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Chassis with energy-absorption zones

  • US 6,905,138 B2
  • Filed: 12/04/2002
  • Issued: 06/14/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A vehicle chassis comprising:

  • a structural frame;

    a suspension system;

    at least three wheels rotatably mounted with respect to the suspension system;

    a braking system;

    a steering system;

    an energy conversion system;

    an energy storage system operatively connected to the energy conversion system; and

    material mounted with respect to the structural frame and configured to absorb energy from an impact to the chassis;

    wherein the braking system, steering system, and energy conversion system are mounted with respect to the structural frame, operatively connected to at least one wheel, and responsive to non-mechanical control signals;

    wherein the structural frame includes a plurality of structural elements defining at least one open space therebetween;

    wherein at least one of the energy conversion system, energy storage system, steering system, or braking system is at least partially contained within the at least one open space; and

    wherein the material is located between the at least one open space and at least a portion of the chassis periphery, and is configured to absorb energy from an impact to at least part of the chassis periphery.

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