CLIAMS:We Claim:
1. A system for turning a vehicle with at least four wheels, the system comprising:
a driving spur gear and a driven spur gear of a first pair of spur gears mounted on separate first and second driving axles and are adapted to facilitate transmission of torque to a first driving wheel selectively;
a second pair of spur gears connected to a first shaft rotatably secured on a sliding plate, said second pair of spur gears adapted to move along with the sliding plate to selectively engage with the first pair of spur gears and transmit torque there through ;
a driving bevel gear and a driven bevel gear of the first pair of bevel gears mounted on the separate first and second driving axles respectively;
a connecting bevel gear rotatably supported on the sliding plate, the connecting bevel gear adapted to move along with the sliding plate to selectively engage with the first pair of bevel gears, wherein as the connecting bevel gear engages with the first pair of bevel gears the second pair of spur gears disengages from the first pair of spur gears;
a second pair and a third pair of bevel gears disposed on the second driving axle and a front driven axle respectively of same side of the vehicle and are connected with each other through a first connecting shaft there-between for transmitting the torque there-though;
a fourth pair and a fifth pair of bevel gears disposed on third driving axle and another front driven axle respectively of another same side of the vehicle and are connected with each other through a second connecting shaft there-between for transmitting the torque there-though;
an operating means for sliding the sliding plate for selectively engaging and disengaging the connecting bevel gear with the first pair of bevel gears and the second pair of spur gear with the first pair of spur gears,
wherein upon operating the operating means for turning the vehicle, the sliding plate slides for engaging connecting bevel gear with the first pair of bevel gears and simultaneously disengaging the first pair of spur gears from the second pair of spur gears thereby reversing the rotation of two wheels on same side of the vehicle thereby causing two wheels on one side to rotate in one direction and other two wheels of other side in opposite direction causing the vehicle to rotate about its centre in a small space. .

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating means is a hydraulic sub-system actuated by an actuating lever and comprises a master cylinder and a hydraulic circuit configured of a first hydraulic line adapted to supply hydraulic fluid for actuation of the sliding plate, a second hydraulic line adapted to supply hydraulic fluid to the third pair of bevel gears for facilitating engagement there between and a third hydraulic line adapted to supply hydraulic fluid to the fifth pair of bevel gears for facilitating engagement there between.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said operating means is a pneumatic sub-system.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein bevel gears of the third pair of bevel gears selectively engage and disengage with each other when actuated by the operating means.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein bevel gears of the fifth pair of bevel gears selectively engage and disengage with each other when actuated by the operating means.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving and driven bevel gears of the first pair of bevel gears are disposed between and are axially spaced from the driving and driven spur gears respectively.
,TagSPECI:FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
“A System For Turning Vehicle with Minimum Turning Radius”
2. APPLICANT(s):
Name Nationality Address
Prathamesh Raju Dhoke Indian National Gurudeo Nagar, Digras, Tal: Digras, Dist: Yeotmal. 445203. MH. India
Shrirang P Chavan Indian National At Post: Vasagade, Tal: Palus. Dist: Sangli. 416310. MH India
Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli Indian Institute Walchand College of Engineering, Vishrambaug, Sangli, 416415. Maharashtra

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
PROVISIONAL
The following specification describes the invention. COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a vehicle, such as four wheelers. Particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism for turning the four wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism turning the four wheeled vehicle from 90o to 360o degree while still requiring minimum turning radius.

Background of the invention:
As the number of vehicles are on rise and reverse turning of the vehicle in confined space such as heavy traffic conditions or parking the vehicle in confined parking space has become difficult. Also, driving out the vehicle from inconvenient and confined parking spaces such as between two cars or pillars requires skill and is cumbersome. Also, turning back the vehicle on narrow roads is also equally inconvenient. The mechanism used as on date for turning vehicle is difficult in construction and operation.

