The concept is simple.
As energy consumption and overall friction rises with the rolling friction, wheels are usually a compromise between energy efficiency and traction efficiency.
As electric cars are now reality there is possibility to apply more sophisticated wheel designs with engine compartment build inside a rim.
In my design there is conical wheel with engine inside a rim, mounted to the pylon providing suspension together with shock absorbency system. This pylon can be spinned on the axis shown on the picture by a certain angle.
Spinning affects several aspects: positions the conical wheel providing larger or smaller contact area with road surface; extends a base of the vehicle; lowers or rises a mass center.
Different pressure areas act in two ways. First, they enable proper deformation of the wheel while it changes its vertical position. Second, lower pressure gives larger contact area with road surface.
There are many advantages of this system (as well as some disadvantages, but why should I sabotage my own idea:) ). Advantages are as follows:
- compact design;
- adjustable traction efficiency (for off-road for instance);
- in case of rain or emergency spinning pylons outside makes vehicle more stable (extended base), lowers mass center and substantially enhances traction;
- in normal road conditions retracted pylons reduces rolling friction;
- with use of friction sensor every wheel can be adjusted separately, for instance on curves (one side adjustment);
Also, changing the punctured wheel itself doesn't have to be major problem as fastening bolts can be placed on the outer edge of the rim. Additionally, three pressure compartments make it highly improbable to flat the tyre completely.
Mark Messer
