DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems
related to vehicle or automobiles. More particularly, the invention relates to
a self-balancing joint assembly in a 3 wheeled vehicle that automatically
adjusts and maintains equilibrium, irrespective of external conditions such
as uneven terrain, load variations, or dynamic forces.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
In conventional mechanical systems, particularly those used in three
wheelers maintaining stability is a constant challenge especially in a 3
wheeled vehicle customized for persons with disabilities. These vehicles are
notably prone to balance-related issues, especially when navigating sharp
turns, slippery or uneven terrain.. The customized 3 wheeled vehicle for
persons with disabilities face similar challenges, compounded by the fact
that the occupants may have limited ability to physically adjust their
positions to counterbalance the vehicle.
The traditional joint assemblies used in these vehicles generally
consist of fixed joints and other components like brackets, bushings, and
bearings, all aimed at maintaining some semblance of balance and stability.
However, these assemblies suffer many issues. As they require greater
force, frequent manual adjustments, are susceptible to wear and tear, and
often become misaligned. This not only results in high maintenance
demands but also jeopardizes the safety and reliability of these already
precarious vehicles.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a self-balancing joint assembly
to solve these challenges mentioned above. The present invention aims to
significantly improve the operational safety, efficiency, and reliability of
these three-wheelers. It seeks to provide an advanced, responsive solution
capable of maintaining equilibrium in real-time, irrespective of external
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driving conditions, thus minimizing the risks associated with traditional
systems.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
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An object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and efficient
self-balancing joint assembly specifically configured to address the stability
issues faced by three-wheelers.
Another object of the present invention is to significantly improve the
safety profile of these vehicles by enabling safer high-speed travel, sharper
turns, and effective emergency manoeuvres.
Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce long-term
maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of the vehicles by enhancing
the durability of joint assemblies.
Yet another object of the present invention is to ease the burden on
drivers by automating the balancing process, reducing driver fatigue and
making the vehicles easier and safer to operate, especially for persons with
disabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a self
balancing joint assembly for a 3-wheeled vehicle to connect a front section
and a rear section. The self-balancing joint assembly includes a rear mount
bracket assembly mounted under the rear section of the vehicle. The rear
mount bracket assembly comprises a rear mount bracket, one or more
mounting bushes, and a connecting shaft. The assembly further includes a
floating front bracket assembly mounted under the front section of the
vehicle, with the floating front bracket assembly comprising one or more
bearings and being configured to pivot in response to external forces. A
detent assembly is connected between the rear mount bracket assembly
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and the floating front bracket assembly, with the detent assembly
comprising one or more detent rollers/pins, one or more compression
springs, and a detent block. The connecting shaft is configured to transfer
rotational and tilting movements between the floating front bracket assembly
and the rear mount bracket assembly. Additionally, the detent assembly
locks and stabilizes the pivoting movement of the floating front bracket
assembly to ensure smooth transitions during vehicle operation.
Furthermore, the self-balancing joint assembly maintains the balance of the
vehicle by automatically adjusting its orientation in response to external
forces such as terrain variations, load shifts, and centrifugal forces during
turns.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one
or more bearings in the floating front bracket assembly provide rotational
freedom and allow pivoting up to a predetermined angle, facilitating
adjustment during sharp turns or uneven terrain.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one
or more mounting bushes are disposed between the rear mount bracket and
the connecting shaft and are configured to absorb vibrations and enhance
stability during vehicle operation.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
connecting shaft is configured to transfer mechanical power and rotational
movement between the floating front bracket assembly and the rear mount
bracket assembly, enabling synchronized movements to maintain vehicle
balance, particularly during turns.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the self
balancing joint assembly further includes one or more oil seals positioned
adjacent to the one or more bearings, where the oil seals prevent the
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leakage of lubricants and protect the bearings from contaminants such as
dust and moisture.
