TORQUE CONVERTER SPHERICAL WHEEL

A propulsion system is presented for a surface vehicle whose basic element is a spherical wheel. Ratio changes and reverse are obtained by inclining its axis. A three-wheel vehicle based on this concept has been built. In addition to the spherical front wheel, the Spheremobile has two conventional rear idle wheels and, therefore, no differential. It can turn on a radius equal to its wheelbase. The applications which are being considered are industrial vehicles for operation in confined areas and, possibly, urban vehicles.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  Two Park Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5990
• Authors:
  • Chicurel, E
• Publication Date: 1976-12-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 81 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Industrial trucks; Propulsion; Spheres; Three wheeled vehicles; Torque converters; Urban transportation; Vehicle power plants; Vehicles; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Propulsion systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Idlers; Land vehicle applications; Spherical wheels; Urbanized vehicles
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153258
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASME Pap 76-WA/DE-8
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 29 1977 12:00AM