U.S. patent application number 15/336559 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-03 for ring gear and brake for centerless wheel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Orbis Wheels, Inc.. Invention is credited to Marcus G. Hays, Gary Leo, Benjamin Lorimore, Scott Streeter.
Application Number | 20180117960 15/336559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62020934 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180117960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hays; Marcus G. ; et
al. |
May 3, 2018 |
RING GEAR AND BRAKE FOR CENTERLESS WHEEL
Abstract
The present disclosure may relate to centerless wheel assembly
that includes a centerless rim including a first center point
laying in a first plane generally defined by the centerless rim.
The centerless wheel assembly may also include a centerless ring
gear coupled to the centerless rim such that rotation of the
centerless ring gear causes a corresponding rotation of the
centerless rim. The centerless ring gear may include a second
center point laying in a second plane generally defined by the
centerless ring gear, and the first plane may be generally parallel
to the second plane. Additionally, the centerless ring gear may be
shaped to interface with a drive gear that drives the centerless
ring gear.
Inventors: |
Hays; Marcus G.; (San
Rafael, CA) ; Streeter; Scott; (Santa Rosa, CA)
; Lorimore; Benjamin; (Portland, OR) ; Leo;
Gary; (Fairfax, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Orbis Wheels, Inc. |
Mill Valley |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62020934 |
Appl. No.: |
15/336559 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 2380/00 20130101;
B60B 21/08 20130101; B60B 19/00 20130101; B60B 3/048 20130101; B60T
1/065 20130101; F16D 2065/1372 20130101; F16H 1/10 20130101; F16D
65/12 20130101; F16D 2065/138 20130101; F16H 7/06 20130101; F16H
9/26 20130101; B60T 1/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60B 21/08 20060101
B60B021/08; F16H 7/06 20060101 F16H007/06; F16H 1/10 20060101
F16H001/10; B60B 25/00 20060101 B60B025/00; B60B 19/00 20060101
B60B019/00 |
Claims
1.-2. (canceled)
3. The wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein the brake caliper is
located at approximately a 3:00 position.
4. The wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein the centerless rim
includes at least one corrugated inside surface.
5. The wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein a location of brake
caliper is selected to reduce at least one of chatter, twisting, or
oscillating of the wheel assembly due to braking forces.
6.-9. (canceled)
10. A wheel assembly, comprising: a centerless rim including a
first center point laying in a first plane generally defined by the
centerless rim, the centerless rim including a rail that extends
towards the first center point, the rail shaped and configured to
operate as a brake rotor, the rail including gear teeth at an apex
of the rail; an interior exoskeleton plate configured to remain in
a fixed position relative to the centerless rim as the centerless
rim rotates; a first set of roller guides coupled to the interior
exoskeleton plate, the first set of roller guides shaped and
configured to roll along a first side of an inner circumference of
the centerless rim; an exterior exoskeleton plate configured to
remain in a fixed position relative to the centerless rim as the
centerless rim rotates; a second set of roller guides located
between the exterior exoskeleton plate and the centerless rim, the
second set of roller guides shaped and configured to roll along a
second side of the inner circumference of the centerless rim that
is opposite to the first side; a brake caliper coupled to the
interior exoskeleton plate and shaped and positioned such that the
rail rotates proximate the brake caliper, the brake caliper
activatable to interfere with the rail to slow down the centerless
rim; a drive gear with teeth shaped to interface with the gear
teeth at the apex of the rail such that rotation of the drive gear
causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim; a drive
shaft spanning one of the interior exoskeleton plate or the
exterior exoskeleton plate; and one way bearings coupling the drive
shaft to the drive gear such that rotation of the drive shaft
causes a corresponding rotation of the drive gear.
11.-21. (canceled)
22. The wheel assembly of claim 10, further comprising a third
roller guide shaped and configured to roll along an inner
circumference of the centerless rim and located at least at
approximately a 6:00 position, both the first set and the second
set of roller guides are configured to roll along the inner
circumference of the centerless rim and located at least at
approximately an 8:30 position, a 12:00 position, and approximately
a 3:30 position.
23. The wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein an outer view of the
exterior exoskeleton plate is customizable.
24. The wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein the interior
exoskeleton plate is configured to be coupled to a mechanical
linkage of a vehicle.
25. The wheel assembly of claim 10, further comprising an
intermediate exoskeleton plate between the interior exoskeleton
plate and the exterior exoskeleton plate and positioned such that
the rail is between the intermediate exoskeleton plate and the
interior exoskeleton plate.
26. The wheel assembly of claim 25, further comprising spacers
between the interior exoskeleton plate and the intermediate
exoskeleton plate.
27. The wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein the first set of roller
guides are cantilevered from the interior exoskeleton plate.
28. The wheel assembly of claim 27, wherein the second set of
roller guides are cantilevered from the exterior exoskeleton plate.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The embodiments discussed in the present disclosure relate
to a ring gear and a brake for a centerless wheel.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Some wheels have spokes made of tensioned, adjustable metal
wires, or some other connecting body between the edge and the
middle of the wheel. The spokes may connect a rim of a particular
wheel to a hub of the particular wheel and may help support an
applied load. Wheels with tensioned spokes may be used in bicycles,
wheelchairs, motorcycles, automobiles, and other vehicles.
[0003] The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not
limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate
only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this
background is only provided to illustrate one example technology
area where some embodiments described may be practiced.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the
present disclosure may relate to centerless wheel assembly that
includes a centerless rim including a first center point laying in
a first plane generally defined by the centerless rim. The
centerless wheel assembly may also include a centerless ring gear
coupled to the centerless rim such that rotation of the centerless
ring gear causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim.
The centerless ring gear may include a second center point laying
in a second plane generally defined by the centerless ring gear,
and the first plane may be generally parallel to the second plane.
Additionally, the centerless ring gear may be shaped to interface
with a drive gear that drives the centerless ring gear.
[0005] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assembly may
include a roller guide shaped and configured to roll along the
centerless rim.
[0006] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless rim may include a rail
extending towards the first center point.
[0007] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, a profile of the roller guide may match
a profile of the centerless rim.
[0008] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the roller guide may be shaped to leave
a gap between the roller guide and the rail during normal rotation
of the centerless wheel assembly.
[0009] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assembly may
include an exoskeleton plate including a first portion and a second
portion, the roller guide supported by a shaft acting as an axle
for the roller guide, the shaft spanning between the first portion
and the second portion of the exoskeleton plate.
[0010] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assembly may
include a tire coupled to the centerless rim and concentric with
the centerless rim, the tire shaped and configured to contact and
roll along ground and the centerless gear shaped and configured to
not contact the ground during normal rotation of the centerless
wheel assembly.
[0011] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assembly may
include one or more bolts coupling the centerless ring gear to the
centerless rim.
[0012] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assembly may
include a bushing around at least one of the one or more bolts, the
bushing allowing motion between the centerless ring gear and the
centerless rim based on imperfections in circularity in one of the
centerless rim and the centerless ring gear.
[0013] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless ring gear may be offset
from the centerless rim in a direction parallel to the first plane
to account for imperfections in circularity in one of the
centerless rim and the centerless ring gear.
[0014] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the offset may be located at a place
along a circumference of the centerless rim corresponding to a
greatest imperfection in circularity and a size of the offset
corresponds to a size of the greatest imperfection in
circularity.
[0015] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the first center point and the second
center point lie on a line that is approximately perpendicular to
the first plane.
[0016] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless gear may include teeth
facing a direction generally perpendicular to the first plane.
[0017] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless gear may include teeth
facing a direction pointing generally along the first plane.
[0018] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless gear may include a
helical gear.
[0019] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assembly may
include a brake rotor coupled to the centerless rim.
[0020] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the brake rotor may be on an opposite
side of the centerless rim from the centerless ring gear.
[0021] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the brake rotor may include a third
center point and define a third plane generally parallel to the
first plane, and the first center point and the third center point
may lie on a line that is approximately perpendicular to the first
plane.
[0022] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless ring gear and the brake
rotor may be part of a single body.
[0023] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless rim may be composed of a
material to function as a heat sink to dissipate heat away from the
centerless ring gear.
[0024] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the centerless wheel assembly may
include a drive mechanism coupled to the centerless ring gear.
[0025] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the drive mechanism may include a
manually powered drive gear.
[0026] In accordance with one or more centerless wheel assemblies
of the present disclosure, the drive mechanism may include a drive
gear coupled to one of a motor and an engine.
[0027] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may
include a method of manufacturing a centerless wheel assembly. The
method may include locating a point along a circumference of a
centerless rim that represents a location of imperfection in
circularity of the centerless rim. The method may also include
determining an offset amount that corresponds to the imperfection
in circularity of the centerless rim at the point, and coupling a
centerless ring gear to the centerless rim offset from a center
point of the centerless rim by the offset amount and in a direction
running from the center point to the point.
[0028] In accordance with one or more methods of the present
disclosure, the point may represent a greatest point of
imperfection in circularity of the centerless rim.
[0029] In accordance with one or more methods of the present
disclosure, coupling the centerless ring gear to the centerless rim
may include attaching the centerless ring gear to the centerless
rim via one or more bushings that are configured to allow movement
between the centerless ring gear and the centerless rim caused by
imperfections in circularity in the centerless rim.
[0030] In accordance with one or more methods of the present
disclosure, the method may also include coupling a tire to the
centerless rim prior to locating the point along the circumference
of the centerless rim, and the location of imperfection in
circularity of the centerless rim may include imperfections in
circularity in the tire.
[0031] In accordance with one or more methods of the present
disclosure, the offset amount may be approximately half the
distance between an expected point along the circumference of the
centerless rim for perfect circularity and an actual point along
the circumference of the centerless rim due to imperfections in
circularity.
[0032] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may
include a centerless wheel assembly that includes a centerless rim,
and a centerless ring gear coupled to the centerless rim such that
rotation of the centerless ring gear causes a corresponding
rotation of the centerless rim, where the centerless ring gear may
be generally parallel to the centerless rim. The centerless wheel
assembly may also include a plurality of bushings between the
centerless rim and the centerless ring gear to allow movement
between the centerless rim and the centerless ring gear, and an
exoskeleton plate with a first portion and a second portion. The
centerless wheel assembly may additionally include a roller guide
shaped to roll along the centerless rim and suspended between the
first portion and the second portion of the exoskeleton plate, and
a drive gear interfaced with the centerless ring gear, the drive
gear coupled to the exoskeleton plate.
[0033] The object and advantages of the present disclosure will be
realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and
combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
[0034] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are given as
examples and are explanatory and are not restrictive of the
invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Example embodiments will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0036] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an example
centerless wheel assembly;
[0037] FIG. 1B illustrates an alternative perspective view of the
example centerless wheel assembly of FIG. 1A;
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of
the centerless wheel assembly of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
another example centerless wheel assembly;
[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an additional
example centerless wheel assembly;
[0041] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
another example centerless wheel assembly;
[0042] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
an additional example centerless wheel assembly;
[0043] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
another example centerless wheel assembly;
[0044] FIG. 4D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
an additional example centerless wheel assembly;
[0045] FIG. 4E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
another example centerless wheel assembly;
[0046] FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of a portion of an example
centerless wheel assembly;
[0047] FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of a portion of the example
centerless wheel assembly of FIG. 5A;
[0048] FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the example centerless
wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B;
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of another example centerless
wheel assembly;
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a portion of an additional
example centerless wheel assembly;
[0051] FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
an example centerless wheel assembly;
[0052] FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
another example centerless wheel assembly;
[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of
manufacturing a centerless wheel assembly;
[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an example centerless
wheel assembly;
[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates a top cutaway view of another example
centerless wheel assembly;
[0056] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of an additional
example centerless wheel assembly;
[0057] FIG. 13A illustrates an exploded view of another example
centerless wheel assembly;
[0058] FIG. 13B illustrates a front view of the example centerless
wheel assembly of FIG. 13A;
[0059] FIG. 14A illustrates a first view of an example vehicle
utilizing centerless wheels; and
[0060] FIG. 14B illustrates a second view of the example vehicle of
FIG. 14A.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0061] The present disclosure relates to a centerless wheel
assembly that may include a centerless rim and a ring gear coupled
to the centerless rim. In some embodiments, the ring gear may have
a comparable size and orientation as the centerless rim. The ring
gear may be driven by a drive gear (for example, a small gear
coupled to a motor to drive the larger ring gear). As the ring gear
is driven, the centerless rim is also driven because of the
coupling of the ring gear to the centerless rim. The centerless
wheel assembly may also include an exoskeleton plate that may
support one or more roller guides that roll along the centerless
rim. The exoskeleton plate may also support the motor. In some
embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly may have a void of
material in the middle of the wheel assembly, at least in part
because the centerless rim, the ring gear, and/or the exoskeleton
plate may also have voids of material in their respective middles.
