ASSISTED PROPULSION SYSTEM, METHOD AND CHASSIS

摘要

An assisted propulsion system, method and chassis for conveying a payload along a surface are described. A plurality of wheels disposed about the chassis support it on the surface. A drive provides at least assisted propulsion to the chassis along the surface. At least a driving part of the drive is connected to the chassis via a mount having a resiliently sprung link. At least the driving part of the drive has a fixed orientation and is moveable independently of the chassis and the plurality of wheels in a direction towards the surface. The resiliently sprung link is arranged to direct at least the driving part onto the surface during provision of the assisted propulsion. A sensor is arranged to monitor acceleration of the drive and to communicate data on acceleration to a controller, which controls operation of the drive in dependence on the data received from the sensor.

主权项

1. A method of providing propulsion via a drive to a wheeled chassis along a surface, the method comprising the steps of:
monitoring operation of the drive; determining one or more properties of the surface from the operation of the drive; and controlling operation of the drive in dependence on said determined one or more properties.