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In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
floating front bracket assembly further comprises a floating front bracket
configured to tilt in response to dynamic forces, allowing the front section of
the vehicle to lean into turns and maintain road contact.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the rear
mount bracket assembly includes a rear mount bracket that provides
rotational and axial support to the rear wheel and facilitates the automatic
adjustment of the self-balancing assembly during vehicle operation.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the self
balancing assembly restricts the tilt angle of the vehicle to a predetermined
range between ±20° to ±70°, preventing the vehicle from tipping over during
sharp turns or steep inclines.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
floating front bracket assembly and the rear mount bracket assembly are
configured to work in concert with the connecting shaft to continuously
adjust the vehicle’s orientation based on real-time driving conditions,
minimizing the effects of load shifts, centrifugal forces, and terrain
variations.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a 3
wheeled electric vehicle comprises a front section with a chassis, a front
wheel, and a steering mechanism operatively connected to the front wheel;
a rear section with a rear wheel, an electric motor coupled to the rear wheel,
a power source including one or more batteries mounted in the vehicle, and
a transmission system operatively connected between the motor and the
rear wheel for driving the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a self-balancing
joint assembly mounted between the front section and the rear section, with
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the self-balancing joint assembly comprising a rear mount bracket
assembly, a floating front bracket assembly, a detent assembly, and a
connecting shaft. Additionally, the self-balancing joint assembly maintains
the balance of the vehicle by automatically adjusting its orientation in
response to external forces such as terrain variations, load shifts, and
centrifugal forces during turns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present
invention can be understood in detail, a more particular to the description of
the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to
embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical
embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered
limiting of its scope, the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments. These and other features, benefits and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text
figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the
views, wherein:
Fig. 1A illustrates a side view of a 3 wheeled vehicle with a self
balancing joint assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 1B illustrates a bottom view of the 3 wheeled vehicle with a self
balancing joint assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 2A illustrates a self-balancing joint assembly, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
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Fig. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the components of the self
balancing joint assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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The present invention is described hereinafter by various
embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth
herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to
those skilled in the art.
While the present invention is described herein by way of example
using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or
drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the
various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the
invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and
such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should
be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not
intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the
contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by
the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may"
is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather
than the mandatory sense, (i.e., meaning must). Further, the words "a" or
"an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless
otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used
herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed
as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having,"
"containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad
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and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and
additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other
additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising"
is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for
applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials,
devices, articles, and the like is included in the specification solely for the
purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested
or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base
or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present
invention.
This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms
and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein.
Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled
in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges
are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These
values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended
to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are
identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These
materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention.
Figure 1A illustrates a self-balancing joint assembly (100) in a 3
wheeled vehicle (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The 3-wheeled vehicle (10) comprises, but is not limited to, a
chassis (1102), a front section (110), a rear section (120), a self-balancing
joint assembly (100), and a rear wheel (1202). The vehicle is powered by
an electric motor (not shown) that drives the rear wheel (1202) through a
transmission system, and the power source includes one or more batteries,
mounted within the vehicle (10). These components, while not shown, are
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commonly known to those skilled in the art and do not require further
detailed explanation. The vehicle is designed to offer improved stability,
particularly for persons with disabilities or other users requiring enhanced
balance support.
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Figure 1B illustrates a bottom view of the 3-wheeled vehicle (10) with
the self-balancing joint assembly (100), in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the chassis (1102)
is the skeletal framework of the vehicle, supporting various components and
sub-assemblies, including the vehicle body (1104), front wheel (1106), the
self-balancing joint assembly (100), rear mount bracket assembly (1), and
rear wheel (1202). The chassis (1102) provides strength and rigidity,
integrating all components into a functional and cohesive unit.
The self-balancing joint assembly (100), which connects the front
section (110) to the rear section (120), comprises a rear mount bracket
assembly (1), a floating front bracket assembly (5), a detent assembly (2),
and a connecting shaft (1.3). These components are responsible for
maintaining the balance of the vehicle by automatically adjusting its
orientation in response to external forces such as terrain variations, load
shifts, and centrifugal forces, particularly during turns. Detailed descriptions
of the individual components of the self-balancing joint assembly (100) are
covered in Figures 2A and 2B.
The rear section (120) of the vehicle houses the rear wheel (1202),
powered by the electric motor (not shown), which is operatively coupled to
the wheel via a transmission system. The power source, including one or
more batteries, is mounted within the vehicle (10) and powers the electric
motor. Additionally, the front section (110) includes the front wheel (1106),
connected to a steering mechanism (not shown) that allows the driver to
control the direction of the vehicle. These components are standard in
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electric vehicles and are well understood by those skilled in the art; thus,
they are not described in further detail.