In these and other embodiments, the ring gear may be coupled to the
centerless rim in a way to account for imperfections in circularity
in the centerless rim and/or an associated tire.
[0062] Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a centerless
wheel assembly that that may include a brake rotor or other braking
surface coupled to the centerless rim.
[0063] Some embodiments of centerless wheel assemblies described in
the present disclosure may have one or more of the following
advantages: simplicity, low weight, low cost, low rotational
friction, stable thermal properties, aerodynamic, and improved gear
efficiencies. Centerless wheel assemblies in accordance with one or
more embodiments may be used on any number of vehicles or
transportation devices, including, for example, vehicles with any
number of wheels, self-propelled vehicles, manually powered
vehicles, motorized vehicles, mobility-aiding vehicles, cars,
wheelchairs, etc. The centerless wheel assemblies may be used to
transport people and/or goods. The centerless wheel assemblies may
be similar to and/or share certain characteristics with the
centerless wheel assemblies described in U.S. application Ser. No.
15/146,729, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example
centerless wheel assembly 100, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross
sectional view of a portion of the centerless wheel assembly of
FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the centerless wheel
assembly 100 may include a centerless rim 110 and a ring gear 120
coupled to the centerless rim 110. The ring gear 120 may interface
with a drive gear 130. The drive gear 130 may rotate and cause the
ring gear 120 to rotate. Rotation of the ring gear 120 may cause a
corresponding rotation of the centerless rim 110.
[0066] The centerless rim 110 may include any shape or profile. In
addition to those illustrated in the present disclosure, a few
additional example profiles of centerless rims are illustrated in
U.S. application Ser. No. 15/146,729, hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the centerless rim
110 may include a profile such that one or more roller guides (such
as a first roller guide 180, a second roller guide 182, a third
roller guide 184, and a fourth roller guide 186) may roll along the
centerless rim 110. In these and other embodiments, the centerless
rim 110 may include a rail 112 that may function to maintain
contact between a roller guide and the centerless rim 110 and/or
may otherwise prevent the roller guide from derailing. The roller
guides may function to maintain the drive gear 130 and the ring
gear 120 in consistent engagement such that the drive gear 130 may
drive the ring gear 120.
[0067] The ring gear 120 may interface with the drive gear 130 such
that as the drive gear 130 is rotated the drive gear 130 causes a
corresponding rotation of the ring gear 120. Rotation of the ring
gear 120 may cause a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim
110 to which the ring gear 120 may be coupled. The ring gear 120
may include teeth 122. Additionally or alternatively, the ring gear
120 may include sprockets, spurs, etc., or any other suitable
element. In some embodiments, the teeth 122 may run along the inner
diameter of the ring gear 120. The ring gear 120 and/or the teeth
122 may be implemented as a helical gear (left- or right-handed), a
double helical gear, a spur gear, an internal ring gear, a face
gear, a planetary gear, etc. In these and other embodiments, the
teeth 122 of the ring gear 120 may interface with teeth 132 of the
drive gear 130. The teeth 132 and/or the drive gear 130 may be
implemented in a similar manner as that described for the teeth 122
and/or the ring gear 120, but may be implemented in a different
manner. For example, the drive gear 130 may be implemented with
teeth 132 as helical teeth and the ring gear 120 may be implemented
as an internal gear with teeth 122 implemented as helical
teeth.
[0068] In some embodiments, the ring gear 120 may be coupled to the
centerless rim 110 via one or more bushings. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, bushings 140a, and 140b, are labeled
(referred to generally as "gear bushings 140") but as can be seen
from FIG. 1, other bushings not explicitly discussed or labeled may
also be included . . . . One or more of the gear bushings 140 may
allow for a certain amount of movement between the centerless rim
110 and the ring gear 120. For example, if there are imperfections
in circularity in the centerless rim 110 and/or an attached tire
160, the gear bushings 140 may allow for some movement between the
centerless rim 110 and the ring gear 120 such that any misalignment
in circularity does not bend or break components of the centerless
wheel assembly 100. For example, the gear bushings 140 may be made
of a rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, etc., such that a
compressible and deformable material is between the two metal
components of the centerless rim 110 and the ring gear 120. The
material of the gear bushings 140 may absorb or otherwise dampen
vibration or other motion between the centerless rim 110 and the
ring gear 120. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in these and other
embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may include bolts
142a and/or 142b that may bolt the ring gear 120 to the centerless
rim 110. In these and other embodiments, the bolts 142a and 142b
may pass through the bushings 140a and 140b respectively. The
bushings 140a and/or 140b may be threaded or may include space for
the bolts to pass through. In some embodiments, the bushings 140a
and 140b and/or the bolts 142a and 142b may pass through one or
more channels or gaps in material in the centerless rim 110. The
bolts 142a and 142b may be held in place by nuts 144a and 144b,
respectively. While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate nuts 144a and 144b and
bolts 142a and 142b, any other connection mechanism may be used to
couple the ring gear 120 to the centerless rim 110, such as screws,
rivets, welding, brazing, adhesives, etc. Furthermore, anywhere in
the present disclosure where bolts are illustrated or described as
being used, any other connection mechanism may be used, such as
screws, rivets, welding, brazing, adhesives, etc.
[0069] As used in the present disclosure, reference to
imperfections in circularity may include any deviation from any
source or in any direction from a perfectly circular, perfectly
cylindrical, etc. shape. For example, imperfections in circularity
may include an oblong, ovaloid, ovoid, etc. shape. As an additional
example, imperfections in circularity may include a portion of a
circular-based component with more material in one part of the
component (e.g., in an extruded component). As another example,
imperfections in circularity may include an uneven distribution in
weight about a circular-based component. In these and other
embodiments, such an imperfection may be of any magnitude. In some
embodiments, imperfections in circularity may occur when a wheel
assembly is rotated, for example due to the wheel compressing
against the ground. As another example, imperfections in
circularity may be due to variations in temperature or other
weather conditions, or due to manufacturing errors, imperfections
that may result in dynamic run out, or eccentricity caused by
damage in various states of utilization. In some embodiments, a
portion of imperfection in circularity may be identified by
rotating a circular-based component.
[0070] In some embodiments, the imperfection in circularity may be
determined and the ring gear 120 may be attached in a manner offset
from the middle of the wheel assembly 100 to alleviate
imperfections in circularity. Examples of such an embodiment may be
illustrated with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C and FIG. 9.
[0071] In some embodiments, the ring gear 120 may have a similar or
comparable circumference and/or orientation to the centerless rim
110. Additionally or alternatively, the ring gear 120 may have a
circumference smaller than the centerless rim 110. Additionally or
alternatively, the ring gear 120 may have a circumference larger
than the centerless rim 110 and/or smaller than the largest
circumference of the tire 160.
[0072] In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may
include a brake rotor 150. The brake rotor 150 may be part of a
disc brake system associated with the centerless wheel assembly
100. The brake rotor 150 may be used to slow down and/or stop the
centerless wheel assembly 100. The brake rotor 150 may be coupled
to the centerless rim 110 in a similar or comparable way that the
ring gear 120 is coupled to the centerless rim 110. For example,
the brake rotor 150 may be bolted to the centerless rim 110 using
bolts 152a and 152b and nuts 154a and 154b. Additionally or
alternatively, the coupling between the brake rotor 150 and the
centerless rim 110 may utilize brake bushings 156 (such as the
brake bushings 156a and 156b). As with the gear bushings 140, the
brake bushings 156 may allow for some movement between the brake
rotor 150 and the centerless rim 110. For example, there may be
imperfections in circularity in one of the centerless rim 110
and/or the brake rotor 150 and the brake bushings 156 may allow for
movement between the centerless rim 110 and the brake rotor 150 as
the wheel assembly 100 is rotated. For example, the brake bushings
156 may be made of a rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, etc.,
such that a compressible and/or elastically deformable material is
between the two rigid components of the centerless rim 110 and the
brake rotor 150. The material of the brake bushings 156 may absorb
or otherwise dampen vibration or other motion between the
centerless rim 110 and the brake rotor 150.
[0073] The wheel assembly 100 may include a brake caliper 158. The
brake caliper 158 may be any component designed and/or shaped to
interface with the brake rotor 150. In particular, the brake
caliper 158 may be sized and/or shaped such that the brake rotor
150 rotates freely within the brake caliper 158 with generally
parallel faces between the brake rotor 150 and the brake caliper
158 while the brake caliper 158 remains fixed relative to the
rotating brake rotor 150. When the brake caliper 158 is actuated or
otherwise invoked, the brake caliper 158 may be caused to constrict
or otherwise move or deform such that the generally parallel face
of the brake caliper 158 contacts the brake rotor 150. Friction
between the two generally parallel faces causes the brake rotor 150
to slow down and at some point, stop rotating. The brake caliper
158 may include a pad or other material made to be worn down as
part of the face generally parallel with the face of the brake
rotor 150.
[0074] In some embodiments, the brake caliper 158 may be placed in
a position to facilitate improved aerodynamic performance and
braking performance. For example, analogizing the wheel assembly
100 to a clock face, the brake caliper 158 may be placed at a three
o'clock position, with a forward direction of travel for the wheel
assembly 100 being towards three o'clock. In these and other
embodiments, the brake caliper 158 may be at a leading edge rather
than a trailing edge of the wheel assembly 100. Placing the brake
caliper 158 at the leading edge may improve aerodynamic performance
of the wheel assembly 100 by having a profile that emphasizes the
leading edge and a narrower trailing edge.
[0075] Additionally or alternatively, placing the brake caliper 158
at the three o'clock position may improve braking performance. For
example, as the brake caliper 158 is constricted so as to contact
the brake rotor 150, inertia of the moving wheel assembly 100 may
cause weight bias to shift towards the front of the wheel assembly
100. The braking forces of the brake caliper 158 contacting the
brake rotor 150 and the shift in weight bias may cause the wheel
assembly 100 to chatter and oscillate side to side. If the brake
caliper 158 is located at a twelve o'clock position without a
roller guide nearby, the braking forces may cause a twisting effect
on the wheel assembly 100 as a result of the distance between the
brake caliper 158 and the roller guide 186. By placing the brake
caliper 158 nearer the roller guide 186, the braking forces may be
dampened by the proximity of the brake caliper 158 to the roller
guide 186. In some embodiments, the brake caliper 158 may be placed
at a nine o'clock position (e.g., proximate a roller guide at the
trailing edge of the wheel assembly 100). By placing the brake
caliper 158 at the trailing edge, the twisting, oscillating, and/or
chatter from the braking forces may be addressed but the wheel
assembly 100 may not enjoy the same aerodynamic benefits.