Further, certain conventional known systems for turning vehicle involves lifting of the vehicle above ground and then turning the vehicle for achieving turning of the vehicle at minimum tuning radius. However, such system for turning the vehicle is not safe as the vehicle is not stably supported while turning and hence there are chances of accidents due to instability of the vehicle during turning the vehicle above ground. Thus there is a need to provide a mechanism for turning the vehicle in a confined area, which will be easy to manufacture, easy to operate, that ensures stability of the vehicle during turning and will not require special skills for operating the same.

Object of the invention:
Object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area, which facilitate turning of the vehicle with about zero turning radius.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area, which can easily facilitate the driver to reverse the vehicle in heavy traffic.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area, which can help the driver to drive out or park the vehicle in confined space.

One more object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area, which can help the driver to back turn the vehicle on narrow roads.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area, which is robust and economical in construction.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area that prevents accidents and ensures safety during turning.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a confined area, which ensures stability of the vehicle during turning.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning a four wheeled vehicle in a small area, which requires low maintenance.

Summary of the invention:

A system for turning a vehicle with at least four wheels is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system includes a first pair of spur gears, a second pair of spur gears, a first pair of bevel gears, a connecting bevel gear, a second pair of bevel gears, a third pair of bevel gears, a fourth pair of bevel gears, a fifth pair of bevel gears and operating means.

A driving spur gear and a driven spur gear of the first pair of spur gears are mounted on separate first and second driving axles and facilitate transmission of torque to a first driving wheel selectively.

The second pair of spur gears are connected to a first shaft that is rotatably supported on a sliding plate, the second pair of spur gears move along with the sliding plate to selectively engage with the first pair of spur gears and transmit torque such that the first and second driving wheels mounted on the second and a third driving axle respectively rotate in same direction;

A driving bevel gear and driven bevel gear of the first pair of bevel gears mounted on the separate first and second driving axles respectively.

The connecting bevel gear is connected to an orthogonal shaft that is rotatably supported on the sliding plate, the connecting bevel gear moves along with the sliding plate to selectively engage with the first pair of bevel gears for reversing the torque transmitted there-through such that the first and the second driving wheels rotate in opposite directions, wherein as the connecting bevel gear engages with the first pair of bevel gears, the second pair of spur gears disengages from the first pair of spur gears.

The second pair and the third pair of bevel gears disposed on the second driving axle and a front driven axle respectively of same side of the vehicle and are connected with each other through a first connecting shaft there-between for transmitting the torque there-though.

The fourth pair and the fifth pair of bevel gears disposed on third driving axle and another front driven axle respectively of another same side of the vehicle and are connected with each other through a second connecting shaft there-between for transmitting the torque there-though.

The operating means for sliding the sliding plate for selectively engaging and disengaging the connecting bevel gear with the first pair of bevel gears and the second pair of spur gear with the first pair of spur gears, wherein upon operating the operating means for turning the vehicle, the sliding plate slides for engaging the connecting bevel gear with the first pair of bevel gears and simultaneously disengaging the first pair of spur gears from the second pair of spur gears thereby reversing the rotation of two wheels on same side of the vehicle thereby causing two wheels on one side to rotate in one direction and other two wheels of other side in opposite direction causing the vehicle to rotate about its centre in a small space.

Brief description of drawings:

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for turning a vehicle with at least four wheels in a confined area requiring minimum turning radius in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of the system for turning the vehicle with at least four wheels of Figure 1 mounted on a vehicle chassis in operative condition;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of the system of Figure 2 in non-operative condition;

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic enlarged representation depicting a third pair of bevel gears of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged view of an arrangement of a first pair of spur gears and a second pair of spur gears of the system in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic enlarged representation of a lever that actuates switching of the system of Figure 1.

Detailed description of the invention:
For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Figure 1, is a schematic representation of a system 100 for turning a vehicle, particularly a vehicle with at least a four wheels in a confined area requiring minimum turning radius. The system 100 includes a master cylinder 10, a first pair of spur gears 20a and 20b, a second pair of spur gears 30a and 30b, a first pair of bevel gears 40a and 40b, a connecting bevel gear 42, a second pair of bevel gears 50a and 50b, a third pair of bevel gears 60a and 60b, a fourth pair of bevel gears 70a and 70b, a fifth pair of bevel gears 72a and 72b, an actuator lever 80 and a sliding plate 90 as shown in figures, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. The system 100 also includes a hydraulic circuit that includes a first hydraulic line 92, a second hydraulic line 94 and a third hydraulic line 96 and a first hydraulic actuator 91, a second hydraulic actuator 93 and a third hydraulic actuator 95.