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Figure 2A illustrates an assembled view of the self-balancing joint
assembly (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) connects the front section
(110) and the rear section (120) of the 3-wheeled vehicle (10) and includes
several key components. As shown in Figure 2A, the rear mount bracket
assembly (1) is mounted under the rear section (120) of the vehicle and
comprises a rear mount bracket (1.1), one or more mounting bushes (1.2),
and a connecting shaft (1.3). The connecting shaft (1.3) is responsible for
transferring mechanical power and rotational movement between the rear
mount bracket assembly (1) and the floating front bracket assembly (5),
allowing synchronized movements and adjustments to maintain vehicle
balance during dynamic driving conditions, particularly sharp turns and
uneven terrain. The floating front bracket assembly (5) is mounted under
the front section (110) of the vehicle and includes one or more bearings (8),
which facilitate smooth pivoting in response to external forces.
The connecting shaft (1.3) in the rear mount bracket assembly (1) is
constructed from materials such as carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel,
titanium, aluminum alloys, or composite materials such as carbon fiber,
each selected for properties such as mechanical strength, weight, corrosion
resistance, and cost-effectiveness. These materials are critical for ensuring
the durability and efficiency of the assembly in various operational
environments.
Figure 2B presents an exploded view of the self-balancing joint
assembly (100), showing its individual components in greater detail. The
rear mount bracket assembly (1) includes the rear mount bracket (1.1), one
or more mounting bushes (1.2), and the connecting shaft (1.3). The floating
front bracket assembly (5) includes a floating front bracket (5.1) and one or
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more bearings (8), which allow rotational freedom, improving the vehicle's
ability to adapt to dynamic forces during operation.
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The floating front bracket (5.1), part of the floating front bracket
assembly (5), is designed to provide pivotal movement that can adjust up to
90 degrees in both directions. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining
stability, especially during sharp turns, as it allows the front section of the
vehicle to lean into the turn while maintaining road contact. The one or more
bearings (8) positioned in the floating front bracket assembly (5) further
enhance the assembly’s operational efficiency by reducing friction and
enabling smooth rotational movements, ensuring stability and
maneuverability during sharp turns or on uneven terrain.
In addition to the bearings (8), the assembly (100) includes an oil seal
(9), located adjacent to the bearings, to prevent lubricant leakage and
protect the bearings from contaminants such as dust, water, or grit. The oil
seal (9) is critical in maintaining the longevity and performance of the
bearings, ensuring that the lubrication inside the assembly remains intact
and that the components operate with minimal friction and wear over time.
Materials for the oil seal (9) can be selected from heat- and wear-resistant
materials such as fiber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, or composite
materials.
The assembly (100) also includes one or more washers (10), which
serve multiple functions such as reducing the risk of over-tightening,
minimizing friction between moving parts, and protecting against vibrational
forces encountered during operation. These washers help maintain the
structural integrity of the assembly, prevent misalignment, and allow for
thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring efficient operation over time.
The detent assembly (2), which is another crucial part of the self
balancing joint assembly (100), is configured to maintain alignment and
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stabilize positioning during dynamic conditions. The detent assembly (2)
comprises detent rollers/pins (2.1), one or more compression springs (2.2),
and a detent block (2.3), that lock and stabilize the movement of the floating
front bracket assembly during operation. The detent assembly (2) ensures
that the floating front bracket assembly remains stable under dynamic
forces, allowing the vehicle (10) to maintain its balance and alignment,
especially when encountering terrain variations or during sharp turns.
Furthermore, the detent assembly (2) enables multidirectional
flexibility, allowing the self-balancing joint assembly (100) to adapt to
various dynamic conditions experienced by the vehicle during operation.
In that sense, the self-balancing joint assembly (100) integrates
several key components, including the rear mount bracket assembly (1),
floating front bracket assembly (5), and detent assembly (2), all of which
work in concert to maintain vehicle balance during operation by adjusting
the vehicle’s orientation in response to external forces such as terrain
variations, load shifts, and centrifugal forces.
