Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A chassis (100) of a vehicle, the chassis (100) comprising:

a first portion (106) of the chassis; and
a second portion (105) of the chassis; and
a plurality of actuators (104) mounted on the first portion (106) of the chassis and in communication with a second portion (105) of the chassis; and
a first glass (108) encapsulating the second portion (105) of the chassis, mounted on a plurality of tracks; and
a second glass (109) encapsulating the first portion (106) of the chassis, mounted on the plurality of tracks
wherein the second portion (105) of the chassis slides laterally over the first portion (106) of chassis, maintaining an equidistance separation between the first and the second portions (106, 105) of the chassis using the activation initiated by the plurality of the actuators (104) and simultaneously the first glass (108) encapsulating the second portion (105) slides from the second portion (105) of the chassis towards the first portion (106) of the chassis and the second glass (109) disposes to accommodate the first glass (108).

2. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (106) of the chassis is a rear part of the chassis and the second portion (105) of the chassis is a front part of the chassis.

3. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators (104) is in a planar alignment and farthest with respect to each other and longitudinally oriented with respect to the chassis.

4. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (105) of the chassis slides over the first portion (106) of the chassis upto 30-70 cm.

5. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators (104) is linear.

6. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators (104) employs a roller gear assembly.

7. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second glass (109) is disposed by 0 to 30 degree with respect to the initial location of the second glass (109).

8. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second glass (109) is disposed using a rotating screw.

9. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (106) of the chassis is 2 by 3 in dimensional ratio of the total dimension of the chassis.

10. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein second portion (105) of the chassis is 1 by 3 of the chassis.

11. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of the tracks is mounted on horizontal rims (107).

12. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein the roller gear mechanism comprise of plurality of rolling pins (103) and rollers (101).

13. The chassis (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the seconds glass (108) is disposed using a rotating screw by 0 to 30 degrees.

, Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a slidable chassis of a vehicle, more specifically, for reduction in the dimension of the vehicle using slidable chassis.

BACKGROUND

[002] Exponential increase in human population and associated activities specifically in concentrated urban metros present a unique problem of staggering number of vehicles. Hundreds and thousands of vehicles fixed in dimensions from the design to the assembly stage and employing various axial configurations roll out of assembly plants every day to join an existing humongous number of vehicles already plying on the road. Such mindboggling numbers have created a huge urban planning problem as the road and supporting infrastructure have not grown at the same rate. The highways and the road networks remain clogged with vehicles occupying large spaces while stationary or in motion. Arranging parking space for such huge number of vehicles is in itself a major logistic nuisance both for authorities and the individuals felt around the world and specially in developing countries like India.

[003] Many researches attempts have been made to achieve reduction in the vehicular dimensions, but such attempts have remained confined to research labs rather than seeing the light of the day.

[004] In one of the research attempts, reduction in vehicular dimensions is achieved by shortening the wheel base of the vehicle by activating one or more linear actuators positioned in parallel to each other. Such mechanisms have resulted in reduction in the number of the seats available for passengers when the chassis of the vehicle is folded.

[005] In another research attempt the foldable vehicle has been propositioned with four-linkage mechanism that are used to introduce four linkages to enable the vehicle body to fold and the shaft distance between the front wheel and the rear wheel shortened to fully reduce the dimension of the vehicle body. Further, the existing scenario does not allow a friction free folding mechanism or unobstructed mechanical clearance.
OBJECT OF INVENTION

[006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of reduced dimensions using a slidable chassis.

[007] Another object of the invention is to provide a slidable chassis enabled vehicle to fit in a limited or constraint space.

[008] Yet another objective of the invention is to maintain the seating capacity of the vehicle irrespective of the reduction in the dimensions of the vehicle.

[009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a slidable chassis in a vehicle with a friction free motion of sliding action of the chassis to reduce vehicular dimensions.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with illustrations and examples to further disclose the aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A chassis of a vehicle, the chassis comprising a first portion of the chassis and a second portion of the chassis. The vehicle comprises a plurality of actuators mounted on the first portion of the chassis and in communication with a second portion of the chassis. Each of the actuators coupled to a respective roller. Each of the roller employ a corresponding gear and respective roller pins assembly. The vehicle comprising a second glass encapsulating the first portion of the chassis and a first glass encapsulating the second portion of the chassis. The first glass and the second glass employing a plurality of tracks positioned on the body of the vehicle to facilitate motion of the first and second glass. Upon activation, each of the corresponding actuator initiate pulling of the second portion of the chassis towards the first portion of the chassis to laterally slide over the first portion of chassis, maintaining an equidistance separation between the first and the second portions of the chassis. Simultaneously the first glass encapsulating the second portion slides from the second portion of the chassis towards the first portion of the chassis and the second glass inclines on its axis to accommodate the first glass to cave in.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] A brief description of the Figures depicting various embodiments of the invention is provided as follows:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a combinational view of a chassis of a vehicle in its 1st stage with a slidable portion of the chassis at its original position.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a combinational view of the chassis of the vehicle in its 2nd stage with the slidable portion of the chassis in the process of sliding over.

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a combinational view of the chassis of the vehicle in its 3rd stage with the slidable portion of the chassis completely slid resulting in reduced vehicle dimensions.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a combinational view of the glass of the vehicle before initiation of the sliding of glass.

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a combinational view of the glass of the vehicle during its sliding motion.

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a combinational view of the glass of the vehicle after completion of the sliding motion.

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a combinational view of the vehicle with channels mounted on horizontal rims on both sides of the vehicle to enable radial sliding motion of the glass, and also directional indicators to depict different motions encountered during radial sliding of the glass of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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 detailed description and claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0023] 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.

[0024] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0026] The present invention introduces a vehicle based on a chassis, the chassis segregated in pre-determined proportionate parts. The parts bear a pre-determined proportionate ratio to each other. The parts arrange in such a way as to reduce dimensions of the vehicle as desired owing to the circumstantial need in respect of space availability during stationary or in motion. The parts may slide, adjust and fit in amongst each other to adhere to a limited or constraint space during parking or/ traffic congestion. The present invention provides a driver operating a vehicle enabled with a slidable chassis, desirable control to initiate reduction in the dimensions of the vehicle and enable parking the vehicle in a restricted space by sliding the chassis.

[0027] Figure 1, 2 and 3 illustrate three stages of a slidable chassis of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises of a chassis (100) and may include components, parts and mechanism, such as, but not limited to, engine block, suspensions, shockers, tyres, steering mechanism, brakes, fuel tank and its distribution mechanism, provision for seating or carrying load, arranged and manufactured a vehicle. The chassis (100) comprises a first portion of the chassis (106) and a second portion of the chassis (105). The first portion of the chassis (106) is a rear end of the chassis (100) and the second portion of the chassis (105) is a front part of the chassis (100). The first portion of the chassis (106) is in the ratio of 2/3 share of the total chassis (100) dimensions and the second portion of the chassis (105) is in the ratio of remaining 1/3 share of the total chassis (100) dimensions.

[0028] The vehicle comprises a plurality of actuators (104), a corresponding plurality of rollers (101). The vehicle may further comprise of a plurality of gears (102) and a corresponding plurality of rolling pins (103).

[0029] The plurality of actuators (104) are jointed to the first portion of the chassis (106) in a planar arrangement longitudinally oriented with respect to the direction of motion of the vehicle. The planar arrangement positions the plurality of actuators (104) at a maximum separation distance with respect to each other on the first portion of the chassis (106).

[0030] Each of the plurality of actuators (104) couples to a respective roller of the plurality of rollers (101). Each of the plurality of rollers (101) is mounted with a corresponding belt arrangement of a plurality of respective sets of gears (102) and rolling pins (103) enabling physical communication with a second portion of the chassis (105) in the form of a loop. Each of the associated loop in the corresponding belt arrangement is coupled to the respective termination on the second portion of the chassis (105). An initiation of the plurality of actuators (104) in unison triggers the sliding mechanism of the chassis (100) of the vehicle.

