Roll induced four wheel steering vehicle
The four wheel steering vehicle utilizes a cage system that extends along the longitudinal axis to protect the driver coupled to a center rail chassis. Front and Back independent suspension links extend outward along the lateral axis pivotally connected to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspension. A centrally located pivoting shock provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The vehicle is controlled by the driver using a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and a brake pedal. The invention provides a feeling of integration with the vehicle as the driver rolls into turns with the vehicle, while minimizing fatigue caused by the continuous resistance to centrifugal cornering forces.
1. A utility task vehicle, comprising:
a chassis having:
a mounting plate having an opening extending therethrough;
a chassis rail welded to a bottom portion of said mounting plate;
a pivoting shock mount received in said opening and being connected to said mounting plate by a bearing, said shock mount further connected to said mounting plate by a first spherical bearing and a second spherical bearing, said pivoting shock mount configured to pivot within said opening and with respect to said mounting plate via said bearing;
a first upper A-arm, a second upper A-arm, a first lower A-arm and a second lower A-arm, each said upper A-arm and each said lower A-arm having a first end connected to said mounting plate by a spherical bearing, said first upper A-arm and said first lower A-arm each having second ends connected to a first wheel assembly and said second upper A-arm and said second lower A-arm each having second ends connected to a second wheel assembly;
a first tie rod and a second tie rod, each said tie rod having a first end connected to said pivoting shock mount by a spherical bearing;
a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber, each said shock absorber having a first end connected to said pivoting shock mount and a second end connected to a respective said lower A-arm;
a rack and pinion steering unit mounted on said pivoting shock mount;
whereby said rack and pinion steering unit assists in rolling said chassis about a longitudinal axis through a force being applied to said mounting plate, resulting in said pivoting shock mount's remaining in position while permitting rolling of said chassis which provides a camber change with respect to said wheel assemblies.
2. The utility task vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each said wheel assembly includes one or more electrically driven single sided hub motors.
3. The utility task vehicle of claim 2 , wherein said hub motors are internally geared.
4. The utility task vehicle of claim 2 , wherein an enclosure containing electrical power and control devices is mounted to said chassis, said chassis further comprising a protective cage around said enclosure.
5. The utility task vehicle of claim 1 , wherein respective wheels of said wheel assemblies are driven using an internal combustion engine.
6. The utility task vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each of the wheel assemblies includes a free-rolling wheel.
7. The utility task vehicle of claim 1 , where said rigid chassis is constructed using metal tubing.
8. The utility task vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said shock absorbers are coil-over-spring shock-absorbing devices.
9. The device in claim 1 , further where a pivoting shack mount is manipulated by a linear actuator, reduction gear box or rack and pinion.