[0076] In some embodiments, imperfection in circularity may be
determined and the brake rotor 150 may be attached in a manner
offset from the middle of the wheel assembly 100 to alleviate
imperfections in circularity. Examples of such an embodiment may be
illustrated with reference to FIGS. 5a-5C and 8, and while
described with reference to the ring gear 120, the same principles
may be utilized in attaching the brake rotor 150 to the centerless
rim 110.
[0077] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 may include the
ring gear 120 and not include the brake rotor 150 and the brake
caliper 158. Additionally or alternatively, the wheel assembly 100
may include the brake rotor 150 and the brake caliper 158 and may
not include the ring gear 120. In some embodiments as illustrated
in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wheel assembly 100 may include both the
ring gear 120 and the brake rotor 150. In these and other
embodiments, either or both of the ring gear 120 and the brake
rotor 150 may be attached in a manner offset from the middle of the
wheel assembly 100 to alleviate imperfections in circularity
[0078] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 may include the
tire 160 coupled to the centerless rim 110. In these and other
embodiments, imperfections in circularity in the centerless rim 110
may be due to imperfections in circularity in the tire 160. For
example, imperfections in circularity of the tire 160 may cause the
tire 160 to pull, shift, or otherwise deform the centerless rim 110
such that imperfections in circularity in the centerless rim 110
may be altered due to the tire 160. The tire 160 may be any tire,
such as a solid rubber tire, a tubeless tire, a tire with a tube, a
metal tire, a semi-pneumatic tire, an airless tire, etc. In some
embodiments, the tire 160 and the centerless rim 110 may be a
single unitary component.
[0079] In some embodiments, the centerless rim 110 may be
configured to operate as a heat sink to dissipate heat from the
operation of the wheel assembly 110. For example, the centerless
rim 110 may be constructed of a thermally conductive material
(e.g., aluminum (anodized or non-anodized), steel, stainless steel,
etc.) to facilitate the transfer of heat from other components of
the centerless wheel 100 to the centerless rim 110. For example,
driving of the ring gear 120 via the drive gear 130 may generate
heat. Such heat may transfer across the bolts 142a and 142b and/or
the bushings 140a and 140b. The centerless rim 110 may dissipate
the heat throughout the entire centerless rim 110. As another
example, slowing and/or stopping the wheel assembly 100 using the
brake rotor 150 may generate heat that may be drawn into and
dissipated by the centerless rim 110. In some embodiments, the
centerless rim 110 may include one or more channels or open spaces
to facilitate heat dispersion. For example, such channels may
increase the surface area of the centerless rim 110 through which
heat may radiate away and out of the centerless rim 110. In some
embodiments, by using the centerless rim 110 as a heat sink,
temperature fluctuations for the tire 160 may be reduced and/or
minimized such that the tire 160 may have a decreased probability
of over-heating, expanding, exploding, or otherwise failing. In
some embodiments, the coupling members may be treated in certain
ways to prevent heat transfer between and among components. For
example, the bolts 142 and/or the bushings 140 may be
cross-drilled, have ceramic coatings, and/or include anodizing to
prevent heat transfer from one component to the other through the
coupling members.
[0080] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 may include one
or more components such as a motor 170, roller guides (e.g., roller
guides 180, 182, 184, and 186), and/or brake calipers 158 that may
be coupled to one or more exoskeleton plates 190 (e.g., the
exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b). The exoskeleton plates 190a and
190b may remain stationary relative to the rotation of the
centerless rim 110 and the ring gear 120.
[0081] In some embodiments, the brake rotor 150 may be coupled to
the centerless rim 110 such that as the centerless rim 110 rotates,
the brake rotor 150 also rotates. In these and other embodiments,
the brake caliper 158 may be coupled to one or more of the
exoskeleton plates 190. For example, as the brake rotor 150 is
coupled to the centerless rim 110, as the wheel assembly 100 rolls
along the ground the brake rotor 150 rotates at the same rate of
rotation as the wheel assembly 100. Additionally, as the brake
caliper 158 is coupled to the exoskeleton plates 190 the brake
caliper 158 may remain fixed relative to the rotation of the brake
rotor 150. By utilizing the exoskeleton plates 190 as a mounting
point for the brake caliper 158, weight and space savings may be
realized in the wheel assembly 100 by not needing additional
components to mount or otherwise suspend the brake caliper 158
proximate and in a fixed manner relative to the brake rotor
150.
[0082] The motor 170 may include any source of motive power. For
example, the motor 170 may include an electric motor such as a
direct current (DC) motor, an alternating current (AC) motor, a
brush motor, a brushless motor, a shunt wound motor, a separately
excited motor, a series wound motor, a compound wound motor, a
permanent magnet motor, a servomotor, an induction motor, a
synchronous motor, a linear induction motor, a synchronous linear
motor, etc. As another example, the motor 170 may include a fuel
consuming engine, such as a four stroke engine, a diesel engine, a
two stroke engine, a Wankel engine, an Atkinson engine, a gnome
rotary engine, etc. In some embodiments, the motor 170 may include
a small, high-speed, high-efficiency DC electric motor that may
rotate at speeds greater than six thousand rotations per minute
(RPM). In these and other embodiments, the use of such a small
motor may be available because of the gearing ratio from the drive
gear 130 to the ring gear 120. As an additional example, the engine
or electric motor 170 may include a human-powered motive device,
such as bicycle pedals, arm cranks, ratcheting levers, etc.
[0083] In some embodiments, the centerless rim 110 coupled with the
ring gear 120 may function as both an output gear and a driven
wheel. For example, a gearing ratio may be the ratio of the speed
of the input gear to the speed of the output gear, which may be
based on the number of teeth in each gear. In some embodiments, the
drive gear 130 may have a small diameter and small number of teeth
compared to a diameter and number of teeth of the ring gear 120,
allowing a high gear ratio. The high gear ratio may offer a
mechanical advantage over conventional wheels and/or conventional
power transmission models and may improve efficiency, reduce
weight, and/or reduce cost. In some embodiments, such a high gear
ratio may include a ratio of between approximately five to one and
approximately one hundred and twenty-five to one. In these and
other embodiments, the gear ratio may be based on the intended use
of the wheel assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the gear
ratio may be based on a size of the wheel, which may be limited in
size based on the application. For example, a vehicle may be
limited in wheel size to the expected height of the vehicle,
etc.
[0084] A gear ratio between the drive gear 130 and the ring gear
120 may be larger than is possible within a single stage of
reduction in the case of a conventional wheel in some embodiments,
which is often around three to one. For example, the ratio may
include between approximately five to one and approximately one
hundred and twenty-five to one. One reason for this large gearing
ratio advantage is because the ring gear 120 as the output gear may
be approximately the same size as the tire 160 (e.g., as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B) with the input gear as the drive
gear 130 is much smaller. This gearing advantage of the centerless
wheel assembly 100 may facilitate additional economies of weight
and space saving via adaption to a more dimensionally compact motor
170 (e.g., a brushless electric motor), which may otherwise, due to
its small size, provide insufficient torque for a conventional
wheel. The gearing advantage of the centerless wheel assembly 100
may also decrease one or more of the following: the amount of
energy necessary for a vehicle coupled with the centerless wheel
assembly 100 to overcome inertia, resistive losses, and the
operating temperature of the electric motor 170, such that
efficiency of the vehicle may be improved.
[0085] The roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186 may include any
device or component shaped and/or configured to roll along the
centerless rim 110 as the centerless rim 110 rotates. For example
the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186 may be suspended
between the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b via a bridging shaft
that may operate as an axle for the roller guides 180, 182, 184,
and/or 186. In some embodiments, the bridging shafts may be coupled
with the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b. In some embodiments, the
exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b may be spaced apart, and the
bridging shafts may form a bridge across a gap between the
exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b. For example, any of the roller
guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186 may be disposed within the gap
between the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b. In some embodiments,
the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b may correspond to right-hand
and left-hand exoskeleton plates.
[0086] In some embodiments, the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or
186 may include bearings to facilitate or otherwise make easier or
more efficient the rotation of the roller guides about bridging
shafts. In some embodiments, the bearings may be rotatably disposed
within the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186.
[0087] In some embodiments, the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or
186 may be made of any material that is able to roll along the
centerless rim 110 due to static friction. For example, the
material may be selected to provide wear resistance and sufficient
friction to drive or otherwise roll along the centerless rim 110.
For example, the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186 may be
made of a polymer, such as polyurethane, poly vinyl chloride (PVC),
acetal (homopolymer), acetal (copolymer), nylon 66, nylon 66 (with
30% glass), phenolic (glass filled), polyetherimide,
polyetheresulphone, polyimide, polyphenylenene sulfide,
polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., Teflon.RTM.),
polyethylene (including ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW)), carbon
fiber, aluminum, titanium, polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin.RTM.),
etc.
[0088] In some embodiments, the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or
186 may be configured to include a shape or profile that matches a
corresponding shape or profile of the centerless rim 110 (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 3A). For example, the centerless rim 110 may be
completely void of material in the middle of the centerless rim 110
and the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186 may be disposed
within the void of material. In some embodiments, the roller guides
180, 182, 184, and/or 186 may contact the centerless rim 110. In
some embodiments, the roller guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186 be
configured to act upon and guide the centerless rim 110 as the
centerless rim 110 is rotated.
[0089] In some embodiments, one or more of the roller guides 180,
182, 184, and/or 186 may be configured to maintain the spatial
relationship between the centerless rim 110 and the exoskeleton
plates 190a and 190b. For example, one or more of the roller guides
180, 182, 184, and/or 186 may be disposed upon a spring loaded
lever arm such that as the position of the centerless rim 110 is
changed relative to the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b, the
roller guide on the lever arm may engage the centerless rim 110 so
that the rim 110 maintains the spatial relationship with the
exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b. The roller guides 180, 182, 184,
and/or 186 may be similar or analogous to one or more of the roller
guides described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/146,729, hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0090] In some embodiments, the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b
may have a generally circular configuration, and may include a void
in material through a central region of the exoskeleton plates 190a
and 190b. Additionally or alternatively, the exoskeleton plates may
be a solid sheet of material (including square or rectangular
sheets of material), tubular, or any other shape or form such that
the roller guides are supported proximate the centerless rim 110.
In some embodiments, the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b may have
a lip about an outer circumference or outer edge. In some
embodiments, the centerless rim 110 may be retained between the
exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b as the centerless rim 110 is
rotated. In some embodiments, an exoskeleton plate may span the
centerless rim 110 and function as both the exoskeleton plates 190a
and 190b (an example of such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG.
3A and FIG. 3B). In these and other embodiments, the exoskeleton
plates 190a and 190b may be constructed of a single piece of
material that supports both ends of a bridging shaft.
[0091] In some embodiments, the exoskeleton plates 190a and/or 190b
may additionally include cladding that may provide a covering over
any moving parts to increase aerodynamics, for example by reducing
turbulence, drag, air resistance, wind resistance, etc. For
example, a smooth form factor cladding may overlay the exoskeleton
plates 190a and 190b to enclose any moving parts (e.g., the roller
guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186). In some embodiments, the
cladding may also include a void in material about the middle of
the centerless wheel assembly 100. In these and other embodiments,
the cladding and the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b may be
combined into a single piece of material to further improve
aerodynamics and/or reduce weight, turbulence, drag, air
resistance, wind resistance, etc. For example, in some embodiments
(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3A), the exoskeleton plates 190a and
190b and/or the cladding may form a generally U-shaped profile. As
another example, the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b and/or the
cladding may form an asymmetrical shape (e.g., with the leading and
trailing edges aerodynamically optimized). In some embodiments, at
speeds above twenty miles per hour, there may be an increased
aerodynamic performance due to the lack of spokes and the U-shaped
profile. The exoskeleton plates 190a and/or 190b may be similar or
analogous to one or more of the exoskeleton plates described in
U.S. application Ser. No. 15/146,729, hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0092] For convenience in describing the location, orientation,
and/or position of various components, the centerless rim 110 may
be described as defining a plane ("rim plane"). The rim plane may
be the plane defined by points along the inner diameter of the rail
112 and/or the plane through the middle of each of the roller
guides 180, 182, 184, and/or 186. Additionally or alternatively,
the centerless rim 110 may include a center point in the middle of
the centerless rim. The center point of the centerless rim 110 may
lie on the rim plane defined by the centerless rim. The ring gear
120 may also define a plane ("gear plan"). The gear plane may be
the plane defined by the points along the inner diameter of the
ring gear 120. The ring gear 120 may also include a center point in
the middle of the ring gear 120 that may lie on the gear plane
defined by the ring gear 120. In some embodiments, the gear plane
and the rim plane may be generally parallel. Additionally or
alternatively, the center point of the ring gear 120 and the center
point of the centerless rim 110 may define a line that is generally
perpendicular to the rim plane and/or the gear plane. Using such a
description, for example, the teeth 122 may be in the plane of the
ring gear 120 and may point in towards the center point of the ring
gear 120 (even for helical teeth, which may cut through the plane
of the ring gear 120 at an angle, the teeth 122 may point generally
towards the center point of the ring gear 120).
