Remotely controlled vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels
First Claim
1. A vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels, comprising:
- a main frame structure;
a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel mounted with respect to the main frame structure and an endless center track that extends in a vehicle driving direction;
a pair of driving wheels mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly in flanking relation, each of the driving wheels including a ground engaging traction surface spaced laterally from the endless track and oriented generally in the vehicle driving direction;
two independently operated motors attached with the main frame structure, each motor arranged to supply power to only one of the driving wheels; and
a differential gear set operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel, the differential gear set including gears that are formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction.
11 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A remotely controlled vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels is described. The vehicle includes a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel and corresponding endless center track. A pair of driving wheels are mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly. Two independently operated motors are included, each supplying power to only one of the driving wheels. A differential gear set is operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel. The gear set is formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. The gear set also imparts a minimal force to the center track drive wheel when each of the motors are operating to drive the pair of driving wheels in opposing directions.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels, comprising:
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a main frame structure; a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel mounted with respect to the main frame structure and an endless center track that extends in a vehicle driving direction; a pair of driving wheels mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly in flanking relation, each of the driving wheels including a ground engaging traction surface spaced laterally from the endless track and oriented generally in the vehicle driving direction; two independently operated motors attached with the main frame structure, each motor arranged to supply power to only one of the driving wheels; and a differential gear set operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel, the differential gear set including gears that are formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for forming a vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels, comprising acts of:
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mounting a center track drive wheel with respect to a main frame structure; mounting an endless center track around the center track drive wheel such that the endless center track extends in a vehicle driving direction; mounting a pair of driving wheels on opposing lateral sides of the center track drive wheel in flanking relation, each of the driving wheels including a ground engaging traction surface spaced laterally from the endless track and oriented generally in the vehicle driving direction; attaching two independently operated motors with the main frame structure and the driving wheels such that each motor is arranged to supply power to only one of the driving wheels; and connecting a differential gear set between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel, the differential gear set including gears that are formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification