146results about "Race vehicles" patented technology

A small vehicle, such as a go-kart, which includes a power train unit including an engine and a transaxle which are attached to the frame of the vehicle as an integrated component. In this manner, easy installation of the engine and transaxle to the frame of the vehicle is facilitated. An adjustable engine mounting system is provided, which allows fine adjustment of the position of the engine to vary the tension of the belt drive which drivingly couples the engine and the transaxle. The transaxle includes a selective lock-out feature which allows an operator to lock out selected forward or reverse gears to thereby modify or limit the performance characteristics of the go-kart as desired to a particular application. Additionally, the transaxle includes a built-in differential which may be selectively locked out by the operator during running of the vehicle, in order to switch between “differential active” and “differential locked-out” positions.

A drive system which integrates an electric generator, one or more electric motors and an electronic control module is configured as a variable speed drive in either single, dual or four wheeled traction drive configurations for a mower. The generator is mechanically driven by the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to generate the electrical power for energizing the electric motors. A central computer in the electronic control module controls the output voltage of the generator and the speed and torque of each of the motors in the drive system. The speed input signal for the motors can be analog signals that come from sources such as a joystick, a potentiometer mounted on a steering wheel, control panel, foot pedal or remote location or digital signals from a digital device. Position / speed detectors on each motor and the generator send signals back to the central computer for closed-loop control of the generator and of the motors. The generator supplies the DC voltage to the power control board for each motor as commanded by the central computer. The rotor of each motor is connected to a gearbox for speed reduction and increased torque that is applied to the wheel mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. When the motors are not being driven, the generator may optionally supply DC power to the input of an inverter that has an output to standard electric utility AC outlets that can be used to power auxiliary equipment.

A method of power output level control for a hybrid powertrain system includes the step of checking if there is a predetermined level of energy stored in a energy storage apparatus. The method further includes the step of checking if there is a predetermined level of power available if there is a predetermined level of energy. The method also includes the step of reserving a predetermined power level amount from the energy storage apparatus if there is power available. The method includes the step of determining if a predetermined enabling condition is met and releasing the reserved power level amount if the predetermined enabling condition is met.

The dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles includes a pair of airfoils having their respective inner ends pivotally mounted to a central, vertical base on the rear of a road vehicle. An airfoil lift assembly is coupled to an outer end of each airfoil and to a rear wheel suspension system to facilitate dynamic adjustable positioning of the airfoils in response to movements of the suspension system. A split flap is pivotally mounted to each airfoil. A split flap actuator assembly is mounted inside each airfoil and coupled to a corresponding split flap to selectively and independently open or close the respective split flap. Opening of the split flap to various angles increases downforce exerted on the rear suspension system for improved performance. A controller controls deployment and angular disposition of the split flaps, depending on driving conditions.

A control system with slow-in-turn capabilities for use with a self-propelled, steerable vehicle, such as a lawn mower, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system slows the vehicle speed when turns are made beyond a predetermined range and the speed is at or above a predetermined level, as determined by a speed control device operatively connected to the speed control structure of a motive device by a speed control linkage. This slowing results in increased traction for achieving tighter turns and also improves dynamic stability. Two different types of rack-and-pinion steering systems capable of being used with the control system are also disclosed.

A rear suspension assembly for a drag racing vehicle in which the assembly includes a plurality of links with a brace assembly connecting a pair of links. The links provide a connection between the vehicle chassis and the rear axle housing. The brace assembly is attached to two links on opposite sides of the drive shaft, thereby maintaining the two links in a fixed spatial relationship. In one embodiment, the brace assembly includes members arranged in an X-shape, with the outboard ends of the X-shape attached to the distal ends of two links. In one such embodiment, the cross-brace assembly includes a cross-brace extending from the medial section of one link to the medial section of the opposite link and the cross-brace is connected to the center of the X-shaped brace. In another embodiment, the brace assembly includes members in a Y-shape in conjunction with members bridging the two links.

