A MONOWHEEL SYSTEM

Coordinated movement transformable monowheel system formation generating electromagnetic induction power, including an automatic transformable configuration in case of an actual or impending accident in order to minimize impact to a user, or in order to enhance the comfort level of a user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to the field of monowheel systems, and, more particularly, to the field of safety devices and energy conservation techniques for use in monowheel systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern designs of monowheels offer improvements in areas that used to be considered as traditionally weak points of monowheels design (such as disclosed in publication PCT/IL2019/050954). For example, the speed, stability, convenience and utility of motorized monowheels are now further enhanced by current technological developments. Nonetheless, a traditional monowheel design is considered to be associated with challenges. For example, since monowheels are lighter than automobiles (such as passenger cars, trucks, etc.) they are considered to be less protective of a user(s) therein. Since monowheels tend to be lighter than automobiles, their structure integrity and chassis are vulnerable in case of a collision, and may be distorted in case of a strong impact resulting in a serious injury to a user seated therein.

Another concern may be the relatively small dimensions of a monowheel which limit the inner space provided to a user therein, and also restrict the size (and capacity thereof) of an energy reservoir used to propel a standard monowheel vehicle.

Moreover, a typical monowheel’s design and structure would pose a challenge to the comfort and safety levels of passengers which are not shielded as they may be in orthodox automobiles. On the other hand, improvements in monowheels’ capabilities may contribute to their prevalence in various modes of modern transportation and various traffic solutions.

Such ubiquity may require fundamental changes to monowheels’ design and may require, for example, flexible and modified seating solutions that may provide for increased comfort and/or safety level.

There is therefore a need for safety and utility improvements in monowheel design, which cannot derogate from the monowheels’ benefits, such as lesser size, weight and greater energy efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a monowheel system that has an improved ability to protect its passenger and further provide enhanced comfort and safety level.

Among suggested enhanced safety and comfort solutions, a transformable seat for use in a monowheel that is configured to be automatically transformed in case of an actual or impending accident in order to minimize impact to a user, or in order to enhance the comfort level of a user.

Said system may address the reduced protection a typical monowheel provides due to its lesser size and weight, by suggesting an ejection seat configured to propel the user from within the monowheel or within it in case of a severe impact.

Said system may include a solution for the restricted energy reservoirs of a single monowheel vehicle by suggesting coupling multiple monowheels to form a formation. Said formation can enable the operation of some of the monowheel in an autonomous mode.

Said system may further include using the coordinated movement of the monowheel formation in order to generate power using an electro-magnetic induction, thus, providing an energy-efficient transportation platform.

According to one aspect, there is provided a transformable seat system for use in a monowheel comprising at least one transformable seat which comprises at least two adjustable parts and configured to be mounted within the inner cavity of the monowheel and a controller.

According to some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the configuration and relative position of the adjustable parts forming the transformable seat and the bearings of the transformable seat.

According to some embodiments, the controller is a computing platform, electromechanical mechanism or a portable device.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is configured to be transformed into a reclined or horizontal position.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is configured to transform its shape to provide a wide deceleration surface with which the user body is in contact upon impact to the monowheel.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is configured to be shifted in an opposite direction from an impact to the monowheel.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is configured to transform its shape to a rearward shifted semi-reclined position upon frontal impact to the monowheel.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat configured to transform its shape to an upside-down position upon frontal impact to the monowheel.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is configured to transform its shape or bearings to provide a convenient enter/exit approach to a user.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is an ejection seat configured to be propelled out of the monowheel in case of an impending or actual severe impact.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is configured to be displaced vertically within the inner cavity of the monowheel to protect the user from impending or actual impact to the monowheel.

According to another aspect, there is provided a monowheel system comprising at least one transformable seat configured to be mounted within the inner cavity of the monowheel, a controller, a felloe and at least one spoke configured to be adaptively connected to the felloe

According to some embodiments, the configuration of the connection between the at least one spoke and felloe affects the stiffness level of the felloe.

According to some embodiments, a controller is configured to control the configuration of the connection of the at least one spoke felloe.

According to some embodiments, the stiffness of the felloe configured to increase upon impact in order to provide enhanced hardness level of the monowheel’s felloe.

According to some embodiments, the stiffness of the felloe configured to decrease upon impact in order to provide enhanced resilience level of the monowheel’s felloe.

According to some embodiments, the stiffness of the felloe configured to adapt in accordance to changing road conditions.

