Introducing
Donohue Resilient Wheels, LLC
(U.S. Patent #9,527,344)
Just imagine, a Terrain
Conforming Wheel (TCW), which utilizes a totally new concept of
mobility. This is a non-pneumatic wheel, which breaks away from
conventional wheel design and standards. It is not a static wheel design
as is the case of conventional wheels. This Wheel is a variable design,
which conforms to the terrain it envelopes in a uniform fashion.
It has the traction in the range of a track assembly, well beyond that
of a wheel! Yet, it is not a track assembly- it does not churn the
terrain. It has resistance closer to that of a standard wheel.
Since it conforms to the terrain, it is able to scale objects in its
path in a uniform fashion. In fact, its entire rim contributes to
conforming to them. The Wheel scales the objects from within, minimizing
resistance and jolting.
Ecologically, it is friendly to the terrain it transverses. It does not
churn the terrain, as is the case with conventional wheels. Actually,
the load bearing mass is not static in relationship to the wheel itself.
The weight oscillates between the bearing supports of its spokes.
The full circumference of these Wheels is utilized in gripping the
terrain. Thus, in the case of a four-spoke wheel, it takes the shape of
a parallelogram. In the case of a six- spoke wheel, it takes the shape
of a rounded triangle.
Initially, these TCWs will focus on lower speed and lower weight
applications. Donohue
Resilient Wheels, LLC is a market developmental company which will be
discussing opportunities for companies using this recently patented
technology. Contact Donohue Resilient Wheels, LLC in your quest for
markets beyond what was possible before
Here
is a link to the article covering the release of this terrific
product!
Here are examples of the TCW mounted onto a standard RC car:
The TCW can also be demonstrated on larger
wheels.
Donohue Resilient Wheels, LLC shows
the capacity of its resilient wheel technology with prototypes of future
wheels. They can widely broaden their contact with the terrain, absorb
shock, flex/swivel transversely, and horizontally shift their load bearing
upon the ground.
This technology is not limited to the models presented. The desired
performance of the wheel is a reflection of the "selection of parameters"
chosen to build it! In general, these functional mock-ups demonstrate
means for attachment either centrally or through the cylindrical pivots of
the hub, a spoke hinge designed with fail-safe* in mind and capable of
universal action, and a rim/tire easily removable with a small Allen wrench.
Exhibit I(Above): Displays a
mid-size wheel with a relatively small hub.
Notice that the spoke hinges alternate between singular and
universal swivel action upon the dual steel bands of the tire.
*Each spoke hinge consist of a metal channel with a steel rim
band(s) riding within and held in place by an assembly of screw
fasteners and a concave washer. They are restricted from removal
by a crossover, threaded pin (axle) directly above.
Exhibit IIa (above):
Features a full-size wheel with a relatively large hub.
Notice that the cylindrical pivots have positioned holes which
facilitate access for fastening the hub onto the “hub assembly of
an axle”. This wheel has an offset rim to partially accommodate
the wheel bearing.
Exhibit II b (Above):
Features a smaller hub having four stationary
tubular axles, which allow access for fastening onto the
“ hub assembly of an axle”. The revolving cylindrical pivots act
as sleeves encompassing them.
Exhibit III (Above):
Displays a mid-size wheel with a relatively small hub.
Notice that this wheel only incorporates a single steel band within
the tire. The tire is transversely grooved at the base of each spoke
to facilitate flexing.
Exhibit IV (Above):
Displays a full-size wheel with a relatively large hub.
Notice that this wheel fastens to the “hub assembly of an axle”
at its center and has an offset rim to partially accommodate the
wheel bearing.
Donohue
Resilient
Wheels, LLC
Portland,
Oregon