[0031] Each actuator of the plurality of the actuators (104) on initiation starts rotating the corresponding roller of the plurality of rollers (101) in a direction to enable the second part of chassis (105) laterally move towards the first potion of the chassis (106). Each of the corresponding roller of the plurality of rollers (101) imparts the rotational motion to respectively mounted belt. The continuous rotational motion pulls the second portion of the chassis (105) in a lateral direction towards the first portion of the chassis (106). On reaching in vicinity of the first part of the chassis (106), the second part of the chassis (105) in motion may elevate by a pre-determined longitudinal distance to facilitate the sliding of the second portion of the chassis (105) over the first portion of chassis (106) maintaining an equidistance longitudinal separation between the first and the second portions (106) and (105) of the chassis (100) respectively.

[0032] The rollers (101) of the present invention provides linear gears (102) comprising of rolling pins (103) used for sliding. The set of linear gears (102) are made of the set of rolling pins (103) instead of formed metal teeth that allows friction-free motion as the plurality of rollers (101) engaged in a tooth profile are designed to perfectly match the path of the set of gears (102). The friction-free meshing of the set of gears (102) and the set of rolling pins (103) also allows the set of gears (102) to be pre-loaded into the rack, eliminating all mechanical clearance.

[0033] The actuation may be in the form of a haptic touch, resistive touch, capacitive touch or even a knob or button press mechanism. The driver may actuate the actuator (104) at the time or place the driver wishes or needs to park the vehicle. The initiation of the actuation may also be programmed to be implemented once the sensors that may be incorporated in the vehicle mechanism detect or determine heavy traffic movement in the vicinity of the vehicle. The programming may also start to implement depending upon the time the vehicle travels a certain distance. The programming may also start depending upon the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the vehicle.

[0034] Figure 1, 2 and 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention describing the mechanism of the sliding process of the chassis (100) undertaken by sliding of the second portion (105) of the vehicle over the first portion (106) of the vehicle in such a way that the second portion of the chassis (105) completely slides over and covers half of the first portion of the chassis (106) therefore, the slidable vehicle reduces by a dimension up by 30-70 cm.

[0035] Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrates a vehicle comprising of first glass (108), a second glass (109), a pair of channels (111), the pair of channels (111) mounted on a pair of rims (107) on both sides of the vehicle. The first glass (108) of the vehicle is erected on the pair of channels (111), the channels (111) further mounted on the corresponding rims (107) and the rims (107) laterally separated from each other with the maximum distance between the pair of rims (107) equal to the lateral dimension of the vehicle.

[0036] In operation when the first portion (106) and the second portion (105) respectively initiate the sliding mechanism, the first glass (108) starts moving on a channel (111). When the first glass (108) is caving inside on the channel (111), the second glass (109), simultaneously, moves apart on the channel (111) on the rim (107) that is perpendicular to the front-to-back channel (111) of the first glass (108). This means that the second glass (109) will spread out on the rim (107) on its channel (111). The inclination of the second glass (109) happens via a hinge at the top end part of the second glass (109). The first glass (108) encapsulating the second portion of the chassis (105), mounted on a plurality of channels (111) and a second glass (109) encapsulating the first portion of the chassis (106), mounted on the plurality of channels (111) actuated simultaneously such that the first glass (108) slides from the second portion of the chassis (105) radially in direction of the first portion of the chassis (106) and the second glass (109) disposes to accommodate the first glass (108).

[0037] The rims (107) are horizontal approximately 10 cms in width of rectangular area. The material used for glass is Nanocomposite of aluminum oxide and a polymer. It is as tough as metals but is light and can be stretched easily. They are fuel efficient, are bendable, and transparent. These hybrid materials combine the strength of ceramics and the stretchability of polymers.
[0038] According to Figure 7, another feature of the invention is a vehicle with the first glass (108) and the second glass (109) that moves on channels (111) during the sliding of the chassis (100). The channels (111) fitted on both sides of the vehicle show that the channel (111) mounted on the horizontal rims (107) of the vehicle placed in such a way that the first glass (108) slides radially of the second glass (109).

[0039] The second glass (109) assembly comprising a rotating screw mechanism (110 a , 110b) that enables an elevation of 0 to 30 degrees and tilting with the help of bent to fit in first and second glass (108 & 109).

[0040] The slidable chassis mechanism of the present invention requires less energy relative to other sliding mechanisms because no vehicle mass is lifted during the process of sliding. The centre of gravity of the vehicle moves horizontally (and not vertically) thus not contributing to any destabilizing effects during movement or when parked.

[0041] 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.