According to some embodiments, the transformable seat is an ejection seat configured to be propelled out of the monowheel in case of a severe impact.

According to another aspect, there is provided a monowheels formation, comprising at least two monowheels configured to be coupled by coupling means.

According to some embodiments, the at least two monowheels are configured to be coupled in a row.

According to some embodiments, the at least two monowheels are configured to be coupled in parallel.

According to some embodiments, at least one monowheel control the motion of at least one following monowheel.

According to some embodiments, at least one following monowheel is in an autonomous mode.

According to some embodiments, the formation of monowheels is configured to share power resources.

According to some embodiments, the felloes of the at least two coupled monowheels are spinning in opposite directions, and wherein said opposite spinning induces an electro-magnetic induction that generates an electrical current.

According to some embodiments, the generated electrical current is used to propel at least one monowheel of the monowheel formation.

According to some embodiments, the generated electrical current is stored within a designated battery.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method for using a transformable seat system, comprising the steps of using a controller to determine a preferred configuration or relative position of the adjustable parts forming the transformable seat or the bearings of the transformable seat and adjusting the configuration or relative position of the adjustable parts forming the transformable seat or the bearings of the transformable seat in accordance with the preferred determination.

According to some embodiments, the preferred determination is determined upon an impending or actual impact to the monowheel.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method for using a monowheel system, comprising the steps of using a controller to determine a preferred stiffness level of the felloe and adaptively adjusting the configuration of the at least one spoke and felloe in order to affect the stiffness level of the felloe.

According to some embodiments, the preferred stiffness level is determined upon an impending or actual impact to the monowheel.

According to another aspect, there is provided method for generating an electrical current, comprising the steps of providing a conductor located between at least two felloes and using the movement of the at least two felloes spinning in opposite directions relative to the conductor to induce an electro-magnetic current.

According to another aspect, there is provided method for creating a monowheel formation, comprising the steps of providing at least two monowheels configured to be coupled by coupling means and use said coupling means in order to create a formation of the at least two monowheels capable of simultaneous movement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

The term “Controller”, as used herein, refers to any type of computing platform that may be provisioned with a memory device, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or microprocessor device, and several input/output (I/O) ports, such as, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a personal, laptop or a tablet computer, single-board computer (SBC) or a cloud computing system. Such controller may include, operate, use, employ, implement or otherwise engage artificial intelligence capabilities, such as a deep-learning system that can be, for example, conventional neural network (or CNN) configured to optimize the tasks to be controlled. The term “Controller”, as used herein, may also refer to a mechanical control system such as a gyroscope adapted to provide a mechanical or electrical output as a result of crossing a predefined threshold, hydraulic apparatus and other mechanically based controlling means.

Reference is made toFIGS.1A,1B and1Cwhich constitute a schematic perspective view of a transformable seat104installed within vehicle10, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown, vehicle10may be a monowheel comprising a felloe100configured to rotate during the movement of vehicle10while user20is seated therein, and at least one spoke102configured to connect to said felloe100. According to some embodiments, transformable seat104is placed and mounted inside the inner space formed within fellow100and supported by fastening means (not shown).

According to some embodiments, said fastening means may comprise one or more hinges such as rotational hinges, ball and socket hinges, swivels, cogwheels etc. According to some embodiments, said fastening means may comprise resilient connectors such as springs or hydraulic cylinders, electrical/mechanical motors, suspension rods etc. According to some embodiments, said fastening means may comprise rails, for example, slide rails which allow, each or in combination, a position change of transformable seat104relative to spoke102or relative to felloe100.

According to some embodiments a controller (not shown), may be integrated within vehicle10or may be a separated device configure to control the shape and bearings of transformable seat104. According to some embodiments, said controller may be a portable device or a part of a portable device carried by user20, for example, a mobile cellular device, laptop, tablet etc. According to some embodiments, the controller may be a mechanical gyroscope, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer sensor, an image sensor, a light (such as laser) sensor or a mechanical (impact) sensor or any other device configured to detect changes in motion and/or orientation of a monowheel.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104comprises a back-rest202and a bench204that may be inter-connected by coupling means such as hinges, axes, cylinders, electrical/mechanical motors, cogwheels, rails, swivels, etc. According to some embodiments, said coupling means may be operable either by mechanical, magnetic, electrical, hydraulic mechanisms and apparatus, etc. and be configured to change their bearings or orientation. According to some embodiments, said fastening means, as well as said coupling means between parts forming the transformable seat104, enable it to transform its shape and/or bearings. According to some embodiments such transformations may be facilitated by servo mechanisms.