[0093] In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may
be configured to have an open center or a void of material in the
center of the wheel assembly 100, which may provide a storage
region with spatial capacity for storage of any of a variety of
items such as a mechanized drive, cargo, fuel tanks, motors,
engines, battery packs, luggage, an electricity storage system,
etc. Additionally or alternatively, the void of material in the
center of the wheel assembly 100 may be left open for space
savings, weight savings, etc.
[0094] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIGS.
1A, 1B, and 2 without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 100 may
include more or fewer elements than those illustrated and described
in the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the
wheel assembly 100 may not include the brake rotor 150 and the
brake caliper 158 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 8A), while in other
embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 may not include the ring gear
120 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 8B). As an additional example,
the wheel assembly 100 may include any number of roller guides
disposed at various locations around the centerless rim 110. As
another example, the exoskeleton plates 190a and/or 190b may take
any shape or form that provides the functionality described in the
present disclosure. For example, a square or rectangular plate
without a void in the middle may be utilized in the centerless
wheel assembly 100. As another example, the brake rotor 150 and the
ring gear 120 may be on opposite sides of the wheel assembly 100.
Additionally or alternatively, the brake rotor 150 and the ring
gear 120 may be combined in a single device (e.g., as illustrated
in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Additionally, the placement of the motor 170
may vary depending on some implementations.
[0095] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
another example centerless wheel assembly 300a, in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The centerless
wheel assembly 300a may include a centerless rim 310 with a rail
312 that may be similar or comparable to the centerless rim 110
with the rail 112 of FIGS. 1 and 2; a ring gear 320a with teeth 322
that may be similar or comparable to the ring gear 120 with teeth
122 of FIGS. 1 and 2; a drive gear 330a with teeth 332 that may be
similar or comparable to the drive gear 130 with teeth 132 of FIGS.
1 and 2; bushings 340a and 340b, bolts 342a and 342b, and nuts 344a
and 344b that may be similar or comparable to the bushings 140a and
140b, bolts 142a and 142b, and nuts 144a and 144b of FIGS. 1 and 2;
a motor 370 that may be similar or comparable to the motor 170 of
FIGS. 1 and 2; a roller guide 380 that may be similar or comparable
to the roller guide 180 of FIGS. 1 and 2; and an exoskeleton plate
390a that may be comparable or similar to the exoskeleton plates
190a and 190b of FIG. 1.
[0096] In some embodiments, the centerless rim 310 may have any of
a variety of profiles (another example of which may be illustrated
in FIGS. 4D and 4E). The roller guide 380 may have a profile that
matches or aligns with the profile of the centerless rim 310. For
example, the centerless rim 310 may include the rail 312. The
roller guide 380 may have a corresponding gap 382 that may be the
same or a similar size as the rail 312. In some embodiments, a gap
314 may exist between the roller guide 380 and the centerless rail
310. For example, during normal operation and/or normal rotation of
the centerless rim 310, the roller guide 380 may not contact the
rail 312 but may still roll along the centerless rim 310. In these
and other embodiments, when subjected to abnormal forces, such as a
pothole, sharp cornering, a jump, etc., the rail 312 may contact
the roller guide 380 to maintain a spatial relationship between the
centerless rim 310 and the exoskeleton plate 390a. In some
embodiments, the roller guide 380 may not contact the centerless
rim 310 unless subject to abnormal forces.
[0097] In some embodiments, the roller guide 380 may be supported
by a bridging shaft 385. The bridging shaft 385 may span between a
first portion and a second portion of the exoskeleton plate 390a.
The bridging shaft 385 may function as an axle for the roller guide
380. In some embodiments, the bridging shaft 385 may be made of a
light weight material such as aluminum.
[0098] In some embodiments, the teeth 322 of the ring gear 320a may
be oriented differently than illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.
For example, the teeth 322 may be oriented along the outer diameter
of the ring gear 320a rather than along the inner diameter of the
ring gear 120 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Stated another way, the teeth
322 may point generally away from the center point of the ring gear
320a while being in the plane defined by the ring gear 320a. In
some embodiments, the teeth 322 may be part of a first portion 324
of the ring gear 320a that may be further from the center point.
The ring gear 320a may include a second portion 326 closer to the
center point of the ring gear 320a.
[0099] In some embodiments, the second portion 326 of the ring gear
320a may operate as a brake rotor. For example, the second portion
326 of the ring gear 320a may be disposed proximate a brake caliper
350. The brake caliper 350 may include one or more brake pads 352
such that as the brake caliper 350 is compressed, the brake pads
352 may contact the second portion 326 of the ring gear 320a to
slow down the ring gear and correspondingly, slow down the
centerless rim 310. The brake caliper 350 may remain in a fixed
position relative to the rotation of the ring gear 320a. Thus, as
the brake caliper 350 is compressed, the friction between the brake
pad 352 and the second portion 326 of the ring gear 320a may reduce
the speed of the ring gear 320a.
[0100] In some embodiments, the brake caliper 350 may be coupled to
the exoskeleton plate 390a via a bolt 356 and a nut 344c. In these
and other embodiments, the brake caliper 350a may be coupled to any
portion of the exoskeleton plate 390a. The exoskeleton plate 390a
may maintain a spatial relationship with the centerless rim 310 and
the ring gear 320a as the centerless rim 310 and the ring gear 320a
are rotated. By coupling the brake caliper 350a to the exoskeleton
plate 390a, the brake caliper may be positioned such that the ring
gear 320a may rotate freely proximate the brake caliper 350a when
the brake caliper 350a is not activated, but may interact with the
brake caliper 350a when the brake caliper 350a is activated. While
illustrated as being coupled using the bolt 356, the brake caliper
350a may be coupled to the exoskeleton plate 390a via any other
coupling mechanism (e.g., screws, rivets, brazing, adhesives,
etc.). In some embodiments, the brake caliper 350a may be disposed
at approximately a three o'clock (as illustrated in FIG. 3B) or a
nine o'clock position. In some embodiments, the motor 370 may be
mounted at approximately a six o'clock position.
[0101] In some embodiments, the bolts 342a and/or 342b may extend
through multiple channels or gaps of the centerless rim 310. For
example, to increase stability due to the weight and additional
forces caused by the ring gear 322 acting as both the ring gear and
the brake rotor, the bolts 342a and 342b may extend through an
entire width of the centerless rim 310. In some embodiments, the
bushings 340a and 340b may pass through the entire centerless rim
310. In these and other embodiments, the additional length of the
bolts 342a and 342b and/or the additional length of the bushings
340a and 340b may facilitate the operation of the centerless rim
310 as a heat sink. In these and other embodiments, the increased
heat caused by the ring gear 320a acting as both a ring gear and a
brake rotor may be dissipated using the centerless rim 310.
[0102] In some embodiments, the motor 370 may be coupled to the
exoskeleton plate 390a via the bolts 376a and 376b and nuts 344d
and 344e. Any other coupling mechanism may also be used. The motor
370 may have an output shaft 372 to which the drive gear 330a may
be coupled. In some embodiments, because the teeth 322 are disposed
on the outer diameter of the ring gear 322, the motor 370 may be
disposed on a bypass arm 374 that may extend the output shaft 372
of the motor 370 proximate the teeth 322. Additionally or
alternatively, the motor 370 may not use the bypass arm 374 and the
output shaft 372 may include a mechanical linkage that may displace
the force generated at the output shaft 372 such that the drive
gear 330a receives the force generated by the motor 370 at the
drive gear 320a to drive the ring gear 320a.
[0103] In some embodiments, the exoskeleton plate 390a may include
one or more features to facilitate coupling of various components
to the exoskeleton plate 390a. For example, as illustrated in FIG.
3A, the exoskeleton plate may include a protrusion to which the
bypass arm 374 may be coupled such that the motor 370 and/or the
bypass arm 374 may not interfere with the brake caliper 350a and/or
the ring gear 320a. Any such features may be included to facilitate
spatial relationships of the various components that may be coupled
to the exoskeleton plate 390a.
[0104] In some embodiments, the location of the teeth 322 and the
brake caliper 350a may be reversed. For example, the teeth 322 of
the ring gear 320a may be on the inner diameter of the ring gear
322 (e.g., closer to the center point of the ring gear 320a) and
the brake caliper 350a may be proximate the outer diameter of the
ring gear 320a (e.g., further from the center point of the ring
gear 320a).
[0105] In some embodiments, the exoskeleton plate 390a may include
cladding or a profile that may cover any moving parts of the
centerless wheel assembly 300a. For example, the exoskeleton plate
390a may include cladding that may cover or enclose the drive gear
330a and the teeth 332.
[0106] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an additional
example centerless wheel assembly 300b. The wheel assembly 300b may
be similar to the wheel assembly 300a of FIG. 3A, except a
variation in the placement of the brake caliper 350b, the drive
gear 330b, and the teeth of the ring gear 320b. Additionally, the
exoskeleton plates 390b and 390c are illustrated as two distinct
plates rather than a single plate 390a as illustrated in FIG. 3A.
However, any of these modifications may be combined or rearranged
in any manner and are still be within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the ring gear 320b may function
as both the ring gear and as a brake rotor. The brake caliper 350b
may be disposed proximate the ring gear such that by contracting
the brake caliper 350b the brake caliper 350b may contact the ring
gear 320b and friction between the brake caliper 350b may slow down
the ring gear 320b and thus the centerless rim 310. In some
embodiments, the brake caliper 350b may be supported by posts,
rods, or other support structure coupled to the exoskeleton plate
390b. For example, a post or support rod may pass through the plane
defined by the ring gear 320b within the circumference of the ring
gear 320b and support the brake caliper 350b. By supporting the
brake caliper 350b from within the circumference of the ring gear
320b, the brake caliper 350b may avoid interference with any bolts,
bushings, or other attachment members coupling the ring gear 320b
to the centerless rim 310.
[0108] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIGS.
3A and/or 3B without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assemblies 300a
and/or 300b may include more or fewer elements than those
illustrated and described in the present disclosure. For example,
the wheel assembly 300a may include any number of components
coupled to the exoskeleton plate 390a. As another example, the
wheel assembly 300a may include an additional or alternative
braking mechanism to slow down the centerless rim 310 and/or the
ring gear 320a.
[0109] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
an additional example centerless wheel assembly 400a, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B
illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an additional
example centerless wheel assembly 400b, and FIG. 4C illustrates a
cross-sectional view of a portion of another example centerless
wheel assembly 400c. FIGS. 4D and 4E illustrate additional examples
of centerless wheel assemblies 400d and 400e, respectively, with
different rim profiles. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate alternative
arrangements of the placement of the teeth of the drive gear and/or
other components associated with driving the drive gear in relation
to other components of the wheel assemblies 400a, 400b, and 400c.