A device for controlling a starting procedure of a motor vehicle for initiating a movement of the motor vehicle includes a controller which receives as input, signals generated by an engine shaft speed sensor, a driving speed sensor, a transmission shaft speed sensor, a transmission output shaft speed sensor, and an accelerator pedal position sensor. The controller is operatively connected to the engine for increasing the engine speed above a minimum threshold value when the driver signals his desire for a racing start. The controller is also operatively connected to a clutch activation device for deliberately producing a slip of the driving wheels and for controlling the slip of the driving wheels by controlling a slip of the clutch after a starting time point signaled by the driver.

A cycle rim that includes a metallic profile element, a covering made of composite material and including fibers embedded in a first matrix that covers the metallic profile element, at least over a portion thereof, and further including a spacer which is inserted between the profile element and the covering. The metallic profile element includes at least two sidewalls connected by a bridge, the covering including at least two flanks, each of the flanks covering one of the sidewalls, and the spacer is inserted between each of the sidewalls and the flank which covers it.

An electric cart with one or more lightweight, quick-change batteries or battery packs mounted on the cart frame. The cart body has battery pack access openings to provide easy access to remove and replace battery packs during racing operations. The batteries are easily removed and replaced so that a particular cart can be “refueled” in a matter of seconds. The batteries being removed are placed on a charger, and can be placed back into service relatively quickly. Lithium Ion batteries may be used for the battery packs. The electric cart also may include electrically-adjustable pedals and seats.

A vehicle with an interchangeable suspension system is disclosed. The vehicle includes a forward section with a forward suspension system and a rear section with a rear suspension system. Different forward and rear sections having different suspension systems can be selected and interchangeably attached to a central section. This arrangement allows rapid alteration of a vehicle.

An automotive racing vehicle suspension system coupled between a vehicle body and a rotatable wheel, the suspension system comprising: an upper wheel assembly control arm coupled at a proximal end to the vehicle body; a lower A-frame portion rigidly suspended at a proximal end below the upper wheel assembly control arm; a vertical link coupled between a distal end of the upper wheel assembly control arm and a distal end of the lower A-frame portion, the vertical link rotatably coupled to a hub assembly; a leaf spring attached to the upper wheel assembly control arm for providing resilient resistance to vertical motion above or below the upper wheel assembly control arm; at least one shock absorber coupled between the chassis and the lower A-frame portion for providing resilient resistance to motion between the upper wheel assembly control arm and the lower A-frame portion which causes a compressive force in the at least one shock absorber; and at least one pull-spring coupled between the upper wheel assembly control arm and the lower A-frame portion for providing resilient resistance to motion between the upper wheel assembly control arm and the lower A-frame portion which causes a tensile force in the at least one pull-spring.

An improved independent spring cartridge holder apparatus and system for holding an automobile suspension spring in tension while allowing a quick and safe change of the shock absorber and spring. This is especially valuable during a race where change outs need to be done quickly.

A display for displaying the dial-in selection of information of a racing vehicle for use by a timing tower in racing includes a display unit which displays a numeric amount or alphanumeric data of a dial-in selection of information. The display unit includes electronic driver circuits, and the display unit is constructed to be mounted on a racing vehicle so that the display can be readily seen from outside of the vehicle and at varied distances and angles with respect to the vehicle.

A damper unit includes first and second chambers, a first piston dividing the first chamber into first and second volumes, and a second piston dividing the second chamber into third and fourth volumes. Each piston is moveable along the respective chamber. The second chamber has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first chamber so that the second chamber at least partially slides inside the first chamber and at least part of the first chamber can be located around the outside of the second chamber. The first piston is attached to the part of the second chamber that slides inside the first chamber. The position of the second piston is fixed relative to the first chamber as the second chamber slides relative to first chamber. The length of the damper unit changes as the second chamber slides relative to the first chamber.

