Abstract: A system and method of stabilizing a vehicle are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a self-stabilizing vehicle having an articulated frame may generally comprise: a base frame portion coupled to one or more wheels; an operator frame portion to support an operator of the vehicle; a hinge assembly operably coupling the base frame portion and the operator frame portion; and a control unit to drive the hinge assembly causing the operator frame portion to rotate (relative to the base frame portion) about one or more hinge axes as a function of inertial data and speed data, and optionally steering control input signals. In some two-wheeled applications, both wheels are steerable; additionally, both wheels may be driven. Alternative vehicles are disclosed having one wheel and three wheels.

Abstract: A system and method of stabilizing a vehicle are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a self-stabilizing vehicle having an articulated frame may generally comprise: a base frame portion coupled to one or more wheels; an operator frame portion to support an operator of the vehicle; a hinge assembly operably coupling the base frame portion and the operator frame portion; and a control unit to drive the hinge assembly causing the operator frame portion to rotate (relative to the base frame portion) about one or more hinge axes as a function of inertial data and speed data, and optionally steering control input signals. In some two-wheeled applications, both wheels are steerable; additionally, both wheels may be driven. Alternative vehicles are disclosed having one wheel and three wheels.

Abstract: A system and method of stabilizing a two-wheeled vehicle are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, a self-stabilizing two-wheeled vehicle having an articulated frame may generally comprise: a front wheel and a rear wheel substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis; a base frame portion coupled to the front wheel and to the rear wheel via respective front and rear suspension components; an operator frame portion to support an operator of the vehicle; a hinge assembly operably coupling the base frame portion and the operator frame portion; and a control unit to drive the hinge assembly causing the operator frame portion to rotate about a hinge axis as a function of inertial data and speed data.

Abstract: An in-line, two-wheeled vehicle, with a torque generator operably secured thereto is disclosed. The torque generator generates a defined auxiliary torque about the point-of-contact of the steering wheel, and it is sized to balance the naturally occurring torques arising at slow speeds about the point-of-contact of the steering wheel, thereby improving the stability and control of the vehicle. In one disclosed embodiment, the vehicle is a stand-up riding board. In another disclosed embodiment, the vehicle is a cycle, such as a bicycle or the like. Torque generator structures such as using an elastic member, mechanical linkage, and dampening systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle, with the wheels mounted in an in-line fashion, that maintains the point of contact of the wheels in an optimal controllability area during both straight and turning operations, thereby expanding the controllable operating envelope of the vehicle to be substantially coincident with the overall operating envelope of the vehicle. Preferably, this is accomplished with position regulator, such as a dynamically-variable linkage (DVL), connecting one or more of the wheels to the chassis of the vehicle. The position regulator permits a rider to reliably and easily control and maneuver throughout the operating envelope of the vehicle simply by tilting the vehicle. As a result, stable, hands-free maneuvering of the vehicle is possible simply by tilting the base in the direction of a desired turn, even over rough terrain, and without a user requiring excessive corrective force or unusually special balancing skills.