Crazy Gyroscopic Idea

[butelja]

Surely someone in the past has had this idea before. If anyone knows of any published reports or patents dealing with this or a similar idea, I'm curious for more details.

Here it is: A relatively large gyroscope is rigidly mounted in a vehicle at the vehicle's center of gravity with its spin axis in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the cars longitudinal axis. The gyro's spin rate is proportional to the vehicle's forward speed. When the vehicle is executing a turn, the gyroscope is precessed by the vehicle's yaw rate. The gyroscope in turn exerts a torque via the right hand rule on the chasis that counteracts the lateral load transfer the car would otherwise encounter due to lateral acceleration. Since the load distribution side to side is maintained equally even in a turn, the cornering capability should be improved.

Possible downside would be a huge increase in rotating mass, which would negatively affect acceleration and fuel efficiency. Also, packaging and safety would be concerns. But, has it been tried before?

 

[nbucska]

Search at the patent office <

http://www.uspto.gov>

<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>

 

[manxann]

In the 1930s the Wolseley Motor Company built a special car for, I believe, the Duke of Argyll to drive around the game paths on his estate, It had a full four-seater body but only two wheels, fore & aft and was balanced by a large gyroscope under the seats. It apparently worked well!

 

[PJGD]

Also, at about the same time as the Wolseley gyro-car, there was a gyro passenger mono-rail in England; I forget where. As for the Wolseley, the gryo kept it upright at all times.

PJGD

 

[jons999]

Wouldn't this keep the suspension from compressing the right way and put strange forces on the tires? Sure the body would be stable but i think it would slide sideways off the road.

-Jon

 

[franzh]

See any good searh engine on Alex Tremulus. He designed an auto called the Gyronaut and once worked for Tucker (!) and later for Ford.
Here is an interesting site:

http://www.dself.demon.co.uk/gyrocars/gyrocar.htm

 

[Lcubed]

Gyros are, or have been, used to stabilize ships in much the same way as you propose for motor vehicles. You might look into marine usage for more info.

Regards

Lin Lawson

 

[HDS]

Look into the people that are using flywheels as &quot;batteries&quot; I think the Chrylser patriot talked about that.

Could it be placed below the center of gravity? The C.G. of most cars is in the midle of the pasenger compartment.

Jons999
The cornering loads on the tires would be the same. It still takes the same amount of force to keep the car on the raod. The camber profiles ect. should be better since the car will not roll as much. Roll generaly reduces the cornering power of the tire (through positive camber).