摘要 |
<p num="1"><br/><br/><br/>This invention provides a stabilizing system and method for two-wheeled <br/>vehicles (typically small, human-powered bicycles) that affords the rider no <br/>restriction on the full range of movements (banks, leans, etc.) common to <br/>bicycles, but that provides greater stability during turns and other maneuvers <br/>so that an unintentional bank or tilt (poten? tially causing a fall) is less <br/>likely, even at relatively slow speeds and startup. A rotating mass of <br/>predetermined mass-value and radial mass-distribution is provided coaxially <br/>with the front axle. The mass is supported on bearings so as to freewheel with <br/>respect to the rotation of the front wheel. As such it can be induced to spin <br/>significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic <br/>effect at the front wheel about the axle. This gyroscopic effect influences <br/>the steering of the wheel by the rider. Due to precession, the wheel tends to <br/>follow any excessive bank by the bicycle, ensuring that the rider can "steer-<br/>out-of " an unintended tilt or bank. Likewise, the gyroscopic effect limits <br/>the rider''s ability to execute excessive steering, thereby preventing <br/>jackknife movements.<br/>
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