The system 100 for turning a vehicle can be operated to cause wheels on one side of the vehicle to rotate in one direction and wheels on another side of the vehicle rotate to in opposite direction to facilitate turning of the vehicle about it’s center with minimum turning radius.

A propeller shaft “P” transmits torque/power to a differential “D” which equally divides and transmits torque to a first driving axle 12 and a third driving axle 16 in the same direction.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2, and 3 the system 100 is illustrated. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3, the system 100 is illustrated in non-operative condition thereof while the vehicle is operating in it’s normal working condition and moving on a straight path with all the wheels rotating in one direction.

In non operative/normal condition of the system 100 the connecting bevel gear 42 is disengaged from a driving bevel gear 40a and a driven bevel gear 40b of the first pair of bevel gears. Also, in the non-operative condition of the system 100, a driving spur gear 20a and a driven spur gear 20b of the first pair of spur gears are respectively engaged with a driven spur gear 30a and a driving spur gear 30b of the second pair of spur gears to transmit torque in same direction to separate driving wheels Wrd1 and Wrd2, also referred to as first and second driving wheels Wrd1 and Wrd2. The driving spur gear 20a and the driven spur gear 20b are mounted on the respective first and second driving axles 12 and 14. In an embodiment, the first and the second axles 12 and 14 are configured from a single axle by breaking the same in two parts. The driven spur gear 30a and the driving spur gear 30b of the second pair of spur gears are connected to a first shaft 18 that is rotatably mounted on the sliding plate 90. The sliding plate 90 is slidably disposed on a chassis “C” of the vehicle. Alternatively, the sliding plate 90 can be mounted on different static part of the vehicle, which is obvious to a person skilled in the art. In normal condition, the first and second pair of spur gears is engaged with each other. Accordingly, the first and second driving wheels Wrd1 and Wrd2 mounted on second and third driving axles 14 and 16 rotate in same direction.

More specifically, while the vehicle is operating in the normal configuration and the system 100 is in non-operating condition, the driving spur gear 20a of the system 100 receives torque from the differential “D” in a first direction of rotation, particularly, in same direction as is received by the third driving axle 16 on which the second driving wheel Wrd2 is mounted. The driven spur gear 20b receives and transmits torque to the first driving wheel Wrd1 through the second driving axle 14. The driving spur gear 20a and the driven spur gear 20b of the first pair of spur gears are mounted on separate first and second driving axles 12 and 14 mounted within a roller cage “R1” of the chassis “C” of the vehicle as shown in Figure 2. The driving spur gear 20a and the driven spur gear 20b facilitate transmission of torque to the first driving wheel Wrd1 of the vehicle. The second pair of spur gears 30a and 30b are connected with the first shaft 18 that is rotatably secured on a sliding plate 90. The sliding plate 90 is also adapted to move the second pair of spur gears 30a and 30b with respect to the first pair of spur gears 20a and 20b to facilitate selective engagement and disengagement there-between for selectively transmitting torque from the driving spur gear 20a to the driven spur gear 20b in the same direction. With such configuration, the driving spur gear 20a and the driven spur gear 20b receive torque in same direction. Accordingly, the first driving wheel Wrd1 mounted on the second driving axle 14 and receiving torque from the driven spur gear 20b rotates in same direction as the second driving wheel Wrd2 mounted on the third axle 16.

More specifically, the driving spur gear 20a engages with the driven spur gear 30a. As the driven spur gear 30a and the driving spur gear 30b are both mounted on the first shaft 18, the driving spur gear 30b rotates with the driven spur gear 30a and also engages with and transmits torque to the driven spur gear 20b. Accordingly, the first driving wheel Wrd1 and the second driving wheel Wrd2 both rotate in same direction for facilitating forward movement along direction “F”.

The driven wheels Wfd1 and Wfd2 are supported on separate front driven axles 22 and 24 respectively. The front driven axles 22 and 24 supporting the driven wheels Wfd1 and Wfd2 are either deriving torque from the driving axles 14 and 16 respectively or are independent of the driven axles 14 and 16.

Further, the second pair of bevel gears 50a and 50b are disposed on the second driving axle 14, specifically, the bevel gear 50a is axially mounted on the second driving axle 14 and the bevel gear 50b is coupled to bevel gear 50a and axially mounted on first connecting shaft 55. The first connecting shaft 55 is rotatably mounted on the chassis ‘C’ of the vehicle with bearing thereon. Each of bevel gears, the third pair of bevel gears 60a and 60, and the fifth pair of bevel gears 72a and 72b are not connected with each other in normal condition.

For operating the system 100 as shown in figure 2, the user has to actuate operating means by actuating the actuator lever 80. Upon actuation of the actuator lever 80, the first hydraulic actuator 91 is operates the sliding plate 90. Further, the second hydraulic actuator 93 and the third hydraulic actuator 95 are actuated to couple the gears of respective the third pair of bevel gears 60a and 60b and the fifth pair of bevel gears 72a and 72b. The sliding plate 90 slides to disengage the first pair of spur gears 20a, 20b and the second pair of spur gears 30a, 30b and simultaneously to engage the connecting bevel gear 42 and the first pair of bevel gears 40a and 40b. As the connecting bevel gear 42 and the first pair of bevel gears 40a and 40b engage, the torque or the rotational movement is transferred from the driving spur gear 20a to the bevel gear 40a and then to the connecting bevel gear 42, the bevel gear 40b and then to the driven spur gear 20b. During this transition rotation of the driven gear 20b is reversed with respect to that of driving spur gear 20a. Accordingly, the second driving axle 14 rotates in reverse direction causing the wheel “Wrd1” to rotate in opposite direction with respect to wheel “Wrd2”. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of the system 100 for turning a vehicle with at least four wheels mounted on a vehicle chassis when the system 100 is activated for turning, As the connecting bevel gear 42 engages with the first pair of bevel gears 40a and 40b, the connecting bevel gear 42 reverses torque transmitted there-through so that respective first and second driving axles 12 and 14 connected to the bevel gears 40a and 40b receive torque in opposite direction and as such rotate in opposite direction. As the third driving axle 16 is rotating in same direction as that of the second driving axle 14, the first driving axle 12 driving the first driving wheel Wrd1 and the third driving axle driving the another driving wheel Wrd2 rotate in opposite directions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the operating means is a hydraulic sub-system actuated by the actuating lever 80. The hydraulic sub-system includes a master cylinder 10 and a hydraulic circuit configured of a first hydraulic line 92, a second hydraulic line 94 and a third hydraulic line 96. The first hydraulic line 92 supplies hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator 91 for sliding the sliding plate 90.

The second hydraulic line 94 is connected to the master cylinder 10 and supply hydraulic fluid to the second hydraulic actuator 93 to facilitate engagement between the bevel gears 60a and 60b as shown in figure 5. The third hydraulic line 96 is connected to the master cylinder 10 and supply hydraulic fluid to the third hydraulic actuator 95 to facilitate engagement between the bevel gears 72a and 72b. In an embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator 91, the second hydraulic actuator 93 and the second hydraulic actuator 95 is a piston cylinder arrangement. Alternatively, the actuators are electric actuators. In accordance with another embodiment, the operating means is a pneumatic system.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and as shown in figures 2, 3 and 6, the sliding plate 90 is slidably mounted between the frame elements of the rolling cage “R1”. More specifically, the sliding plate 90 is disposed orthogonally with respect to the driving axles 12 and 14. Further, one end of the sliding plate 90 is connected to the first hydraulic actuator 91 and the other end of the sliding plate 90 supports the connecting bevel gear 42. More specifically, the connecting bevel bear 42 is mounted on an orthogonal shaft 19 that is slidably and rotatably supported at one end on a bearing 21a mounted on a horizontal support element of the roller cage “R1” and at the other end on a bearing 21b mounted on the sliding plate 90. The first hydraulic actuator 91 is connected to a master cylinder 10 that supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator 91.

