Principles of Stepping Vehicles With Overbridging and Self-Leveling Properties 710233
The underlying concept of this paper is “motion by alternately interchanging the length of a body,” effected by mechanical means of a vertically stepping (tachimetrical) bike, and pneumatic means.
Concerning the pneumatic moving structure, the construction as well as the guiding of its direction is effected by differential tensions in the tension strings.
The generating concept is that of a structure that translates its own “bridge” forward (thus producing an expanded length of it) and slides onto it (while remaining in a state of static equilibrium). The pneumatic structure is extracting its own bridge (like a tensegrity worm) and is contracting itself forward.
Thus vehicles may overclimb and crawl under others of the same size, like ants. This feature is thought to eliminate the hopeless problem of traffic crossings.
As is shown in the course of the study, the author thinks that though the wheel is one of the most important inventions of mankind, nevertheless it is the very wheel which is responsible for the segregation of movement (horizontal and vertical).
Citation: Gerstel, L., "Principles of Stepping Vehicles With Overbridging and Self-Leveling Properties," SAE Technical Paper 710233, 1971, https://doi.org/10.4271/710233. Download Citation
Author(s):
L. Gerstel
Affiliated:
Technion, Israel
Pages: 12
Event:
1971 Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition
