Claims:1. A spheroid wheel assembly (100), comprising:
a. a plurality of spheroid wheels (101);
b. a line of movement (103) passing through each of the plurality of spheroid wheels (101);
c. a plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) movably coupled to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) by means of a plurality of bearings (109);
d. a plurality of axles (105) operably coupled to the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102);
e. a chain and pulley system mounted on the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) configured between a mechanical frame (106) and the plurality of axles (105);
f. a maneuvering actuator (104) operably coupled to the mechanical frame (106) to move a vehicle in any direction;
wherein by displacement of the maneuvering actuator (104), and by means of the chain and the pulley system mounted on the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102);
- the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) around which the chain and the plurality of pulley system rotates, transmits the torque to the plurality of bearings (109);
- the plurality of bearings (109) coupled to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) then transmit the torque to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) allowing the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) to turn in a desired direction between an angle of 0 to 3600.
2. The spheroid wheel assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) are mounted on a frame (107).

3. The spheroid wheel assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the maneuvering actuator (104) is mounted on the mechanical frame (106).

4. The spheroid wheel assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical frame (106) is connected to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) by means of the plurality of vertical rods (102) and the plurality of axles (105).

5. The spheroid wheel assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of line of movements (103) enables side movements to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) by means of e-motors.

6. The spheroid wheel assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) is made up of a viscoelastic material selected from amorphous polymers, semi-crystalline polymers, bio-polymers, bitumen materials etc.

7. The spheroid wheel assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) further includes a plurality of sensor(s).
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[01] The present invention relates to a spheroid wheel assembly of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spheroid wheel assembly of the vehicle designed to rotate between 0 to 360 degrees.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] In existing vehicles, when a driver desires for high wheel maneuverability - for example- while parking or un-parking - the twisting and turning of a steering wheel consume more time and causes lots of problems and hassles for the driver.

[03] The existing vehicles generally employ a steering system which uses an axle mechanically connected to the wheels passing through the center of wheels, allowing the movement of the vehicle only in backward and forward directions. The disadvantages associated with the prior art systems is the limitation on turning radius during steering of the vehicle. Further, the existing prior arts are using powerful e-motors on the wheels which add weight and reduces the performance and reliability of the vehicle.

[04] Conventionally, lots of re-engineering and re-designing had been done to overcome the problems associated with the prior art. The example of which is the article published by some companies wherein it anticipates a visionary tire for autonomous vehicles which are spherical in shape.

[05] Indian patent application number 1792/CHE/2014, discloses a vehicle wherein the wheels are turntable at maximum angle of 900 in left and right directions.

[06] Technically, there is a need to provide an easiest solution without any constraints/restrictions and with an improved performance and maneuverability.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[07] The main object of the present invention is to provide a spheroid wheel assembly to improve performance and maneuverability of the vehicle.

[08] Another object of the present invention is to provide a spheroid wheel assembly of a vehicle rotatable between 0 to 3600.

[09] A further object of the present invention is to provide a spheroid wheel assembly that enables the vehicle driver to move forward and backwards and also to rotate and turn in all directions to facilitate easy parking or un-parking of vehicle in compact spaces without any hassle.

[010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[011] The present invention relates to a spheroid wheel assembly (100) comprising: a plurality of spheroid wheels (101) provisioned with a line of movement (103) passing through each of the plurality of spheroid wheels (101); a plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) around which a chain and pulley system(108) rotates is coupled to a plurality of axles (105) and configured between a mechanical frame (106) and the axles (105); the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) moveably coupled to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) by means of bearings (109); and a maneuvering actuator (104) operably coupled to turn the wheels of a vehicle in any direction between an angle of 0 to 3600 . The maneuvering actuator (104) transmits torque to the bearing (109) through the chain and pulley system (108) and the bearing (109) in turn transmits the torque to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) which allows the plurality of spheroid wheels to turn in any desired direction. The line of movement in the plurality of spheroid wheels provides more flexibility to the vehicle for parking or in any complicated situation. The side movement of the spheroid wheels (101) at certain angle and in certain direction is provided by the small e-motors (around 10kw per wheel).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[012] The present invention will be better understood in light of the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[013] FIG. 1 illustrates the design of spheroid wheels and mechanical connection thereof;
[014] FIG. 2 illustrates the rotation of the spheroid wheels at certain angles;
[015] FIG. 3 illustrates the rotation of the spheroid wheels at 90 degrees;
[016] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrates the movement of vehicle at certain angle;
[017] FIG. 6 illustrates the translation motion and rotational motion of the spheroid wheels and of the perpendicular vertical rod; and
[018] FIG. 7 is the isometric view of the spheroid wheel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[019] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed spheroid wheel with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed spheroid wheel can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[020] These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description and claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

[021] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[022] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[023] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[024] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, components or groups thereof.

[025] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a spheroid wheel assembly (100), comprising a plurality of spheroid wheels (101); a line of movement (103) passing in between the plurality of spheroid wheels (101); a plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) movably coupled to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) by means of a plurality of bearings (109); a plurality of axles (105) operably coupled to the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102); a chain and a plurality of pulley system (108) mounted on the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) configured between a mechanical frame (106) and the plurality of axles (105); and a maneuvering actuator (104) operably coupled to the mechanical frame (106) to move a vehicle in any direction;

[026] The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a spheroid wheel assembly (100) of a vehicle enabling the vehicle to rotate between 0 and 360. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spheroid wheel assembly (100) of a multi-wheeler vehicle designed in such a way to facilitate higher degrees of rotational freedom, thereby making it possible to maneuver the vehicle in all directions contributing mainly in parking and un-parking of the vehicle in a restricted space easily.