Further, the front driven axle 22 derives torque from the driving axle 14 through the second pair of bevel gears 50a and 50b, the third pair of bevel gears 60a and 60b and the first connecting shaft 55. The hydraulic actuator 93 receiving hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder 10 facilitates engagement between the bevel gears 60a and 60b. The bevel gears 60a and 60b of the third pair of bevel gears selectively engage and disengage with each other by the third hydraulic actuator 93.

Once the second driving axle 14 receives torque in the reverse direction with respect to the torque received by the third driving axle 16, the torque is transmitted from the second driving axle 14 to the front driven axle 22 through the second pair of bevel gears 50a and 50b, the third pair of bevel gears 60a and 60b and the first connecting shaft 55 connecting the driven bevel gear 50b and the driving bevel gear 60a. Accordingly, the front driven wheel Wfd1 mounted on the front driven axle 22 and the first driven wheel Wrd1 mounted on the second driving axle 14 both rotate in same direction.

More specifically, the bevel gear 50a of the second pair of bevel gears is mounted on the second driving axle 14. The bevel gear 50b of the second pair of bevel gears is mounted on the first connecting shaft 55. Also, the bevel gear 60b of the third pair of bevel gears is mounted on the front driven axle 22 that is disposed on same side of the vehicle as the second driving axle 14. The bevel gear 60a of the third pair of bevel gears is mounted on the first connecting shaft 55. The bevel gears 60a and 60b selectively engage with each other to facilitate transmission of torque from the second driving axle 14 to the front driven axle 22 through the first connecting shaft 55 such that the first driving wheel Wrd1 and the front driven wheel Wfd1 on same side of the vehicle rotate in same direction, for example, reverse direction as illustrated in Figure 2.

Similarly, the another front driven axle 24 derives torque from the driving axle 16 through the fourth pair of bevel gears 70a and 70b, the fifth pair of bevel gears 72a and 72b and the second connecting shaft 71. When the third hydraulic actuator 95 receives hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder 10, the third hydraulic actuator 95 facilitates engagement between the bevel gears 72a and 72b.

Further, the bevel gear 70a of the fourth pair of bevel gears is mounted on the third driving axle 16 on another side of vehicle. The bevel gear 70b of the fourth pair of bevel gears is mounted on the second connecting shaft 71. The bevel gears 70a and 70b of the fourth pair of bevel gears engage with each other. Also, the bevel gear 72b of the fifth pair of bevel gears is mounted on another front driven axle 24 disposed on another side of the vehicle. The other bevel gear 72a of the fourth pair of bevel gears is mounted on the second connecting shaft 71. The bevel gears 72a and 72b of the fifth pair of bevel gears engage with each other to facilitate transmission of torque from the third driving axle 16 to the another front driven axle 24 through the second connecting shaft 71 such that the second driving wheel Wrd2 and the another front driven wheel Wfd2 on another side of the vehicle rotate in same direction. Accordingly, the second driving wheel Wrd2 and the second driven wheel Wfd2 both rotate in same direction for facilitating forward movement along direction “F”. The bevel gears 72a and 72b of the fifth pair of bevel gears selectively engage and disengage with each other by the third hydraulic actuator 95. In the present invention, the vehicle shown is a rear wheel drive vehicle. Similarly, the system 100 also can be configured for front wheel drive vehicles. Also, all the bevel gears and all the spur gears used in the system 100 are having similar dimensions.

With such configuration, the front driven wheel Wfd1 mounted on the front driven axle 22 and the first driven wheel Wrd1 mounted on the second driving axle 14 disposed on one side of the vehicle rotate in one direction. The front driven wheel Wfd1 and second driven wheel Wrd2 disposed on another side of vehicle rotate in opposite direction to facilitate turning of the vehicle about its centre, while still requiring minimum turning radius and facilitating turning and maneuvering of the vehicle in confined spaces.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.