Swincar | e-Spider | A spider-like electric buggy to explore nature
- Raphaël Hoesli
- Jul 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26, 2024
Electric vehicles represent the future of mobility, but simply electrifying existing cars is not enough. Most vehicles weigh over two tons, which is counterproductive when the goal is to reduce both emissions and power consumption. While mainstream compact electric vehicles like the Renault Twizy and the Citroën Ami are common sights on our roads, there are also more eccentric and niche vehicles pushing the boundaries of four-wheel transportation. These innovative designs challenge conventional notions of what electric vehicles can be, offering a glimpse into a more efficient and imaginative future of mobility.
The Swincar e-Spider is one of these remarkable innovations. To truly appreciate the uniqueness of this buggy, you need to see it navigate rugged and uneven terrain. Its ability to independently articulate its wheels and adapt to the landscape showcases a level of mobility and agility that sets it apart from traditional electric vehicles. The e-Spider's design is a testament to how unconventional engineering can expand the possibilities of mobility.
Let's dive in the key patent behind this impressive invention.
Learn more on Swincar website.
Vehicle having a chassis and a pendulum nacelle
US10183543B2
Swincar
Bibliographic data:
Publication date: | 2019-01-22 |
Application date: | 2015-03-27 |
Priority date: | 2014-04-17 (FR1453513A) |
Application number: | US15304700 |
Current assignee: | Swincar |
Inventors: | RAMBAUD PASCAL |
CPC classification: | B60G 21/007 B60G 2200/422 B60G 2200/44 B60G 2200/46 B60G 2204/143 B60G 2204/148 B60G 2204/182 B60G 2204/421 B60G 2204/83022 B60G 2300/07 B60G 2300/322 B60G 2300/40 B60G 2300/45 B60G 2300/50 B60G 3/14 B60G 7/008 B60G 7/02 B60G 99/002 B60K 1/02 B60K 1/04 B60K 2001/045 B62B 13/18 B62B 2205/10 B62B 2206/006 B62B 2301/02 B62D 21/11 B62D 7/146 B62D 9/02 B62D 9/04 |
IPC classification: | B60K 1/04, B60G 7/00, B60G 21/00, B60G 7/02, B62D 21/11, B60K 1/02, B60G 3/14, B62D 9/04, B62D 9/02, B62B 13/18, B60G 99/00 |
Legal status: | ACTIVE (Active) |
Expiration: | 2035-03-27 (anticipated, no regulatory extension, no terminal disclaimer) |
Family status: | ACTIVE |
External links: |
A. The Invention:
- The vehicle has a unique chassis design with a front cross-member and a rear cross-member that are separate, independent pieces
- These cross-members are only connected through a pivotally mounted nacelle, which can swing like a pendulum about a longitudinal hinge axis
- The vehicle has at least one front and one rear train, with movement supports (wheels, skis, etc.) connected to the cross-members
B. How it Works:
- The independent pivoting of the front and rear cross-members allows each set of movement supports to conform to the terrain independently
- This improves the vehicle's ability to traverse uneven, sloped or canted terrain, as each cross-member can pivot to adapt to the ground conditions
- The nacelle is designed as a pendulum, with its center of gravity below the hinge axis
- This pendulum effect causes the movement supports to automatically incline proportionally to centrifugal force when turning
- This self-balancing mechanism provides stability without needing electronic control systems
C. What's New:
- The key novel feature is separating the front and rear cross-members, connecting them only through the pivoting nacelle
- Previous designs had the cross-members linked together, but this invention allows them to move independently
- The specific arrangement of the inclined inclination axis of the movement supports, passing below the contact point, enables the automatic inclination in turns
D. Why it's Useful:
- The independent pivoting and self-balancing features enhance the vehicle's maneuverability and stability, especially on rough or uneven terrain
- It allows the vehicle to maintain constant ground contact and adapt to diverse driving conditions without losing traction
- The simplified, lighter chassis design compared to conventional vehicles leads to efficiency improvements and reduced power consumption
- The automatic balancing without needing electronic controls further contributes to the vehicle's reliability and cost-effectiveness
Comments