The wheel assemblies 400a, 40b, and 400c may be similar or
comparable to the wheel assembly 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the ring gear 420a may include
teeth 422a on an inside face of the ring gear 420a. A motor 470a
may be disposed proximate the teeth 422a such that an output shaft
472a of the motor 470a is oriented proximate the teeth 422a.
Additionally or alternatively, a drive gear 430a with teeth 432a
may be disposed between the roller guide and the ring gear 420a.
The teeth 432a may interface with the teeth 422a such that the
drive gear 430a drives the ring gear 420a. In such an embodiment,
the ring gear 420a may be disposed a distance away from the
centerless rim sufficient for the motor 470a and/or the drive gear
430a to be disposed within the space between the roller guide and
the ring gear 420a. In such an arrangement, the drive gear 430a and
the teeth 422a may be covered by the ring gear 420a to provide an
aerodynamic advantage.
[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, a ring gear 420b may include
teeth 422b on an outside face of the ring gear 420b. A motor 470b
may be disposed proximate the teeth 422b such that an output shaft
472b of the motor 470b is oriented proximate the teeth 422b. Such
an arrangement may allow for a larger motor 470b and/or a larger
drive gear 430b with teeth 432b. The teeth 432b may interface with
the teeth 422b such that the drive gear 430b drives the ring gear
420b.
[0112] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, a drive shaft 485 of the
centerless wheel assembly may pass through an exoskeleton plate
490, a roller guide 480, and a drive gear 430c. The exoskeleton
plate 490 and roller guide 480 may be similar or analogous to the
exoskeleton plate 390a and the roller guide 380 of FIG. 3A.
[0113] The drive shaft 485 may be coupled to any type of drive
mechanism (not illustrated) on the side of the wheel assembly 400c
opposite the drive gear 430c. For example, the drive shaft 485 may
be coupled directly to a motor, to a drivetrain or other gearing to
a motor, to a half-shaft of an automobile, etc.
[0114] The exoskeleton plate 490 may include one or more bearings
492 (e.g. the bearings 492a, 492b, 492c, and 492d) that may allow
the drive shaft 485 to rotate freely relative to the exoskeleton
plate 490. For example, the exoskeleton plate 490 may remain
stationary with respect to the drive shaft 485 while the drive
shaft 485 rotates due to a motive force of the drive mechanism (not
illustrated).
[0115] In some embodiments, the roller guide 480 may include one or
more bearings 482 (e.g. the bearings 482a, 482b, 482c, and 482d)
that may allow the drive shaft 485 and/or the roller guide 480 to
rotate freely. For example, the bearings 482 may facilitate the
drive shaft 485 rotating freely within the roller guide 480 without
driving the roller guide 480 while also driving the drive gear
430c. Simultaneously, the bearings 482 may also allow the drive
shaft 485 to act as an axle for the roller guide 480 such that the
roller guide 480 may roll along the centerless rim 10. By using the
drive shaft 485 as both a drive shaft and as an axle, the wheel
assembly 400c may have further weight reduction.
[0116] The drive gear 430c may include one or more bearings 433
(e.g. 433a, 433b, 433c, and 433d). The bearings 433 may be one-way
bearings and/or the drive shaft may be keyed to the drive gear
430c. In some embodiments, the drive gear 430c may rotate with the
drive shaft 485 as a unitary body, such that rotation of the drive
shaft 485 in either direction also causes a corresponding rotation
of the drive gear 430c. In some embodiments the drive gear 430c and
the drive shaft 485 may be coupled such that the drive gear 430c
may only rotate in one direction, such that rotation of the drive
shaft 485 in one direction causes a corresponding rotation of the
drive gear 430c but rotation of the drive shaft 485 in the other
direction does not cause a rotation of the drive gear 430c and the
drive shaft 485 may rotate freely within the drive gear 430c when
rotated in that other direction.
[0117] In some embodiments, the drive shaft 485 may pass through
the exoskeleton plate 490 at a location different than the location
of one of the roller guides 480. In these and other embodiments,
the drive shaft may not function as an axle for the roller guide
480. In such embodiments, the exoskeleton plate 490 may include the
bearings 492 to facilitate the free rotation of the drive shaft 485
when spanning the exoskeleton plate 490.
[0118] FIG. 4D illustrates a cross sectional view of another
example centerless wheel assembly 400d. The wheel assembly 400d may
be similar or comparable to the centerless wheel assembly 100 of
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. The wheel assembly 400d may include a
centerless rim 410 with a rail 412 projecting along an inner
circumference of the centerless rim 410 towards a center point of
the centerless rim 410. The wheel assembly 400d may include a drive
gear 120, a bushing 440a and bolt 444a. The drive gear 120 may be
similar or comparable to the drive gear 120 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.
The bushings 440a may be similar or comparable to the bushing 140a
of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. The nuts 444a may be similar or comparable
to the nuts 144a of FIG. 1.
[0119] The centerless rim 410 may include a profile with an
elongated rail 412 when compared with the rail 112. The rail 412
may be shaped and/or configured to be used as a brake rotor of the
wheel assembly 410. For example, a portion 450 of the rail 412 may
be relatively flat with a relatively uniform width across the
portion 450 such that a brake caliper may interfere with a large
surface area of the portion 450 when the brake caliper (not
illustrated) is activated to slow down the centerless rim 410.
[0120] The profile of the centerless rim 410 may include a series
of pockets or channels to facilitate heat dissipation from the
centerless rim 410, in some embodiments. For example, the
centerless rim 410 may draw heat from the drive gear interfacing
with the ring gear, and may draw heat from the friction between the
brake caliper and the portion 450 acting as a brake rotor. In some
embodiments, the centerless rim 410 may include vents or ducts to
facilitate air exchange for a more rapid dissipation of heat via
exchange of heat with the air. In these and other embodiments, the
vents may take any shape or form to facilitate air exchange. For
example, the vents may include a shape or profile of a NACA
(National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) duct (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 7).
[0121] In some embodiments, the profile of the centerless rim 410
may include one or more corrugations 414. The corrugations 414 may
be present along one or more of the internal or external surfaces
of the centerless rim 410. As illustrated in FIG. 4D, in some
embodiments, the corrugations 414 may be on one or more of the
internal surfaces of the centerless rim 410 to increase structural
integrity and/or material strength. Additionally or alternatively,
the corrugations 414 may provide an increased surface area to
facilitate additional heat exchange with the air. The profile may
include one or more fins 452 passing between each side of the
portion 450 used for braking. The fins 452 may facilitate
additional heat transfer and dissipation from the centerless rim
410.
[0122] In some embodiments, one or more areas of the portion 450
used for braking may be coated with a material to facilitate
braking, wear resistance, and/or heat dissipation. For example, one
or more areas of the portion 450 may be coated with ceramic,
carbon, etc. Additionally or alternatively, any of the other
braking or contacting surfaces may be treated and/or coated with
such a material. For example, any brake rotors and/or brake
calipers, any gears or gear teeth, any roller guides, any
centerless rims, etc.
[0123] FIG. 4E illustrates a cross sectional view of another
example centerless wheel assembly 400e. The wheel assembly 400e may
be similar or comparable to the wheel assembly 400d. However,
rather than using the ring gear 120, teeth 420 may be disposed
along the inner circumference of the apex of the rail 412. In these
and other embodiments, the rail 412 may function as the brake rotor
and as the ring gear. In these and other embodiments, roller guides
may be larger and/or have a larger gap to accommodate the size of
the rail 412. For example, the rail 412 may have an increased
length used to accommodate the portion 450 used as a brake rotor
and to accommodate the teeth 420. In some embodiments, by using the
rail 412 as the brake rotor and the ring gear, additional weight
savings and cost savings may be obtained.
[0124] In some embodiments, a tire tube may be disposed within the
tire 160. In these and other embodiments, the air valve may
protrude into the rail 412. In some embodiments, the air valve may
protrude outside of the rail 412 and an associated roller guide may
include a gap or space for the air valve. Additionally or
alternatively, there may be a gap in the rail 412 to facilitate
access to the air valve while keeping the air valve below the inner
circumference of the rail 412. The air valve and/or the tube may
take any size or dimension suited to match the size of the wheel
assembly (e.g., the wheel assemblies 400d, 400e, etc.). For
example, the air valve may include a 30 mm valve stem, a 35 mm
valve stem, etc. In some embodiments, the tube and/or the air valve
size may correspond to a standard manufacturing size of tire
tubes.
[0125] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIGS.
4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assemblies
400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, and/or 400e may include more or fewer
elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the wheel assemblies 400a, 400b, 400c,
400d, and/or 400e may include any braking mechanism to slow down
and/or stop the ring gear 420a and/or 420b and/or the centerless
rim. As another example, the ring gears 420a and/or 420b may
additionally operate as brake rotors. As an additional example, the
drive shaft 485 may span the exoskeleton plate 490 or may span the
exoskeleton plate 490 and the roller guide 480.
[0126] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a process by which a ring gear 520
may be coupled to a centerless rim 510 such that the wheel assembly
500 is operable despite imperfections in circularity in the
centerless rim 510 and/or an associated tire 560, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A
illustrates a side view of a portion of the centerless wheel
assembly 500 before the ring gear 520 is coupled to the centerless
rim 510. Figure SB illustrates a side view of the portion of the
centerless wheel assembly 500 after the ring gear 520 is coupled to
the centerless wheel assembly 500. FIG. 5C illustrates a side view
of the entire centerless wheel assembly 500 after the ring gear 520
is coupled to the centerless wheel assembly 500. In particular, by
attaching the ring gear 520 offset by a certain amount to account
for the imperfections in circularity, the ring gear wheel assembly
500 may operate similarly to a wheel without imperfections in
circularity.
[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a point 515 may be identified
with an imperfection in circularity. Such a point of imperfection
in circularity may be illustrated by an "X." In these and other
embodiments, the point 515 may be offset a distance 519 from an
expected point 517 of where the point 515 would be if the
centerless rim 510 and/or the tire 560 were perfectly round. The
expected point 517 may be illustrated with an open box. For
example, there may be a typical location on the centerless rim 510
where holes may be drilled to couple the centerless rim 510 to a
ring gear, such as a certain distance away from the tire 560
towards a center point of the centerless rim 510. In some
embodiments, the point 515 may be the same certain distance away
from the tire 560 as in the typical location for a perfectly round
wheel assembly.
[0128] In some embodiments, the point 515 may be the point of
greatest imperfection in circularity. For example, the centerless
rim 510 and/or the tire 560 may be coupled to a rotating device
that may facilitate identification of the greatest point of
imperfection about the circumference of the centerless rim 510
and/or the tire 560.
[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the ring gear 520 may be coupled
to the centerless rim 510 based on the imperfections of
circularity. For example, a hole 527 may be drilled along the line
from the center point of the centerless rim 510 and the point 515.
The hole 527 may be offset from the expected point 517 by a
distance 524 that may be approximately the same or shorter than the
distance 519. For example, the hole 527 may be located
approximately half the distance between the point 515 and the
expected point 517. In some embodiments, the distance 524 may be
selected based on the distance 519 and the location of the point
515 with respect to an edge of the centerless rim 510. For example,
the distance 524 may be selected such that there is adequate
material of the centerless rim 510 to support bolts or other
connecting members that may be used to couple the ring gear 520 to
the centerless rim 510.
