A system and method of stabilizing a vehicle are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a self-stabilizing vehicle having an articulated frame may generally comprise: a first frame portion coupled to one or more wheels; an second frame portion to support a load of the vehicle; a hinge assembly operably coupling the first frame portion and the second frame portion; and a control unit to drive the hinge assembly causing the second frame portion to rotate (relative to the first frame portion) about one or more hinge axes as a function of inertial data and speed data, and optionally steering control input signals. In some two-wheeled applications, both wheels are steerable; additionally, both wheels may be driven. Alternative vehicles are disclosed having one wheel and three wheels.
A system and method of stabilizing a vehicle are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a self-stabilizing vehicle having an articulated frame may generally comprise: a base frame portion coupled to one or more wheels; an operator frame portion to support an operator of the vehicle; a hinge assembly operably coupling the base frame portion and the operator frame portion; and a control unit to drive the hinge assembly causing the operator frame portion to rotate (relative to the base frame portion) about one or more hinge axes as a function of inertial data and speed data, and optionally steering control input signals. In some two-wheeled applications, both wheels are steerable; additionally, both wheels may be driven. Alternative vehicles are disclosed having one wheel and three wheels.
A system and method of stabilizing a two-wheeled vehicle are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a self-stabilizing two-wheeled vehicle having an articulated frame may generally comprise: a front wheel and a rear wheel substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis; a base frame portion coupled to the front wheel and to the rear wheel via respective front and rear suspension components; an operator frame portion to support an operator of the vehicle; a hinge assembly operably coupling the base frame portion and the operator frame portion; and a control unit to drive the hinge assembly causing the operator frame portion to rotate about a hinge axis as a function of inertial data and speed data.
B62D 37/04 - Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements by means of movable masses
B60G 17/016 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
B62D 37/00 - Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements
B62D 37/06 - Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements by means of movable masses using gyroscopes
B62D 61/02 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with two road wheels in tandem on the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle
B62K 11/00 - Motorcycles, engine-assisted cycles or motor scooters with one or two wheels
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