Method of Operation:
The method of operation of the self-balancing joint assembly (100) is best
understood by way of the following example, which illustrates how the
assembly functions within a specialized 3-wheeled vehicle (10). This vehicle
is configured primarily for use as an autorickshaw or for persons with
disabilities. The present embodiment is designed to provide optimal stability,
maneuverability, and safety, especially when navigating sharp turns or
uneven terrains.
As depicted in Figure 1A, the self-balancing joint assembly (100) is mounted
between the front section (110) and the rear section (120) of the vehicle.
The assembly integrates key components, including the floating front
bracket assembly (5) and the rear mount bracket assembly (1), both of
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which are critical for maintaining vehicle balance. These components work
together to continuously adjust the orientation of the vehicle in response to
external forces such as terrain variations, load shifts, and centrifugal forces
during turns.
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The floating front bracket (5.1) is connected to the chassis (1102), while the
rear mount bracket (1.1) is connected to the rear wheel (1202). To enhance
performance and durability, these components are made from aerospace
grade aluminum, offering an optimal balance of strength and weight. The
connecting shaft (1.3), which is part of the rear mount bracket assembly (1),
transfers rotational and tilting movements between the front and rear
sections of the vehicle, enabling smooth and synchronized adjustments
during operation.
In this example, the floating front bracket assembly (5) is configured to
rotate, providing up to 90 degrees of rotational freedom in both directions,
making it highly adaptable to sharp turns and uneven road surfaces. This
level of freedom allows the front section of the vehicle to lean into turns while
maintaining road contact, significantly enhancing the vehicle's
maneuverability and stability.
Upon operation, as the 3-wheeled vehicle (10) moves, the self-balancing
joint assembly (100) constantly adjusts its orientation to maintain the
vehicle’s balance, regardless of external conditions. The connecting shaft
(1.3) facilitates the transmission of mechanical power and rotational
movement between the rear mount bracket assembly (1) and the floating
front bracket assembly (5), ensuring synchronized movements that maintain
balance during sharp turns.
During a sharp turn, the compression springs (2.2) in the detent assembly
(2) come into action to stabilize the assembly. As the vehicle begins to lean
into the turn, the detent rollers/pins (2.1) press deeper into their guides,
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offering resistance that counteracts the tipping forces exerted by
gravitational and centrifugal forces. The mounting bushes (1.2) in the rear
mount bracket assembly (1) further absorb vibrations and forces that would
otherwise destabilize the vehicle.
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As the vehicle exits the turn, the compression springs (2.2) decompress,
allowing the self-balancing joint assembly (100) to return the vehicle to its
upright position. Additionally, stopper provisions are incorporated to restrict
the tilt angle between ±20° and ±70°, preventing excessive leaning and
minimizing the risk of tipping over.
In this way, the coordinated actions of the floating front bracket assembly
(5), rear mount bracket assembly (1), and detent assembly (2) provide
unparalleled stability and maneuverability, making this 3-wheeled vehicle a
highly efficient solution for challenging driving conditions, that significantly
enhances the vehicle’s safety, maneuverability, and comfort.
This method of operation illustrates the best mode for implementing the
invention and provides a clear understanding of how the self-balancing joint
assembly (100) performs optimally under various conditions, ensuring that
the vehicle remains balanced and secure during operation.
Illustrative Scenarios of Operations for the Self-Balancing Joint Assembly in
a 3-Wheeled Vehicle:
The self-balancing joint assembly (100) acts as a bridge between the rear
wheels (1202) and the chassis (1102), providing independent connection
between the front and rear sections of the vehicle. The assembly enables
left and right tilting during turns, while longitudinal movement is completely
restricted, ensuring stability and balance. This feature ensures that the rear
wheels (1202) always maintain contact with the surface, even during
dynamic driving conditions, maintaining consistent balance and safety for
the rider.
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Operation and Real-Time Adjustment:
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The self-balancing joint assembly (100) operates during vehicle motion,
continuously adjusting the balance and orientation of the vehicle (10) in real
time. The following scenarios illustrate how the system responds to external
forces while maintaining stability.