[027] The spheroid wheels (101) are preferably made up of a visco-elastic material more specifically of a super-elastic polymer which provides a smooth ride on rough surfaces and increases the strength and durability. In an embodiment, the super-elastic polymer may be an amorphous polymer, a semi-crystalline polymer, bio-polymer, bitumen material and/or a combination thereof. Further, the spheroid wheels may also include a sensor(s) to check status as well as to gather information about the environment and the operating condition of the spheroid wheels (101).

[028] The maneuvering actuator (104) enables to twist and turn a mechanical frame (106) providing direction to the spheroid wheels (101) while parking and un-parking the vehicle in less space.

[029] As shown in FIG. 1, a spheroid wheel assembly (100) architecture is disclosed. The spheroid wheel assembly (100) comprises a plurality of spheroid wheels (101) configured to rotate in all directions, i.e. between 0 and 360 degrees. A line of movement (103) as shown in the figure is on the center of each of the spheroid wheel (101) which enables the spheroid wheel to rotate in all directions. The maneuvering actuator (104) allows or guides the movement of the mechanical frame (106) in a particular direction. A plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) are connected to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) by means of a plurality of bearings (109). The plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) rotates the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) across the line of movement (103) and connect with plurality of axles to pass into the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) from top to the core of the spheroid wheels (101).

[030] A chain and a pulley system (Fig. 7) are configured on the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102). The chain and pulley bearing (with gear teeth) helps in locking the wheels in a certain direction. The spheroid wheel (101) will automatically get locked until the steering is twisted. All the wheels of the vehicle have chain pulley system (108) which helps them in rotating simultaneously and by the same angle. The chain is attached to the main pulley that is attached to the steering, giving driver the rotational control.

[031] The plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102) around which the chain and the pulley system (108) rotates, transmits the torque to the bearing (109) connecting wheels (101) to the plurality of perpendicular vertical rods (102). The bearing (109) coupled to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) then transmits the torque to the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) such that they begin to move around the horizontal axis (on the horizontal shaft) as shown in the Figure 6. Both sides of the spheroid wheel (the left and the right) are attached to this horizontal shaft, allowing the plurality of spheroid wheels (101) to turn in any direction between an angle of 0 to 3600.

[032] The plurality of spheroid wheels (101) are mounted on a frame (107). In an embodiment, the frame (107) is a chassis as shown in the figure 1. In another embodiment, the frame (107) or chassis may be of different shape or structure configured to mount the spheroid wheels (101).

[033] Figure 6 illustrates the vertical axis around which a chain and a pulley system allows 360 degrees twisting of the spheroid wheels (101). The perpendicular vertical rods (102) around which the chain and pulley system (108) rotates transmits the torque to a bearing at the intersection of the perpendicular vertical rods (102) and the spheroid wheels (101). The bearing transmits the torque to the spheroid wheels (101) such that the wheels begin to move around the horizontal axis.

[034] Both sides of the spheroid wheels (the left and the right) are attached to the horizontal shaft. The perpendicular vertical rod has a turning motion due to chain pulley system, which is further attached to the steering. The spheroid wheel is attached to the frame by the perpendicular vertical rod. This ensures that the perpendicular vertical rod is able to rotate by 360 degrees. At the bottom of this perpendicular vertical rod, there is a horizontal bearing to which is fitted a horizontal shaft. Therefore, with both vertical axis spinning - rotational motion (360 degrees) of the perpendicular vertical rod and horizontal axis spinning along the horizontal wheel shaft resulting in translational motion of wheel shaft, it enables the vehicle to move at any angle desired (i.e. the vehicle will be able to experience both rotational as well as translational motion).

[035] The perpendicular vertical rod at the middle is supported by a horizontal support to enhance its load bearing strength. The load bearing attachment on the mid of the perpendicular vertical rod may have a suspension system. One side of spring is attached to this load bearing flap and the either end to the horizontal shaft of the spheroid wheel. This ensures that when the wheels run over bumps, the spring compresses thereby resulting in smooth driving experience. This load bearing attachment is also used for load resistance.

[036] FIG. 3 shows the spheroid wheels (101) rotating at right angle or 90 degrees. This rotation of wheel at certain angle is provided with the help of the perpendicular vertical rod (102) and the line of movement (103).

[037] FIG. 4 illustrates the side movement of the spheroid wheels (101) at certain angle and in certain direction of the spherical wheel assembly (100). This type of movement is unique and provides more flexibility to the vehicle for parking or in any complicated situation. The side movement of the spheroid wheels (101) at certain angle and in certain direction is provided by the small e-motors (around 10kw per wheel).

[038] FIG. 5 shows a forward and backward movement of the spheroid wheels (101).

[039] FIG. 6 illustrates the perpendicular vertical rods (102), the spheroid wheels (101) and a flap for lead resistor wherein the said figure shows the translation motion and relative motion of the spheroid wheels (101) and the vehicle moving in forward direction.

[040] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the spheroid wheel assembly (100) wherein the overall functioning of the vehicle is illustrated.

[041] The present invention thus allows the use of spheroid wheel in a vehicle enabling it to rotate between 0 and 360 degrees by means of the chain and pulley system (108) to improve the performance and maneuverability of the vehicle i.e. it enables the vehicle driver to not only move forward and backward but also rotate and turn in all directions to facilitate easy parking or un-parking of vehicle in compact spaces without any hassle. The e-motor is also attached in the spheroid wheels to improve the performance and maneuverability of the vehicle. With the perpendicular vertical rod connected with the axle to pass into spheroid wheels from top of the core of the spheroid, enables 0 to 360 degrees rotation of the wheels.

[042] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred aspects, which aspects have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such aspects are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.