[0130] As described above with reference to FIG. 5A, after the hole
527 has been created, other holes (e.g., holes 525a and 525b) may
be drilled as part of a series of holes following a path of
circularity. The series of holes besides the hole 527 may lie on
the path of circularity or may approach the path of circularity. In
these and other embodiments, if the hole 527 is at the point of
greatest imperfection in circularity of the centerless rim 520
and/or the tire 560, the other holes in the series of holes (e.g.,
the holes 525a and 525b) may be more closely aligned with the path
of circularity than the hole 527. In these and other embodiments, a
hole may be drilled starting at the point 515, followed by a series
of holes following a circular shape. For example, the series of
holes may follow a shape of circularity more circular than that
observed by the centerless rim 510 and/or the tire 560. As another
example, a ring gear may be nearly perfectly circular, and the
holes may follow the path of circularity of the ring gear. In some
embodiments, the ring gear may have more specific tolerances of
circularity in manufacturing than for the centerless rim 510 and/or
the tire 560. In some embodiments, the series of holes may be
created in a successive manner, starting at the point 515.
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the expected point 517 may be
offset from the center point 540 of the centerless rim 510 a first
distance 532, the hole 527 may be offset from the center point 540
a second distance 534, and the point 515 may be offset from the
center point 540 a third distance 539. For example, the second
distance 534 may correspond to the distance 524 in addition to the
first distance 532. As another example, the third distance 539 may
correspond to the distance 519 in addition to the first distance
532.
[0132] While FIGS. 5A-5C are described with reference to the ring
gear 520, the same principles are equally applicable to a brake
rotor (not illustrated). For example, such a brake rotor may be
more circular (e.g., have fewer imperfections in circularity) than
the centerless rim 510. The same analysis of imperfection of the
centerless rim 510 and the drilling of holes and attachment of the
brake rotor may be followed.
[0133] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIGS.
5A-5C without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, the centerless wheel assembly 500 may include more or
fewer elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the wheel assembly 500 may include any of
the components or arrangements consistent with the present
disclosure. As another example, the distance 524 may be based on a
variety of factors and may be at a variety of locations other than
as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C.
[0134] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of another example centerless
wheel assembly 600, in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present disclosure. The wheel assembly 600 may be comparable or
similar to the wheel assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The wheel assembly 600
may include a centerless rim 610 that may be comparable or similar
to the centerless rim 110 of FIG. 1, a ring gear 620 that may be
comparable or similar to the ring gear 320a of FIG. 3A (e.g., with
teeth 622 pointing away from a center point of the ring gear 320a),
and a tire 660 that may be similar or comparable to the tire 160 of
FIG. 1.
[0135] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 600 may include a
drive gear 630. The drive gear 630 may be similar or comparable to
the drive gear 330a of FIG. 3A. However, the drive gear 630 may be
located some distance away from the ring gear 620 and/or the
centerless rim 610. The drive gear 630 may interface with a chain
635 such that the teeth of the drive gear 630 may rotate the chain
635 and the chain 635 may interface with the teeth 622 of the ring
gear 620 such that rotation of the drive gear 30 may cause a
corresponding rotation of the ring gear 622 due to rotation of the
chain 635. The chain 635 may be implemented as a belt, drive train,
or other feature to change the location of the rotational force of
the drive gear 630 to the ring gear 620.
[0136] In some embodiments the drive gear 630 may be located closer
to the tire 660 or further away from the tire 660 than illustrate
in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the location of the drive gear 630
may be based on the application in which the wheel assembly 600 is
used. For example, for a bicycle, the drive gear 630 may be located
proximate one or more pedals of the bicycle.
[0137] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIG. 6
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, the centerless wheel assembly 600 may include more or
fewer elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the wheel assembly 600 may include any of
the components or arrangements consistent with the present
disclosure. As another example, the wheel assembly 600 may include
one or more exoskeleton plates and one or more roller guides (not
illustrated).
[0138] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a portion of an additional
example centerless wheel assembly 700, in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wheel assembly 700
may be similar or analogous to the wheel assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A,
1B and 2. The wheel assembly 700 may include a centerless rim 710
and a tire 760. The centerless rim 710 may be similar or analogous
to the centerless rim 110 of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, and may have a
similar profile to the centerless rim illustrates in FIGS. 4D and
4E. The tire 760 may be similar or analogous to the tire 160 of
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.
[0139] In some embodiments, the centerless rim 710 may include one
or more vents 716 (e.g., vents 716a-716e). In some embodiments, the
vents 716 may be a hole going all the way through the material of
the centerless rim 710. In some embodiments, the vents 716 may be
an indentation such that one end of the vent 710 is open and the
material curves back flush with the face of the centerless rim 710.
In some embodiments, the vents 716 may be disposed at regular
intervals around the entire circumference of the centerless rim
710, or the vents 716 may be disposed at various locations and
depths around the centerless rim 710.
[0140] In some embodiments, the vents 716 may include a shape of a
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) duct. In these
and other embodiments, the vents 716 may be shaped to allow air to
flow in through the vents 716 with minimal disturbances to the air
flow. Such vents may facilitate an aerodynamic profile along the
face of the centerless rim 710 while providing air to cool the
centerless rim 710. In some embodiments, the vents 716 may be
implemented in embodiments in which a rail of the centerless rim
710 is used as a brake rotor (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 4D and
4E).
[0141] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIG. 7
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, the centerless wheel assembly 700 may include more or
fewer elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the wheel assembly 700 may include any of
the components or arrangements consistent with the present
disclosure. As another example, the wheel assembly 700 may include
any number of vents or ducts, with those vents or ducts taking any
shape, profile, or orientation.
[0142] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate cross-sectional views of a
portion of example centerless wheel assemblies. FIG. 8A illustrates
a centerless wheel assembly 800a with a centerless ring gear 820
and without a brake rotor. FIG. 8B illustrates a centerless wheel
assembly 800b with a brake rotor 850 and without a centerless ring
gear. As illustrated in these figures, in some embodiments, a wheel
assembly may exclude a brake rotor or may exclude a ring gear.
[0143] While illustrated as having the ring gear 820 (in FIG. 8A)
and the brake rotor 850 (in FIG. 8B) on opposite sides of a wheel
assembly, the ring gear 820 and/or the brake rotor 850 may be
coupled to the wheel assembly on either side of the wheel assembly.
For example, the ring gear 820 or the brake rotor 850 may be
coupled to an outside face of the wheel assembly, e.g., a face on
the outside of a vehicle employing the wheel assembly. Additionally
or alternatively, the ring gear 820 or the brake rotor 850 may be
coupled to an inside face of the wheel assembly, e.g., a face
facing the inside of the vehicle.
[0144] In some embodiments that include multi-wheeled vehicles,
such a vehicle may include some wheels that include a ring gear and
exclude a brake rotor (e.g., FIG. 8A) and other wheels that include
a brake rotor and exclude a ring gear (e.g., FIG. 8B).
[0145] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIGS.
8A and/or 8B without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assemblies 800a
and/or 800b may include more or fewer elements than those
illustrated and described in the present disclosure. For example,
the wheel assemblies 800a and/or 800b may include any of the
components or arrangements consistent with the present
disclosure.
[0146] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 900 of
manufacturing a centerless wheel assembly, in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 900 may
be performed by any suitable system, apparatus, or device. For
example, the wheel assembly 500 may perform or be utilized in
performing one or more of the operations associated with the method
900. Although illustrated with discrete blocks, the steps and
operations associated with one or more of the blocks of the method
900 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer
blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation.
[0147] At block 910, a tire may be coupled to a centerless rim. For
example, a centerless rim may be extruded or otherwise manufactured
and a tire may be attached to the centerless rim. The centerless
rim and the tire may be part of a centerless wheel assembly.
[0148] At block 920, a point of imperfection in circularity in the
centerless wheel assembly may be located. For example, the
centerless wheel assembly may be coupled to a device to rotate the
centerless wheel assembly such that imperfections in circularity
may be identified. Imperfections in circularity may be due to the
centerless rim, the tire, etc. In some embodiments, the device that
rotates the centerless wheel assembly may orient the centerless
wheel assembly in a certain direction with respect to the located
point of imperfection in circularity. For example, the centerless
wheel assembly may be turned until the point of greatest
imperfection in circularity is pointing vertically and may then be
locked in place.
[0149] At block 930, an offset amount that corresponds to the
imperfection in circularity may be determined. For example, a
distance from the center point or a distance from the expected
point of circularity may be used to determine the offset amount. In
some embodiments the offset amount may be between the greatest
point of imperfection in circularity and an expected point of
circularity.
[0150] At block 940, a series of holes may be drilled into the
centerless rim beginning at the point identified in block 920. The
holes may follow a path of circularity of a ring gear or other path
of circularity. In some embodiments, the holes may be drilled by
the device that rotated the centerless wheel assembly at block 920,
or the device may include guides or other assistance in locating
the location to place the series of holes (e.g., laser pointers,
markings, etc.)
[0151] At block 950, a ring gear may be coupled to the centerless
rim offset from a center point of the centerless rim by the offset
amount. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the ring gear may
be bolted to the centerless rim using the holes drilled at block
940 such that the ring gear is offset from the center point of the
centerless rim by the offset amount. By offsetting the ring gear
from the centerless rim, imperfections in circularity may be
accounted for such that as the centerless wheel assembly is rotated
or otherwise operated, the circularity of the ring gear may
continue to interface with and align with the centerless rim.
[0152] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the
method 900 without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the operations of the method 900 may be
implemented in differing order. Additionally or alternatively, two
or more operations may be performed at the same time. Furthermore,
the outlined operations and actions are provided as examples, and
some of the operations and actions may be optional, combined into
fewer operations and actions, or expanded into additional
operations and actions without detracting from the essence of the
disclosed embodiments. For example, the blocks 910 and 940 may be
omitted. As an additional example, the blocks 920 and 930 may be
performed simultaneously by the same device.
[0153] While the method 900 of FIG. 9 is described with reference
to a ring gear, the same principles are equally applicable to a
brake rotor. For example, such a brake rotor may be more circular
(e.g., have fewer imperfections in circularity) than a centerless
rim to which the brake rotor may be coupled. The same analysis of
imperfection of the centerless rim and the drilling of holes and
attachment of the brake rotor may be followed.
[0154] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an example centerless
wheel assembly 1000, in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assembly
1000 may be a side view with one exoskeleton plate removed and one
exoskeleton plate 1090 visible. The exoskeleton plate 1090 may be
similar or comparable to the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b of
FIG. 1A. The centerless wheel assembly 1000 may include a
centerless rim 1010 that may be similar or comparable to the
centerless rim 410 of FIG. 4E, including a rail 1012 that may be
similar or comparable to the rail 412 of FIG. 4E. Additionally,
just as the rail 412 includes the portion 450 to function as a
brake rotor and interface with a brake caliper, the rail 1012 may
include a portion 1050 of the rail 1012 that acts as a brake rotor
and interfaces with a brake caliper 1052. The brake caliper 1052
may be coupled to one or more of the exoskeleton plates (e.g., the
exoskeleton plate 1090) such that the brake caliper 1052 remains
stationary relative to the centerless rim 1010. The rail 1012 may
additional include teeth 1022 that may be similar or comparable to
the teeth 422 of the rail 412 of FIG. 4E. The centerless wheel
assembly 1000 may include a tire 1060 that may be comparable or
similar to the tire 160 of FIG. 4E.
[0155] In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 1000 may
include a drive gear 1020. The drive gear 1020 may be shaped and/or
configured to interface with the teeth 1022 such that rotation of
the drive gear 1020 may cause a corresponding rotation of the
centerless rim 1010, thus driving the centerless wheel assembly
1000. In some embodiments, the drive gear 1020 may include a first
set of teeth 1024 that interface with the teeth 1022 of the rail
1012, and may include a second set of teeth 1026 that may interface
with a chain 1035. The chain 1035 may couple the drive gear 1020
with a powered gear 1030. In these and other embodiments, as the
powered gear 1030 is rotated, the chain 1035 may cause a
corresponding rotation of the drive gear 1020. The powered gear
1030 may be coupled to one or more power sources such as bicycle
pedals, a motor drive shaft, an engine, etc. that may cause the
powered gear 1030 to rotate. For example, the power source may
provide a rotational force and may be coupled to the center of the
powered gear 1030.