Scenario 1: Navigating a Sharp Turn: When the vehicle (10) encounters
a sharp turn at high speed, centrifugal forces act on the vehicle, attempting
to tip it outward. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) reacts by tilting the
chassis and rider toward the direction of the turn while keeping both rear
wheels in contact with the ground, ensuring stability. The following events
occur:
1. The floating front bracket assembly (5) pivots on its bearings (8),
allowing the front wheel assembly to tilt toward the turn. The bearings
provide smooth motion, preventing jerky movements and maintaining
road grip.
2. The connecting shaft (1.3) transmits the rotational movement to the
rear mount bracket assembly (1), allowing the rear wheel (1202) to
tilt in synchronization with the front, ensuring that both wheels remain
aligned with the road surface.
3. The detent assembly (2), positioned in the floating front bracket
assembly (5), engages to stabilize the tilt angle. The detent
rollers/pins (2.1) and compression springs (2.2) increase the
compression load, locking the components in place and preventing
excessive tilting, thus providing a positive riding feel during the turn.
4. As the vehicle exits the turn and returns to a straight path, the self
balancing joint assembly (100) automatically realigns the vehicle to
its upright position. The compression springs (2.2) decompress,
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allowing the vehicle to self-align smoothly without any jerky
movements.
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Scenario 2: Traveling on Uneven Terrain: When the vehicle (10)
encounters uneven terrain, such as bumps or rough surfaces, the self
balancing joint assembly (100) dynamically adjusts the vehicle's orientation
to maintain rider comfort and stability.
1. The floating front bracket assembly (5) detects changes in the terrain
and tilts to adapt to the uneven surface. The bearings (8) ensure that
the front wheels remain in contact with the ground.
2. The rear mount bracket assembly (1), equipped with mounting
bushes (1.2), absorbs the shocks from the rear wheel (1202),
reducing vibrations transmitted to the rider. The mounting bushes
(1.2) act as dampers, keeping the rear section stable despite rough
terrain.
3. The connecting shaft (1.3) synchronizes the adjustments between
the front and rear sections, maintaining balance. The system
minimizes the risk of tipping, ensuring the vehicle adapts to terrain
variations smoothly.
Scenario 3: Sudden Load Shift: If the vehicle (10) experiences a sudden
shift in load distribution, such as when a passenger adjusts their position,
the self-balancing joint assembly (100) responds by rebalancing the vehicle
to prevent instability.
1. The floating front bracket assembly (5) tilts slightly to compensate for
the weight shift, redistributing forces on the front wheel assembly.
2. The connecting shaft (1.3) transmits the tilting movement to the rear
mount bracket assembly (1), ensuring that the rear wheel (1202)
adjusts accordingly, maintaining overall vehicle balance.
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3. The detent assembly (2) engages, locking the vehicle in a balanced
position to prevent wobbling or overcompensation, which could
otherwise lead to instability or a potential tip-over.
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Scenario 4: Parking the Vehicle: When the vehicle (10) is parked, the self
balancing joint assembly (100) automatically aligns itself due to the
compressive load applied by the detent assembly (2). The detent rollers
(2.1) and compression springs (2.2) lock the vehicle in an upright position,
preventing it from tipping over or shifting. This eliminates the need for a
parking lever or switch, making the vehicle easier to use, especially for
persons with disabilities.
In all these scenarios, the self-balancing joint assembly (100), in
coordination with the floating front bracket assembly (5), rear mount bracket
assembly (1), and connecting shaft (1.3), ensures real-time adjustments to
balance and orientation. The assembly (100) is designed to respond to
external forces such as centrifugal forces during turns, terrain irregularities,
and sudden load shifts, providing a smooth, stable, and safe ride for the
occupants of the 3-wheeled vehicle (10).
The present invention offers significant improvements over conventional
joint assemblies used in similar vehicles, particularly those customized for
persons with disabilities. By addressing the long-standing issues of balance,
stability, and maneuverability in 3-wheeled vehicles, this invention
enhances both the safety and comfort of the occupants while reducing
maintenance requirements. The innovative design enables real-time
adjustments to maintain equilibrium in various dynamic driving conditions,
offering a wide range of advantages.
The specific advantages of the invention include:
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1. Enhanced Stability on Uneven Terrain: The self-balancing joint
assembly (100) dynamically adjusts the vehicle’s orientation to
maintain balance, even on uneven or bumpy roads. The floating front
bracket assembly (5) pivots in real-time to adapt to changes in
terrain, ensuring that the wheels maintain contact with the ground,
reducing the likelihood of tipping or instability.
