2 rear support wheels and one front support wheel, wherein the front support wheel is also the central driving wheel. In this embodiment the all three support wheels can be rotated 360°, but the front central driving wheel can also be moved forward and backwards as shown in the drawing.