[0156] In some embodiments, the first set of teeth 1024 may proceed
about a first outer circumference of the drive gear 1020 and the
second set of teeth 1026 may proceed about a second circumference.
For example, the drive gear 1020 may function as two gears, one
with the first outer circumference and one with the second
circumference that are coupled to move as a unitary body. The first
circumference and the second circumference may be different sizes
to achieve different gearing ratios based on the intended use of
the centerless wheel assembly 1000 and a target amount of torque or
speed. For example, there may be a first gearing ratio between the
first set of teeth 1024 and the centerless rim 1010 and a second
gearing ratio between the second set of teeth 1026 and the powered
gear 1030. By including both sets of teeth, the two gearing ratios
may be independently modified or adjusted by changing the
circumference and/or location of the teeth. In some embodiments,
the first set of teeth 1024 and the second set of teeth 1026 may
have a common circumference such that both sets of teeth are along
the outer circumference of the drive gear 1020.
[0157] In some embodiments, the drive gear 1020 may be supported by
an axle coupled to one or more of the exoskeleton plates (e.g., the
exoskeleton plate 1090). In some embodiments, the axle may suspend
the drive gear 1020 further towards the middle of the centerless
rim 1010 beyond the inner circumference of the exoskeleton plate
1090. Such an embodiment may allow for a lower profile exoskeleton
plate 1090 reducing weight, but may come at a cost of potentially
reducing aerodynamics by further exposing the rotating drive gear
1020. In these and other embodiments, the location of the drive
gear 1020 may be based on the height of the rail 1012 such that the
first set of teeth 1024 may interface with the teeth 1022. The
height of the rail 1012 may be based on any of a number of factors,
including desired braking surface, heat dissipation, material,
aerodynamics, etc. In some embodiments, one or more bearings may be
coupled to the axle such that the drive gear 1020 may rotate freely
about the axle. Additionally or alternatively, one or more one-way
bearings may be utilized to couple the drive gear 1020 to the axle
or the drive gear 1020 may be keyed to the axle such that as the
axle is rotated, the drive gear 1020 is also rotated.
[0158] In some embodiments, the drive gear 1020 may be coupled to
one or more power sources at the center of the drive gear 1020
rather than through the chain 1035. For example, an output shaft of
an electric motor or a drive shaft of an engine may be coupled to
the center of the drive gear 1020 such that the rotational force of
the output shaft or the drive shaft may cause a corresponding
rotation of the drive gear 1020.
[0159] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIG.
10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, the centerless wheel assembly 1000 may include more or
fewer elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 1000 may
include any of the components or arrangements consistent with the
present disclosure. As another example, the centerless wheel
assembly 1000 may exclude the chain 1035 and the powered gear 1030
and include a motor or other power source coupled to the drive gear
1020.
[0160] FIG. 11 illustrates a top cutaway view of another example
centerless wheel assembly 1100, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the centerless
wheel assembly 1100 may be a top view of an example wheel that may
be used in an automotive application. The centerless wheel assembly
1100 may include a drive gear 1130 that drives the centerless wheel
assembly 1100. The centerless wheel assembly 1100 may also include
a brake caliper 1152 for slowing and stopping the centerless wheel
assembly 1100.
[0161] The centerless wheel assembly 1100 may include a number of
components that are comparable or similar to others already
described in the present disclosure. For example, the exoskeleton
plates 1190a and 1190b may be similar or comparable to the
exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b of FIG. 1A. The centerless wheel
assembly 1100 may include a centerless rim 1110 that may be similar
or comparable to the centerless rim 410 of FIG. 4E, including a
rail 1112 that may be similar or comparable to the rail 412 of FIG.
4E. Additionally, just as the rail 412 includes the portion 450 to
function as a brake rotor and interface with a brake caliper 1152,
the rail 1112 may include a portion of the rail 1112 that acts as a
brake rotor and interfaces with the brake caliper 1152. The brake
caliper 1152 may be coupled to one or more of the exoskeleton
plates (e.g., the exoskeleton plates 1190a and 1190b) such that the
brake caliper 1152 remains stationary relative to the centerless
rim 1110. The centerless wheel assembly 1100 may include the drive
gear 1130 that may be similar or comparable to the drive gear 430
of FIG. 4. However, the drive gear 430 may interface with the rail
1112 along a centerline 1102 of the centerless wheel assembly 1100.
The drive gear 1130 may be drive by a drive shaft 1185 that may be
similar or comparable to the drive shaft 485 of FIG. 4c. The
centerless wheel assembly 1100 may include one or more roller
guides 1180 that may be similar or comparable to the roller guide
180 of FIG. 1A. The centerless wheel assembly 1100 may include a
tire 1160 that may be comparable or similar to the tire 160 of FIG.
4E.
[0162] The drive gear 1130 may be driven by the drive shaft 1185 to
cause the drive gear 1130 to rotate. Rotation of the drive gear
1130 may cause a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim 1110
due to an interaction between teeth of the drive gear 1130 and
teeth of the rail 1112 of the centerless rim 1110. To slow or stop
the wheel, the brake caliper 1152 may be invoked to interfere with
the portion of the rail 1112 that may operate as a brake rotor.
[0163] A first roller guide 1180a may be coupled to the first
exoskeleton plate 1190a using a suspended axle 1182. The suspended
axle 1182 may be coupled to a single exoskeleton plate (e.g., the
exoskeleton plate 1190a) rather than bridging between both the
exoskeleton plate 1190a and 1190b. For example, the suspended axle
1182 may be cantilevered from one exoskeleton plate 1190. In
operation, the suspended axle 182 may function in a similar manner
to an axle or bridging shaft that spans between the exoskeleton
plates. For example, in these and other embodiments, the first
roller guide 1180b may be configured to roll freely along the
suspended axle 1182. By using the suspended axle 1182, the roller
guides 1180 may be used without interfering with the rail 1112. In
these and other embodiments, the roller guides 1180 may include a
smaller profile and may not include a gap for the rail as compared
to embodiments in which the roller guide spans the rail (e.g.,
similar or comparable to the roller guide 380 of FIG. 3A).
[0164] In some embodiments, the first roller guide 1180a may
function to maintain the centerless rim 1110 in proper position and
alignment such that the drive gear 1130 may maintain consistent
contact with the teeth of the rail 1112. In some embodiments, the
first roller guide 1180a may roll along the centerless rim 1110
during normal operation. Additionally or alternatively, the first
roller guide 1180a may be configured and/or positioned to roll
along the centerless rim 1110 only when there is a force or motion
that causes the centerless rim 1110 to deviate from normal
operation (e.g., a bump or pothole, torsional forces, chatter,
etc.). The other roller guides 1180b, 1180c, and 1180d with their
associated suspended axles 1182b, 1182c, and 1182d may operate in a
similar or comparable manner to the first roller guide 1180a and
first suspended axle 1182a.
[0165] In some embodiments, the roller guides 1180 may be disposed
at various locations about the centerless wheel assembly 1100. For
example, the roller guides 1180 may be placed at an 8:30, 3:30 and
12:00 position. In these and other embodiments, the roller guides
1180 may be disposed in a symmetrical position about the centerline
1102. For example, if the first roller guide 1180a is at an 8:30
position the third roller guide 1180c may also be at an 8:30
position. Additionally or alternatively, the first roller guide
1180a and the third roller guide 1180c may be displaced or
staggered from each other. For example, the first roller guide
1180a may be at an 8:30 position, the second roller guide 1180b may
be at 3:30 position, the third roller guide 1180c may be at a 9:30
position, and the fourth roller guide 1180d may be at a 2:30
position. Any of a variety of factors as described in the present
disclosure may influence the placement of the roller guides 1180
about the centerless wheel assembly 1100. For example, the roller
guides 1180 may be placed in positions to resist chatter, torsional
forces, or other wheel-deforming forces. As another example, the
roller guides 1180 may be placed in positions to handle braking
forces. As an additional example, the roller guides 1180 may be
placed in positions to facilitate removability of the exoskeleton
plate 1190.
[0166] In some embodiments, the second exoskeleton plate 1190b may
be coupled to an automotive vehicle using lug nuts 1142. For
example, the lug nuts 142a, 1142b, and 1142c may be disposed at
various locations about the second exoskeleton plate 1190b. The lug
nuts 1142 may couple the centerless wheel assembly 1100 to any
component of a vehicle such that the centerless wheel assembly 1100
may provide motion to the vehicle.
[0167] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIG.
11 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, the centerless wheel assembly 1100 may include more or
fewer elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 1100 may
include any of the components or arrangements consistent with the
present disclosure. As another example, the centerless wheel
assembly 1100 may include a motor coupled to the drive shaft 1185
to drive the drive gear 1120. As an additional example, there may
be additional or fewer roller guides 1180. As another example, the
exoskeleton plates 1190a and 1190b may include an enclosure or
covering spanning between the two exoskeleton plates 1190a and
1190b (e.g., similar or comparable to the exoskeleton plate 390a
illustrated in FIG. 3A).
[0168] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of another example
centerless wheel assembly 1200, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the centerless
wheel assembly 1200 may be an example wheel that may be used in an
automotive application.
[0169] The centerless wheel assembly 1200 may include a number of
components that are comparable or similar to others already
described in the present disclosure. For example, an exterior
exoskeleton plate 1290a and an interior exoskeleton plate 1290b may
be similar or comparable to the exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b of
FIG. 1A. The centerless wheel assembly 1200 may include a
centerless rim 1210 that may be similar or comparable to the
centerless rim 410 of FIG. 4E, including a rail 1212 that may be
similar or comparable to the rail 412 of FIG. 4E. Additionally,
just as the rail 412 includes the portion 450 to function as a
brake rotor and interface with a brake caliper 1152, the rail 1212
may include a portion of the rail 1212 that acts as a brake rotor
and interfaces with a brake caliper 1250. The brake caliper 1250
may be coupled to one or more of the exoskeleton plates (e.g., an
interior exoskeleton plate 1290b) such that the brake caliper 1250
remains stationary relative to the centerless rim 1210. The
centerless wheel assembly 1200 may include a drive gear 1230 that
may be similar or comparable to the drive gear 430 of FIG. 4. The
drive gear 1230 may be driven by a drive shaft 1285 that may be
similar or comparable to the drive shaft 485 of FIG. 4C. The
centerless wheel assembly 1200 may include one or more roller
guides 1280 (e.g., 1280a-c) and/or 1282 (e.g., 1282a-c) that may be
similar or comparable to the roller guides 1180 of FIG. 11. The
centerless wheel assembly 1200 may include a motor 1270 that may be
similar or comparable to the motor 170 of FIG. 1A.
[0170] The drive gear 1230 may be driven by the drive shaft 1285 to
cause the drive gear 1230 to rotate. Rotation of the drive gear
1230 may cause a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim 1210
due to an interaction between teeth of the drive gear 1230 and the
teeth 1222 of the rail 1212 of the centerless rim 1210. To slow or
stop the wheel, the brake caliper 1250 may be invoked to interfere
with the portion of the rail 1212 that may operate as a brake
rotor.
[0171] In some embodiments, the rail 1212 of the centerless rim
1210 may be offset from the middle of the centerless rim 1210, such
that the rail 1212 may be closer to an interior portion of the
centerless wheel 1200 (e.g., closer to the body of an automobile)
or closer to an exterior portion of the centerless wheel 1200.
Moving the rail 1212 closer to the interior portion may provide a
force and/or aerodynamic advantage. For example, the rotating
driver gear 1230 and/or the teeth 1222 may be further from the
exterior air for an automobile in motion.