According to some embodiments, leg extension part206may be inter-connected to the bench204of transformable seat104by the same coupling means and control mechanisms previously disclosed.

According to some embodiments, an adjustment of said coupling means, as well as an adjustment of said fastening means that mounts seat104to vehicle10may be conducted as a result of changing conditions or as a result of an operation performed by user20. According to some embodiments, said changing condition may be a collision or an impact absorbed by vehicle10that may trigger an output response from the controller, or an impending impact sensed by the controller. For example, an impending impact, an imminent collision or loss of control over vehicle10(e.g. rollover). According to some embodiments, an adjustment of said fastening or coupling means may be conducted as a result of user20choosing to change the transformable seat 104′s shape and/or bearings in accordance to his preferences and/or in view of certain changes in vehicle10orientation.

According to some embodiments, when in regular position, transformable seat104provides an erect or semi-erect position enabling a convenient driving/travelling posture as shown inFIG.1A. According to some embodiments, as a result of user20choosing to change the transformable seat 104′s shape and/or bearings, transformable seat104may transform its bearings to a reclined position as shown inFIG.1B. According to some embodiments, said reclined position may allow user20to rest or sleep while vehicle10is stopped or carried by another vehicle (such as a train, ferry, truck etc.), while vehicle10is in an autonomous travel mode, or while vehicle10being remotely controlled by another, adjacent, vehicle10as further disclosed hereinafter.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may transform its bearings and shape to a horizontal position as shown in FFIG. IC. According to some embodiments, said horizontal, bed like position, may allow user20to rest or sleep while vehicle10is stopped, carried by another vehicle (such as a train, ferry, truck etc.), while vehicle10is in an autonomous travel mode. or while vehicle10being remotely controlled or controlled by another, adjacent, vehicle10as further disclosed hereinafter.

Reference is made toFIGS.2A,2B and2Cwhich constitute a schematic perspective view of a transformable seat104mounted within vehicle10, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown, when in regular position, transformable seat104provides an erect or semi-erect position enabling a convenient driving posture as shown inFIG.2A. According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may transform its position to a rearward-shifted semi-reclined position or, alternatively, to an upside-down position shown inFIG.2B. and 2C respectively.

According to some embodiments, said rearward-shifted semi-reclined position of transformable seat104may protect the user in a case of a frontal collision/impact caused to vehicle10. For example, in case of a frontal collision, meaning, wherein vehicle10absorbs an impact at a section facing its direction of movement, transformable seat104may change its position to a rearward-shifted semi-reclined position such that user20may substantially face the upper section of vehicle10. According to some embodiments, in a case of an impending or actual frontal collision or impact, said rearward-shifted semi-reclined position may provide a maximized contact platform area between user 20′s body and bench part204since in said position, and during a frontal collision/impact, bench204stops the advancement of user 20′s body, hence providing a relatively wide area that absorbs the deceleration force caused by said impact. According to some embodiments, active acceleration of a user in a direction opposite to the direction of vehicle10movement, caused by movement of transformable seat104, may be used to reduce the net deceleration experienced by the user’s body in case of a collision.

According to some embodiments, said rearward-shifted semi-reclined position of transformable seat104may also prevent or diminish a whiplash injury that may be caused by a sudden movement of the user’s20head. According to some embodiments, said rearward-shifted semi-reclined position may be achieved by either forward or rearward rotation of transformable seat104.

According to some embodiments, the upside-down position depicted inFIG.2Cmay also provide an alternative protective configuration to user20in a case of a frontal collision/impact caused to vehicle10. For example, in case of a frontal collision, meaning, wherein vehicle10absorbs an impact at a section facing its direction of movement, transformable seat104may change its position to an upside-down position such that user20may face the rear section of vehicle10. According to some embodiments, said upside-down position of transformable seat104may stop the advancement of user 20′s body and maximize the contact of user 20′s body with back-rest part202, hence, providing a relatively wide area that absorbs the deceleration force caused by said impact.

According to some embodiments, said upside-down position of transformable seat104may also prevent or diminish a whiplash injury that may be caused by a sudden movement of the user’s20head. According to some embodiments, said upside-down position may be achieved by either forward or rearward rotation of transformable seat104.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may change its configuration/bearings to provide a relatively wide area that absorbs the deceleration force caused by an impact/collision occurring anywhere across vehicle10. For example, a rear, side, upper or bottom impacts may cause transformable seat104to change its configuration/bearings accordingly in order to provide a wide decelerating platform for user 20′s body. Reference is made toFIGS.3A,3B and3Cwhich constitute a schematic perspective view of a transformable seat104installed within vehicle10, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown, in case of an impact or collision, the bench part204or, alternatively, any other part of transformable seat104may retract in order to protect user 20′s lower limbs, as shown inFIG.3A. According to some embodiments, said retraction of parts comprising transformable seat104may distance users 20′s limbs from the perimeter of vehicle10, hence reduce the possibility that user 20′s limbs or other body parts will hit a hard surface or be injured by a collapsing section of vehicle10. According to some embodiments, said retraction may also serve in protecting the internal organs of user20upon impact.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may be shifted forward/backward along a horizontal line A crossing the inner space surrounded by felloe100. For example, in case of a frontal collision, meaning, wherein vehicle10absorbs an impact at a section facing its direction of movement, transformable seat104may be shifted to the opposite direction in order to distance user20from the impact zone, hence reducing the possibility that user 20′s limbs or other body parts will hit a hard surface or be injured by a collapsing section of vehicle10, and reducing the net maximal deceleration rate experienced by user 20′s body, as shown inFIG.3B.

According to some embodiments, in case of a posterior impact or rear collision, meaning, wherein vehicle10absorbs an impact at a section contrary to its direction of movement, transformable seat104may be shifted to the opposite direction in order to distance user20from the impact zone, hence reducing the possibility that user 20′s limbs or other body parts will hit a hard surface or be injured by a collapsing section of vehicle10as shown inFIG.3C.

According to some embodiments, seat104may be shifted, displaced or rolled over along the vertical, horizontal or lateral axes of vehicle104so as to distance user20from an impending impact to vehicle10, hence reducing the possibility that user 20′s limbs or other body parts will hit a hard surface or be injured by a collapsing section of vehicle10.

According to some embodiments, vehicle10is has a configuration that allows for comprehensive positioning of seat104within the inner cavity of vehicle10. For example, vehicle10is a monowheel that, in comparison to traditional vehicles, has a sphere-like shape which allow seat104to be shifted vertically, horizontally or laterally, whereas a conventional vehicle is elongated and narrow which restrict its available inner space. Moreover, a typical monowheel has no additional seat behind user20seat and generally no conventional steering wheel, hence there is more inner space for various positioning of seat104in accordance to changing need and circumstances.

According to some embodiments, vehicle10may comprise a counter propulsion mechanism configured to be activated in case of impending or actual impact identified by the controller. For example, the controller may identify a collision/impact about to happen, and then send a command to the motor to switch its direction of movement such that vehicle10will deaccelerate or, alternatively, start moving in a direction opposite from impending impact. According to some embodiments, this counter propulsion feature may reduce the kinetic energy of vehicle10and hence, may reduce possible damage that may be caused to vehicle10upon the impending collision as well possible injury that may be caused to user20seated within.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may change its bearings in order to enhance comfort, safety or performance level of seated user20. For example, transformable seat104may change its bearings in accordance with vehicle 10′s direction of movement in order to prevent queasiness when travelling backwards and vice versa. In yet another example, transformable seat104may change its bearings in accordance with vehicle 10′s direction of movement in order to provide user20with a direct line of sight when vehicle10is advancing uphill, downhill or turning.

Reference is made toFIGS.4A to5Bwhich constitute a schematic perspective view of a transformable seat104installed within vehicle10, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown, transformable seat104may be shifted along a vertical line B in order to protect user20in case of a collision or impact. According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may be displaced using a resilient or buoyant device, mechanical gears, hydraulic system, etc. For example, a buoyant device such as an airbag208may be inflated upon an impact/collision detected by the controller, in order to push transformable seat104upward. According to some embodiments, said upward movement of transformable seat104may distance user20from the lower part of vehicle10and reduce the possibility that user 20′s limbs or other body parts will hit a hard surface or be injured by a collapsing section of vehicle10caused by a lower impact/collision to vehicle10. According to some embodiments, said resilient or buoyant device may be a springs system210that, upon an impact/collision, detected by the controller, may push transformable seat104upward for the same purpose disclosed above.

According to some embodiments, the controller enables to predict future collisions and as a consequence, enable to adjust the seat movement/adjustments prior to the actual collision. Hence, injuries or over-stressing the human body with unbearable accelerations may be prevented.