A snowmobile assembly including a snowmobile chassis having a motor compartment at a front portion and an endless belt channel at a rear portion. A motor is located substantially in the motor compartment substantially in front of the endless belt channel. The motor includes at least one fuel control mechanism arranged toward a front portion of the snowmobile chassis. By arranging the at least one fuel control mechanism toward the front portion of the snowmobile chassis, the snowmobile assembly provides for greater mass centralization and / or a lower center of gravity than it would otherwise have if the at least one fuel control mechanism arranged toward the rear t portion of the snowmobile chassis. The greater mass centralization and / or a lower center of gravity can also be achieved by arranging the at least one exhaust port toward the rear of the snowmobile chassis. A drive train couples the motor to an endless belt drive shaft located in the endless belt channel. An endless belt is located in the endless belt channel coupled to the endless belt drive shaft.

A go-kart drive assembly with an internal combustion engine in the form of a reciprocating-piston or rotary-piston engine as a power source is described. The drive assembly includes a spur-gear reduction gearing between the internal combustion engine and a rear-wheel drive shaft of the go-kart. The spur-gear reduction gearing and the crank shaft (17) of the reciprocating engine or the engine shaft of the rotary-piston engine (17a) are accommodated in a common housing (10) that is preferably closed. The space or spaces (a, b) between the shafts of the spur-gear reduction gearing (27, 29; 30, 33) is fixed in the housing (10) so as to be invariable. The driving gear wheel (27) of the gearing (26) is mounted on the crank shaft (17) or the engine shaft (17a) and the driven gear wheel (33) of the gearing (26) is mounted on the rear-wheel drive shaft (6).

A leisure vehicle configured to be propelled by a friction between a drive wheel thereof and a ground surface with which the drive wheel is in contact, including a power unit configured to drive the drive wheel, a speed control device configured to control drive of the drive wheel, and a controller configured to control the speed control device to increase a rotational speed of the drive wheel while maintaining a state in which the drive wheel does not slip on the ground surface in a predetermined amount or more.

A drive system which integrates an electric generator, one or more electric motors and an electronic control module is configured as a variable speed drive in either single, dual or four wheeled traction drive configurations for a mower. The generator is mechanically driven by the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to generate the electrical power for energizing the electric motors. A central computer in the electronic control module controls the output voltage of the generator and the speed and torque of each of the motors in the drive system. The speed input signal for the motors can be analog signals that come from sources such as a joystick, a potentiometer mounted on a steering wheel, control panel, foot pedal or remote location or digital signals from a digital device. Position / speed detectors on each motor and the generator send signals back to the central computer for closed-loop control of the generator and of the motors. The generator supplies the DC voltage to the power control board for each motor as commanded by the central computer. The rotor of each motor is connected to a gearbox for speed reduction and increased torque that is applied to the wheel mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. When the motors are not being driven, the generator may optionally supply DC power to the input of an inverter that has an output to standard electric utility AC outlets that can be used to power auxiliary equipment.

A vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes a vehicle chassis with a plurality of elongated tubular members. The tubular members are structured to be configured in a configuration selected from the group consisting of a coup, a convertible, a truck, a transport vehicle, or a bus.

A housing for a multiplate clutch includes a toothed ring having a plurality of multiplate driver teeth arranged on an inner peripheral surface thereof distributed in the peripheral direction, and extending in a ring longitudinal direction. A flywheel disk is connected to the toothed ring at a first end of the same for common rotation. A cover is connected to the toothed ring at a second end of the same for common rotation. In this case, the toothed ring is connected to the flywheel disk by welding.

A vehicle axle formed having a composite tubular member and a pair of metal sheaths spaced apart from one another at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. The composite tubular member has an outer wall surface and an interior elongated channel, with the interior channel having an inner wall surface. The composite tubular member also has a first end wall and a second end wall at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. Each of the metal sheaths has an outer surface, an inner surface, an inner end portion having an inner end portion edge, and an outer end portion having an outer end portion edge. Each metal sheath inner end portion has a transition area, with the transition area having a first area of changing thickness and a second area of a substantially constant thickness. Each of the metal sheaths has stabilization means formed in the outer surface thereof to accommodate a key, with the key when positioned in the stabilization means precluding the rotation of a wheel hub about the axle.