[0172] In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 1200 may
include a first set of roller guides 1280 that may be suspended
from the interior exoskeleton plate 1290b. The roller guides 1280
may be cantilevered in a similar or comparable manner to the roller
guides 1180 of FIG. 11. Additionally or alternatively, a second set
of roller guides 1282 may be cantilevered from the exterior
exoskeleton plate 1290a in a similar or comparable manner to the
roller guides 1180 of FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the second set
of roller guides 1282 may be located proximate the exterior
exoskeleton plate 1290a such that as an automobile goes around a
corner or experiences other G-forces that may shift forces towards
the exterior exoskeleton plate 1290a, the second set of roller
guides 1282 may maintain various components of the centerless wheel
assembly 1200 in proper position and in proper alignment such that
the forces do not derail the driver gear 1230 or otherwise misalign
the other components of the centerless wheel 1200.
[0173] In some embodiments, the drive shaft 1285 may include a
sleeve or bushing 1240. The sleeve or bushing 1240 may include
threads or other coupling mechanism such that a hub nut 1242 may
screw into or otherwise interface with the sleeve or bushing 1240
to couple the exterior exoskeleton plate 1290a to the interior
exoskeleton plate 1290b. For example, the bushing 1240 may be
fixedly coupled to the motor 1270, and the motor 1270 may be
fixedly coupled to the interior exoskeleton plate 1290b. As another
example, the bushing 1240 may be fixedly coupled to the interior
exoskeleton plate 1290b. In these and other embodiments, removing
the hub nut 1242 may allow removal of the exterior exoskeleton
plate 1290a and/or the centerless rim 1210 by removing only the hub
nut 1242.
[0174] In some embodiments, the interior exoskeleton plate 1290b
may include one or more mountings 1291 for coupling the centerless
wheel assembly 1200 to an automobile, such as to a c-arm, steering
joint, or other vehicular joint. In these and other embodiments,
lug nuts or any other coupling mechanism may be used.
[0175] In some embodiments, the roller guides 1281a and 1281b may
include bearings such that the roller guides 1281a and 1282b may
rotate freely around the drive shaft 1285. For example, as the
drive shaft 1285 is rotated, the drive gear 1230 may rotate with
the drive shaft 1285 while the roller guides 1281a and 1281b may
rotate freely about the drive shaft 1285 and/or may roll along an
inner surface of the centerless rim 1210.
[0176] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIG.
12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, the centerless wheel assembly 1200 may include more or
fewer elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 1200 may
include any of the components or arrangements consistent with the
present disclosure. As an additional example, there may be
additional or fewer roller guides 1280, 1281, and 1282. As another
example, the exoskeleton plates 1290a and 1290b may include an
enclosure or covering spanning between the two exoskeleton plates
1290a and 1290b (e.g., similar or comparable to the exoskeleton
plate 390a illustrated in FIG. 3A).
[0177] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate various view of an example
centerless wheel assembly 1300, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 13A
illustrates an exploded view of the centerless wheel assembly 1300
and FIG. 13B illustrates a front view of the centerless wheel
assembly 1300. The centerless wheel assembly 1300 may be comparable
or similar to the centerless wheel assembly 1200 of FIG. 12. The
centerless wheel assembly 1300 may include an intermediate
exoskeleton plate 1394 in addition to an interior exoskeleton plate
1390 and an exterior exoskeleton plate 1396. The exterior
exoskeleton plate 1396 may take a customizable view to facilitate
visual appeal, aerodynamics, or other design purposes.
[0178] The centerless wheel assembly 1300 may include a number of
components that are comparable or similar to others already
described in the present disclosure. For example, the interior
exoskeleton plate 1390 may be similar or comparable to the
exoskeleton plates 190a and 190b of FIG. 1A. The centerless wheel
assembly 1300 may include a centerless rim 1310 that may be similar
or comparable to the centerless rim 1210 of FIG. 12, including a
rail 1312 that may be similar or comparable to the rail 1212 of
FIG. 12. Additionally, just as the rail 1212 includes a portion to
function as a brake rotor and interface with the brake caliper
1250, the rail 1312 may include a portion of the rail 1312 that
acts as a brake rotor and interfaces with a brake caliper 1350. The
centerless wheel assembly 1300 may include a drive gear 1330 that
may be similar or comparable to the drive gear 1230 of FIG. 12. The
drive gear 1330 may be driven by a drive shaft 1385 that may be
similar or comparable to the drive shaft 1285 of FIG. 12. The drive
shaft 1385 may include a bushing 1340 around the drive shaft 1285
that may be similar or comparable to the bushing 1240 of FIG. 12.
The centerless wheel assembly 1300 may include a hub nut 1342 that
may be similar or comparable to the hub nut 1242 of FIG. 12. The
centerless wheel assembly 1300 may include one or more roller
guides 1380 (e.g., 1380a-c), 1381 (e.g., 1381a-b), and/or 1382
(e.g., 1382a-c) that may be similar or comparable to the roller
guides 1280, 1281, and/or 1282 of FIG. 12.
[0179] In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 1300 may
include the interior exoskeleton plate 1390 that may be coupled to
a vehicle, such as through a c-arm, steering joint, or other
mechanical linkage. The interior exoskeleton plate 1390 may be
coupled to the intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394. For example, a
series of nuts and bolts may couple the interior exoskeleton plate
1390 and the intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394. In these and
other embodiments, one or more spacers 1392 (e.g., the spacers
1392a-1392d) may be used to provide a proper spacing and
orientation between the interior exoskeleton plate 1390 and the
intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394. For example, the spacers 1392
may be smaller at the top of the centerless wheel assembly 1300 and
wider at the bottom of the centerless wheel assembly 1300 to
support a generally frustoconical shape of the intermediate
exoskeleton plat 1394 with an opening further towards the top of
the centerless wheel assembly 1300. In some embodiments, the
intermediate exoskeleton plate 1390 may seat directly against the
interior exoskeleton plate 1394 and the spacers 1392 may be
compressed between the interior exoskeleton plate 1390 and the
intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394. In some embodiments, the rail
1312 may be disposed between the interior exoskeleton plate 1390
and the intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394.
[0180] In some embodiments, the brake caliper 1350 may be coupled
to the intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394. In these and other
embodiments, the brake caliper 1350 may be coupled using a movable
coupling mechanism, such as a quick-release mechanism (e.g., a
release mechanism that is activatable by hand without a tool), a
hinged mechanism, or other such coupling mechanism to allow the
brake caliper 1350 to be moved away from the rail 1312. In some
embodiments, the intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394 may include a
gap or void in material for the brake caliper 1350 such that the
brake caliper 1350 may be moved into a position such that the brake
caliper 1350 remains stationary relative to the rail 1312 and that
when the brake caliper 1350 is restricted, the brake caliper
interferes with the portion of the rail 1312 that operates as the
brake rotor to decrease the rotational speed of the centerless rim
1310.
[0181] In some embodiments, the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may
operate as a face plate or wind guard to the centerless wheel
assembly 1300. For example, the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may
include any shape or form factor to facilitate brand recognition,
increase aerodynamics, provide an aesthetically appealing
appearance, or other factors. For example, the external exoskeleton
plate 1396 may include a logo, design, or other mark or shape
affiliated with a particular wheel manufacturer or automobile
company. As another example, the external exoskeleton plate 1396
may be shaped with a smooth surface to reduce wind resistance. In
some embodiments, the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may have
voids in material or may be a small ring around the outside of the
centerless wheel assembly 1300. In some embodiments, the external
exoskeleton plate 1396 may be sized such that an exterior lip of
the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may protrude beyond the
centerless rim 1310 in one or more directions. For example, the
exterior lip of the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may protrude in
an exterior direction further than the centerless rim 1310 and/or
may protrude in a radial direction away from the center of the
centerless rim 1310 beyond the outer circumference of the
centerless rim 1310.
[0182] In some embodiments, the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may
include one or more roller guides 1382 that may be coupled to the
external exoskeleton plate 1396. For example, the roller guides
1382 may be cantilevered as described with respect to the roller
guides 1180 of FIG. 11.
[0183] In some embodiments, the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may
be coupled to the bushing 1340 using the hub nut 1342. In these and
other embodiments, the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may be
removed from the centerless wheel assembly by removal of the hub
nut 1342. Additionally or alternatively, after removal of the
external exoskeleton plate 1396, the centerless rim 1310 may be
removed from the centerless wheel assembly 1300 by moving,
releasing, or otherwise adjusting the brake caliper 1350 such that
the centerless rim 1310 may proceed externally away from the
centerless wheel assembly 1300.
[0184] In some embodiments, the external exoskeleton plate 1396 may
include one or more raised features 1397 that may interface with
one or more depressions 1395 in the intermediate exoskeleton plate
1394. While illustrated as raised features 1397 and depressions
1395 in the external exoskeleton plate 1396 and intermediate
exoskeleton plate 1394, respectively, the raised features and the
depressions may occur in the other exoskeleton plate as well.
Additionally or alternatively, any interfacing feature may be used
between the external exoskeleton plate 1396 and intermediate
exoskeleton plate 1394 to facilitate a secure centerless wheel
assembly 1300. In some embodiments, the external exoskeleton plate
1396 may be coupled to the bushing 1340 that may be coupled to the
interior exoskeleton plate 1390, and the interior exoskeleton plate
1390 may be coupled to the intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394. In
these and other embodiments, there may be no direct coupling
between the exterior exoskeleton plate 1396 and the intermediate
exoskeleton plate 1394 besides the interaction of the raised
features 1397 and the depressions 1395.
[0185] In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assembly 1300 may
include a valance 1360 that may be configured to resist rock, sand,
dust, or other materials from entering the centerless wheel
assembly 1300 proximate the rail 1312. For example, the valence
1360 may be made of a rubber of other material that may straddle
the inner circumference of the internal exoskeleton plate 1390, the
intermediate exoskeleton plate 1394, and/or the external
exoskeleton plate 1396. In some embodiments, the valance 1360 may
be made of a rigid material, and in other embodiments, a deformable
or stretchable material.
[0186] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIGS.
13A and 13B without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel assembly 1300 may
include more or fewer elements than those illustrated and described
in the present disclosure. For example, the centerless wheel
assembly 1300 may include any of the components or arrangements
consistent with the present disclosure. As an additional example,
there may be additional or fewer roller guides 1380, 1381, and/or
1382.
[0187] FIGS. 14A and 14 B illustrate multiple views of an example
vehicle 1400 utilizing centerless wheels 1410. The centerless wheel
assemblies 1410 may be comparable or similar to the centerless
wheel assembly 1300 of FIGS. 13A and/or 13B.
[0188] In some embodiments, the centerless wheel assemblies 1410
may be coupled to a vehicle chassis 1420. For example, the chassis
1420 may include a half shaft, arm, cantilevered member, etc. to
which the centerless wheel 1410 may be coupled. In some
embodiments, a single lug nut may couple the centerless wheel 1410
to the chassis 1420.
[0189] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIGS.
14A and 14B without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the vehicle 1400 may include more or fewer
elements than those illustrated and described in the present
disclosure. For example, the vehicle 1400 may include any of the
components or arrangements consistent with the present disclosure.
As an additional example, there may be any of a variety of coupling
members to couple the centerless wheels 1410 to the chassis 1420.
As an another example, the vehicle 1400 may include a body on top
of the chassis 1420 such as a cargo area, a seating area, an engine
or motor area, etc.
[0190] Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the
appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally
intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be
interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "having"
should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes"
should be interpreted as "includes, but is not limited to," the
term "containing" should be interpreted as "containing, but not
limited to," etc.).
[0191] Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim
recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited
in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent
is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following
appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at
least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations.
However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply
that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite
articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory
phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles
such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to
mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the
use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
[0192] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art
will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean
at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two
recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two
recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those
instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B,
and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in
general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B, and C together, etc.
[0193] Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or
more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or
drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of
including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For
example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0194] All examples and conditional language recited in the present
disclosure are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader
in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the
inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being
without limitation to such specifically recited examples and
conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have
been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and
alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *