143results 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 present invention relates to a method for producing a rim ring for a tire rim, in particular for a wired-on tire rim, with the following steps: providing an outer rim profile made of hardened composite fibrous material, providing a plastic shaping element, providing at least one top layer made of composite fibrous material, inserting the plastic shaping element radially within the outer rim profile, and positioning the top layer relative to the plastic shaping element and to the outer rim profile such that at least part of the top layer extends from the plastic shaping element onto the outside of the outer rim profile. The present invention further relates to a method for fastening spokes made of composite fibrous material to a rim ring. Finally, the present invention also relates to a rim ring, a wired-on tire rim and a bicycle with wired-on tire rims.

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 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.