According to some embodiments, the structure of vehicle10may comprise buoyancy and/or resilience properties which enable it to absorb the energy of an impact or a collision. According to some embodiments, said buoyancy and/or resilience properties may be adjusted using a structural component designed to increase/decrees the structural stiffness of vehicle10as disclosed hereinafter.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may be shifted in any direction within vehicle10using a resilient or buoyant device, mechanical gears, hydraulic system, etc. in order to distance user20from an impact zone and reduce the possibility that user 20′s limbs or other body parts will hit a hard surface or be injured by a collapsing section of vehicle10caused by an impact/collision occurring anywhere across vehicle10.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may provide an improved accessibility by adapting its position to user20entering to or exiting from vehicle10. For example, transformable seat104may lean or recline toward user20and retract to a convenient driving position after user20has taken a sit. Transformable seat104may also be shifted forward/backward along a horizontal line A or up/down along vertical line B in order to provide easy accessibility to user20.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may adapt its position to provide a compensated position with regard to the vehicle10general position. For example, if vehicle10rests or moves along a steep slope, transformable seat104may rotate or change its bearings in order to compensate for the inclined position and provide a relatively horizontal seat for user20while driving, entering or evacuating vehicle10.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may change its bearings in order to improve the line of sight of user20seated within. For example, when vehicle10is moving up/down a steep slope, transformable seat104may change its bearings such that user20may face the direction of movement and may better see the road ahead.

According to some embodiments, transformable seat104may keep a certain position regardless of the general bearings of vehicle10. For example, transformable seat104may stay in an erect of semi-erect or any other driving position even when vehicle10is on the move while constantly changing its bearings. According to some embodiments, said position adaptations of transformable seat104are controlled by the controller.

According to some embodiments, a suspension mechanism may be installed on transformable seat104so as to passively or actively absorb shocks during the movement of vehicle10and thus increasing user 20′s comfort level.

Reference is made toFIGS.6A,6Bwhich constitute a schematic perspective view of a felloe100and supporting spokes102of a vehicle10, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown, vehicle10may be a monowheel comprises a felloe100configured to change its flexibility level. This may be achieved by providing a joint106between the felloe100and the at least one spoke102. According to some embodiments, said joint106may be a hinge, a resilient member, gears system, hydraulic system or any other kind of connector allowing spoke102to be adjustably connected to felloe100. According to some embodiments, multiple spokes102may be connected to felloe100through multiple joints106such that at any given moment, at least one spoke102is connected to a section of felloe100that is currently in contact with the ground.

According to some embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjust the felloe100flexibility level in accordance with changing needs by controlling the angle of spokes102in relation to the felloe100or, alternatively, by controlling the length of spokes102or joints106. The controller may adjust the stiffness/flexibility level of felloe100in accordance with changing conditions, for example, when a need to absorb shocks arises while driving upon a faulty road, when a need to provide an increased grip arises during high-speed driving intervals, when it is preferable to provide an increased comfort level to user20while driving vehicle10, etc.

According to some embodiments, the stiffness/flexibility level of at least a part of felloe100may be amended and manipulated by using an electric device that may control the mechanical properties (such as elasticity, buoyancy) of felloe100.

According to some embodiments, said adaptable flexibility of felloe100can also improve the safety of vehicle10. For example, upon an upcoming impact or while an impact occurs, at least a portion of felloe100may become stiffer in order to resist said impact or, alternatively, at least a portion of felloe100may become flexier in order to absorb said impact’s energy, hence reducing its damaging effects.

According to some embodiments, said adaptable flexibility of felloe100may also be achieved through realignment of one or more spokes102, through change in the compliance or resistance of one or more joints106, or through electrical-induced alteration in the mechanical properties of felloe100or a portion thereof.

Reference is made toFIGS.7A,7Bwhich constitute a schematic perspective view of a plurality of vehicles10coupled in tandem, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown, vehicle10may be a monowheel configured to connect to at least one additional vehicle10using coupling means108. According to some embodiments, coupling means108may be any kind of fasteners such as, hinges, joints magnetic/electromagnetic connectors, hook-loop connectors, etc. According to some embodiments, the coupling of vehicles10using coupling means108may allow a certain degree of freedom of movement between coupled vehicles10. According to some embodiments, said coupling means108may include, one or more swivels, hinges, anchors, bands, cables, magnets, electromagnets etc.

According to some embodiments, coupled vehicles10may be connected in a row as depicted inFIG.7A, using coupling means108. According to some embodiments, such convoy of coupled vehicles10is able to turn by following a turn made by the first vehicle10. According to some embodiments, additional coupled vehicles10may follow the first vehicle10while being in an autonomous mode that does not require the attention of user20seated within. According to some embodiments, said convoy of coupled vehicles10is able to simultaneously turn, wherein said turn is made by all vehicles forming the convoy.

According to some embodiments, coupling of two or more vehicles10reduces energy demands while also providing stability during a turn, acceleration or breaking. According to some embodiments, longitudinal coupling of two or more vehicles10reduces energy consumption by improving air flow characteristics and therefore reducing the drag coefficient of said coupled vehicles10.

According to some embodiments, a designated operational module such as a controller is configured to control said convoy of coupled vehicles10wherein said controller may control the acceleration, deceleration, roll and turning, breaking etc. According to some embodiments, several controllers may be functionally coupled using wired or wireless connection in order to enable control of said convoy of coupled vehicles10in response to user20operations/commands. The breaking/accelerating and general maneuverability of said convoy of coupled vehicles10may be improved by reducing rollover susceptibility.

According to some embodiments, at least two vehicles10may be coupled to each other in a parallel manner using coupling means108, hence forming a cluster of vehicles10that are substantially attached side-by-side. According to some embodiments, said cluster of coupled vehicles10is able to turn following a turn of the first vehicles10leading the cluster, as described above. According to some embodiments, said cluster of coupled vehicles10is simultaneously maneuverable, for example, wherein a turn of all vehicles forming the cluster is conducted at the same time. The breaking/accelerating and general maneuverability of said cluster of coupled vehicles10may be improved by reducing rollover susceptibility.

According to some embodiments, a plurality of coupled vehicles10may be control led by one or more coupled vehicle/s10while being in an autonomous mode. Such control may be obtained by a controller and conducted using connection means (not shown) that can be, for example, a wired or wireless connection configured to enable one vehicle10to communicate with other connected vehicles10so that all connected vehicles10are able to move and maneuver in concert.

According to some embodiments, the energy needed to power the plurality of connected vehicles10may be shared among the participating vehicles10. For example, one vehicle10may operate as an energy source for other vehicle(s)10by providing an electrical current to another adjacent vehicle(s)10. According to some embodiments, this may be obtained by an electric connection between vehicle(s)10or by means of electric charging of a battery associated with said another vehicle(s)10. According to some embodiments, a power network may be formed by a plurality of connected vehicles10using a common reservoir of power.

Reference is made toFIG.8which constitutes a schematic perspective view of coupled vehicles10, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown, at least two adjacent vehicles10A and10B are coupled using coupling means108and configured to be advanced in direction C. Felloe100A is associated with vehicle10A and felloe100B is associated with vehicle10B, wherein both felloes are configured to spin in opposite directions relative to a reference point200while advancing along a path in said direction C. According to some embodiments, an electro-magnetic induction caused by the opposite spinning of metal alloys which may form felloes100A and100A may generate an electrical current that may be used for the operation of vehicle/s10A and10B. According to some embodiments, said electro-magnetic current may be exploited to directly propel vehicle/s10A or10B or, alternatively, may be exploited to propel other vehicles10belonging to a coupled formation of vehicles10. According to some embodiments, an electrical conductor means may be installed at reference point200.

According to some embodiments, the electrical current formed by the electro-magnetic induction may be stored in a battery associated with a vehicle10or in a common reservoir of batteries associated with a coupled formation of vehicles10and can be used for a future propulsion of either one of vehicles10or of the coupled formation of vehicles10generating the electro-magnetic induction.

According to some embodiments, vehicle10may comprise a system designed to evacuate user20from vehicle10. Said system may be an ejection seat (not shown) configured to eject user20from vehicle10in case of a collision, impact, fire, etc. According to some embodiments, said ejection seat may be configured to propel user20out of vehicle10such that user20using a propulsion mechanism. According to some embodiments, a controller is configured to sense a predicted severity of an upcoming impact and determine whether or not to activate the ejection seat.

According to some embodiments, the ejection seat may be activated only if a certain threshold is achieved. For example, the controller may calculate various parameters regarding an upcoming impact, collision, fire etc. and determine which safety measure needed to be activated, and activate the ejection seat only as a last resort. According to some embodiments, vehicle10is a monowheel which inherently includes a safety belt as part of its seat. This arrangement enables the operation of an ejection seat and seat position transformation as part of vehicle10. That is in contrast to a motorcycle, Segway, scooter etc. which do not include a safety belt and hence cannot include an ejection seat.