2. Improved Safety During Sharp Turns: The invention allows the
vehicle (10) to safely navigate sharp turns by automatically adjusting
the tilt angle of the front and rear sections. The connecting shaft (1.3)
transmits rotational movements between the front and rear sections,
enabling synchronized tilting. This reduces the impact of centrifugal
forces, preventing tipping and increasing safety during high-speed
maneuvers.
3. Self-Balancing Mechanism: The self-balancing nature of the joint
assembly ensures that the vehicle continuously adjusts its
orientation, allowing for real-time balance correction in response to
external forces such as load shifts, terrain variations, and dynamic
driving conditions.
4. Compact and Simple Mechanism: The design of the self-balancing
joint assembly (100) is compact and simplified, with fewer child parts,
reducing the overall complexity of the mechanism. This ensures ease
of installation and maintenance, making it highly practical for a range
of vehicle designs.
5. Reduced Driver Fatigue and Effort: The self-balancing mechanism
is fully automated, requiring no manual intervention from the driver.
This significantly reduces the driver’s workload, particularly in
challenging driving conditions such as sharp turns or rough terrain.
The automatic adjustment system ensures that the vehicle remains
stable, minimizing the physical effort required to control the vehicle.
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6. Increased Comfort for Passengers: The inclusion of mounting
bushes (1.2) and bearings (8) in the joint assembly provides shock
absorption and vibration damping. This enhances the overall ride
quality by reducing the impact of road irregularities, offering a
smoother and more comfortable ride, especially for passengers with
limited mobility or those requiring additional support. Additionally, the
assembly offers a positive feeling while riding, as the tilting is smooth
and predictable, improving rider confidence.
7. Parking Lever Not Required: Due to the self-aligning feature of the
assembly when the vehicle is stationary, there is no requirement for
a parking lever. The vehicle automatically retains its position due to
the compressive load applied by the detent assembly (2), simplifying
operation and enhancing convenience for the user.
8. Stopper to Restrict Rotational Movement: Stopper provisions are
included to restrict the vehicle's tilt angle to between ±20° to ±70°,
ensuring safe and controlled movement during turns and steep
inclines, preventing excessive tilting.
9. Extended Vehicle Lifespan: The invention reduces wear and tear
on key components by optimizing how dynamic forces are distributed
across the vehicle’s structure. The use of high-quality materials, such
as ceramic bearings and rubber bushes, minimizes friction and
reduces maintenance requirements. This leads to longer component
life, less frequent repairs, and reduced overall maintenance costs for
the vehicle.
10. Lightweight Design and Reduced Parts: The overall assembly
weight is kept low due to the use of lightweight materials and the
reduction in the number of child parts. This not only improves vehicle
efficiency
but
maneuverability.
also contributes to better handling and
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11. Lower Servicing Costs: The simple and compact design, coupled
with the use of durable materials, significantly reduces servicing
costs. The fewer number of parts means fewer components that can
wear out, making the assembly more reliable and economical in the
long term.
12. Adaptability for Different Vehicle Configurations: The modular
nature of the self-balancing joint assembly (100) allows it to be easily
integrated into different types of 3-wheeled vehicles, including those
used as autorickshaws or vehicles for persons with disabilities. The
flexible design makes it adaptable to various vehicle configurations,
offering versatility in its application.
13. Increased Safety in Emergency Situations: During emergency
maneuvers, such as sudden changes in direction or abrupt stops, the
self-balancing joint assembly (100) ensures that the vehicle (10)
remains stable and minimizes the risk of tipping over. The assembly
reacts instantaneously to changes in the vehicle's dynamics,
providing greater control and safety during such critical moments.
In this manner, the Self-Balancing Joint Assembly for a 3-Wheeled
Vehicle significantly enhances the stability, safety, and overall performance
of vehicles equipped with it. By automating the balancing process and
dynamically adjusting to external forces, the invention offers a smoother and
safer ride, reduces driver fatigue, and extends the life of the vehicle. This
makes it an ideal solution for 3-wheeled vehicles, particularly those intended
for persons with disabilities, where balance and ease of use are paramount.
Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those
skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The
principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may
be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended
to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying
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drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the
principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested
herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such
alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the
present invention and the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A self-balancing joint assembly (100) for a 3-wheeled vehicle (10) to
connect a front section (110) and a rear section (120), the self-balancing
joint assembly comprising:
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a rear mount bracket assembly (1) mounted under the rear section
(120) of the vehicle, the rear mount bracket assembly (1) including a
rear mount bracket (1.1), one or more mounting bushes (1.2), and a
connecting shaft (1.3);
a floating front bracket assembly (5) mounted under the front
section (110) of the vehicle, the floating front bracket assembly (5)
including one or more bearings (4) and configured to pivot in response
to external forces;
a detent assembly (2), connected between the rear mount bracket
assembly (1) and the floating front bracket assembly (5), the detent
assembly (2) including one or more detent rollers (2.1), one or more
compression springs (2.2), and a detent block (2.3);
wherein the connecting shaft (1.3) is configured to transfer
rotational and tilting movements between the floating front bracket
assembly (5) and the rear mount bracket assembly (1),
wherein the detent assembly (2) is configured to lock and stabilize
the pivoting movement of the floating front bracket assembly (5) to
provide smooth transitions during vehicle operation,
wherein the self-balancing joint assembly (100) is configured to
maintain the balance of the vehicle (10) by automatically adjusting its
orientation in response to external forces selected from terrain
variations, load shifts, and centrifugal forces, during turns.
2. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or
more bearings (8) in the floating front bracket assembly (5) provide
rotational freedom and allow pivoting up to a predetermined angle,
facilitating adjustment during sharp turns or uneven terrain.
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3. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or
more mounting bushes (1.2) are disposed between the rear mount
bracket (1.1) and the connecting shaft (1.3), and are configured to
absorb vibrations and enhance stability during vehicle operation.
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4. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the
connecting shaft (1.3) is configured to transfer mechanical power and
rotational movement between the floating front bracket assembly (5)
and the rear mount bracket assembly (1), enabling synchronized
movements for maintaining vehicle balance, particularly during turns.
5. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, further comprising
one or more oil seals (9) positioned adjacent to the one or more
bearings (8), the oil seals (9) configured to prevent the leakage of
lubricants and to protect the bearings (8) from contaminants such as
dust and moisture.
6. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the floating
front bracket assembly (5) further comprises a floating front bracket
(5.1) configured to tilt in response to dynamic forces, allowing the front
section of the vehicle (10) to lean into turns and maintain road contact.
7. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the rear
mount bracket assembly (1) includes a rear mount bracket (1.1)
configured to provide rotational and axial support to the rear wheel
(1104) and to facilitate the automatic adjustment of the self-balancing
assembly (100) during vehicle operation.
8. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the self
balancing assembly (100) is configured to restrict the tilt angle of the
vehicle (10) to a predetermined range between ±20° to ±70°, thereby
preventing the vehicle from tipping over during sharp turns or steep
inclines.
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9. The self-balancing joint assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the floating
front bracket assembly (5) and the rear mount bracket assembly (1) are
configured to work in concert with the connecting shaft (1.3) to
continuously adjust the vehicle’s orientation based on real-time driving
conditions, minimizing the effects of load shifts, centrifugal forces, and 5
terrain variations.
10. A 3-wheeled electric vehicle (10) comprising:
a front section (110) including a chassis (1102), a front wheel
(1106), and a steering mechanism operatively connected to the front
wheel (1106); 10
a rear section (120) including a rear wheel (1202), an electric
motor coupled to the rear wheel (1202), a power source including one
or more batteries mounted in the vehicle, and a transmission system
operatively connected between the motor and the rear wheel (1202) for
driving the vehicle; and 15
a self-balancing joint assembly (100) mounted between the front
section (110) and the rear section (120), the self-balancing joint
assembly (100) comprising a rear mount bracket assembly (1), a
floating front bracket assembly (5), a detent assembly (2), and a
connecting shaft (1.3); 20
wherein the self-balancing joint assembly (100) is configured to
maintain the balance of the vehicle (10) by automatically adjusting its
orientation in response to external forces selected from terrain
variations, load shifts, and centrifugal forces, during turns.