An intake structure for a vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a pair of occupant seats, an internal combustion engine, and an air cleaner. The pair of occupant seats are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction in the vehicle body frame and includes a driver's seat and a passenger seat. The internal combustion engine is configured to generate a driving force. The air cleaner is configured to purify air and supply the purified air to the internal combustion engine. The air cleaner includes a first air cleaner chamber and a second air cleaner chamber that are disposed to sandwich a part of the vehicle body frame.

A FRP rim for a bicycle, including a radially outer tire-engaging portion and a radially inner spoke-engaging portion. A first sidewall is in a spaced configuration with a second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend between the radially outer tire-engaging portion and the radially inner spoke-engaging portion. A brake track is disposed on each of the first and second sidewalls including a layer of microparticles.

A vehicle with an interchangeable suspension system is disclosed. The vehicle includes a forward section with a forward suspension system and a rear section with a rear suspension system. Different forward and rear sections having different suspension systems can be selected and interchangeably attached to a central section. This arrangement allows rapid alteration of a vehicle.

The invention discloses a suspension system of an FSC racing car. The suspension system of the FSC racing car comprises a front suspension mechanism and a rear suspension mechanism, and the front suspension mechanism and the rear suspension mechanism are connected. Stand columns and hubs of the front suspension mechanism and the rear suspension mechanism are made of aluminum, so that the unsprung mass is reduced, and the response speed of the suspension system is increased; reversing of the front suspension mechanism and reversing the rear suspension mechanism is achieved through pull rod structures correspondingly, so that arrangement of shock absorbers is facilitated, the gravity center is lowered, and the unsprung mass is reduced; U-shaped transverse stabilizer bars are used for compensating the rolling angle stiffness of the racing car and controlling the posture of the racing car when the racing car passes through a curve; analysis software Adams is used for optimizing the suspension geometry, so that the effect that the performance of tyres is brought into play to the maximum extent is guaranteed; and part structures are reasonably optimized through software, so that the lightweight purpose is achieved. According to the suspension system of the FSC racing car, machining cost is reduced; and meanwhile, optimized design of the suspension system is achieved in limited time, and four-wheel positioning parameters and the suspension stiffness can be adjusted.

A vehicle includes an engine that powers a wheel through a drive train. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and toothed gearing disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A release clutch is also disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A controller controls the release clutch so as to disengage the clutch when the engine is not running and engage the clutch when the engine is running. The controller includes a hydraulic cylinder that fluidly connects to the engine's oil system so that engine-generated oil pressure engages the release clutch. Disengagement of the release clutch makes it easier to push the vehicle when the engine is not running, for example, when the engine breaks down.

A damper unit includes first and second chambers, a first piston dividing the first chamber into first and second volumes, and a second piston dividing the second chamber into third and fourth volumes. Each piston is moveable along the respective chamber. The second chamber has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first chamber so that the second chamber at least partially slides inside the first chamber and at least part of the first chamber can be located around the outside of the second chamber. The first piston is attached to the part of the second chamber that slides inside the first chamber. The position of the second piston is fixed relative to the first chamber as the second chamber slides relative to first chamber. The length of the damper unit changes as the second chamber slides relative to the first chamber.

A hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a coolable electrical system having at least one connectable electrical machine, power electronics and energy store. The electrical machine can be operated as a motor or a generator. The acceleration profiles of the vehicle, power profiles of the electrical system and temperature profiles of the electrical system are recorded and stored during the respective lap that is being driven and, furthermore, the profile of the performance of the electrical system is optimized with respect to the thermal load capacity of the electrical system in the respective next lap. This allows an optimum power profile of the electrical machine during real operation when a circuit is driven around repeatedly.