FUEL EFFICIENCY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

摘要

Vehicle systems and components are set forth, which aim to reduce rolling friction caused in part by the contact between the vehicle's tires and the ground surface over which the vehicle is traversing. These systems and/or components thereof may increase the overall fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the examples provided, the systems and/or components change the tread contact patch of one or more tires during movement of the vehicle.

主权项

1. A system for improving the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, comprising:
at least one wheel comprised of a tire mounted to a rim and forming an inner cavity, the tire having sidewalls that extend outwardly from the rim to shoulders that are interconnected via a tread at a crown area of the tire; a linear actuator positioned within the inner cavity of the tire, wherein the linear actuator is configured to be in contact with the rim at one end and the tire at the other end; a power storage source configured to store power, the power storage source selectively connected to the linear actuator; and a controller configured to selectively supply power from the power storage source to the linear actuator in order to extend the linear actuator in such a manner as to lengthen the side walls of the tire and to reduce the amount of tread that contacts the ground.