GB2161435A - Vehicle steering and suspension systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-articulated road vehicle has wheels on two or more axles and has a steering system operative so that when steering is effected, the axes of the wheels meet at a common point. As illustrated, a motorcycle has four longitudinally spaced wheels. The wheel B is driven and unsteered. The other three wheels are steered. The four wheels are individually suspended by swing arms and shock absorbers S. A brake carried on a swing arm engages a wheel. A wheel other than wheel B may be driven. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Vehicle possessing correct steering This invention relates to steering, transmission, braking and suspension system. It is an overall concept.

For simplicity this invention is here applied to a single tracking vehicle, i.e. a motorcycle. The conventional design of which is considered by many to be inadequate.

The machine described below represents a wholly new method for motorcycle perfection.

According to the present invention there is provided a series of wheels, four in all, though more might be used, each located in position on its own stiffly constructed swing-arm.

Three wheels steer having 'hub-centre type steering'. The fourth wheel is in front of and driven by the engine. It is not steered, but set.

All the swing-arms are coupled via the suspension system and work as one unit of suspension.

The braking system may be part of the swing-arm construction and acts upon the wheel rim, ideally working hydraulically. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figures 1, 2, 3 show the steering mechanics.

Figure 4 shows a line of transmission.

Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 show the braking mechanics.

Figures 9 and 10 show the suspension mechanics.

Referring to Figure 1. This machine has a steering assembly comprising of three wheels each turning on its own pivoted hub 1, a means, 2, of harnessing the wheel and make it comply to that angle as governed by the master pre-set device, 3, which is connected to the rider's handlebars. The driven wheel 'B' is here in this example non-steering and its axis is the one with which the axes of the steering wheels should meet upon, all at, or nearly at, the same given point, whatever that is at any time.

Referring to Figure 4, this machine has a forward of the centre of gravity driving wheel. Any wheel could have been used, even a rear one, but a forward wheel drive prevents the machines from rising up on the rear wheel (wheelies). This is not normally possible on a conventionally designed motorcycle.

Arrow 'P' indicates effect under motive power, 'L' is a lug limiting any downward travel of the swing-arm 'S' Referring to Figure 5, shows the brake unit 'B' which is as near as possible to the wheels vertical axis of turning and through which is directed force 'F', to apply material 'P' against the wheel rim. This unit is detachably secured to, or else solidly built as part of, support 'S' which may be built as part of a stiff swing-arm assembly.

In Figure 7 is shown the resultant forces effected in braking. The 'diving' movement is opposed, and Figure 8 shows the attitude that results.

Referring to Figure 9 indicates how the suspension system is assembled, part and parcel as it were, of the whole chassis. The swing-arm construction pertaining to wheel 'B' are 'inside' that pertaining to 'A', and the same with 'C' and 'D', for clarity only, that of 'A' is emphasised here.

The forces, incurred in driving along are conveyed through the system by an all-moving assembly of links, cranks and bars. Shock absorbers, 'S' should be built in.

Figure 10 illustrates the conveyance of forces.

Lugs, 'L' are to limit movement of swing-arms.

1. Any non-articulated road going vehicle using more than two axles and having any number of wheels all, or most, or any of the which, are so arranged as to turn, when the steering is in use, with their axis meeting, or approximately meeting, at a common point of convergance.

2. Any single track vehicle steering as in Claim 1, but having two axles and conveying engine drive via, the front wheel, the rear wheel steering only.

3. Any vehicle which uses the turning moment of the wheel(s) to oppose 'dive' under braking as described herein.

4. Any vehicle which has a suspension system whereby the forces are conveyed to the wheels in any part similar to that described herein.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Vehicle possessing correct steering This invention relates to steering, transmission, braking and suspension system. It is an overall concept. For simplicity this invention is here applied to a single tracking vehicle, i.e. a motorcycle. The conventional design of which is considered by many to be inadequate. The machine described below represents a wholly new method for motorcycle perfection. According to the present invention there is provided a series of wheels, four in all, though more might be used, each located in position on its own stiffly constructed swing-arm. Three wheels steer having 'hub-centre type steering'. The fourth wheel is in front of and driven by the engine. It is not steered, but set. All the swing-arms are coupled via the suspension system and work as one unit of suspension. The braking system may be part of the swing-arm construction and acts upon the wheel rim, ideally working hydraulically. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figures 1, 2, 3 show the steering mechanics. Figure 4 shows a line of transmission. Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 show the braking mechanics. Figures 9 and 10 show the suspension mechanics. Referring to Figure 1. This machine has a steering assembly comprising of three wheels each turning on its own pivoted hub 1, a means, 2, of harnessing the wheel and make it comply to that angle as governed by the master pre-set device, 3, which is connected to the rider's handlebars. The driven wheel 'B' is here in this example non-steering and its axis is the one with which the axes of the steering wheels should meet upon, all at, or nearly at, the same given point, whatever that is at any time. Referring to Figure 4, this machine has a forward of the centre of gravity driving wheel. Any wheel could have been used, even a rear one, but a forward wheel drive prevents the machines from rising up on the rear wheel (wheelies). This is not normally possible on a conventionally designed motorcycle. Arrow 'P' indicates effect under motive power, 'L' is a lug limiting any downward travel of the swing-arm 'S' Referring to Figure 5, shows the brake unit 'B' which is as near as possible to the wheels vertical axis of turning and through which is directed force 'F', to apply material 'P' against the wheel rim. This unit is detachably secured to, or else solidly built as part of, support 'S' which may be built as part of a stiff swing-arm assembly. In Figure 7 is shown the resultant forces effected in braking. The 'diving' movement is opposed, and Figure 8 shows the attitude that results. Referring to Figure 9 indicates how the suspension system is assembled, part and parcel as it were, of the whole chassis. The swing-arm construction pertaining to wheel 'B' are 'inside' that pertaining to 'A', and the same with 'C' and 'D', for clarity only, that of 'A' is emphasised here. The forces, incurred in driving along are conveyed through the system by an all-moving assembly of links, cranks and bars. Shock absorbers, 'S' should be built in. Figure 10 illustrates the conveyance of forces. Lugs, 'L' are to limit movement of swing-arms. CLAIMS

1. Any non-articulated road going vehicle using more than two axles and having any number of wheels all, or most, or any of the which, are so arranged as to turn, when the steering is in use, with their axis meeting, or approximately meeting, at a common point of convergance.

2. Any single track vehicle steering as in Claim 1, but having two axles and conveying engine drive via, the front wheel, the rear wheel steering only.

3. Any vehicle which uses the turning moment of the wheel(s) to oppose 'dive' under braking as described herein.

4. Any vehicle which has a suspension system whereby the forces are conveyed to the wheels in any part similar to that described herein.