In the 50s of the twentieth century, a huge number of inventors tried to implement their ideas, sometimes completely crazy. For example, Charles F. Taylor, who for several years diligently assembled a very unusual car … or a motorcycle … or … Of course, there were already Monowheels by Kerry McLean, but this design is perhaps even more interesting, although further than a few models did not advance.
However, it must be admitted that Taylor built 100% working prototypes, received a number of patents, and at least one of these cars was demonstrated at the Pentagon. The story is silent about the expediency and motives of this show.
The most surprising feature of Taylor's vehicle ("Rig" as the inventor called it) is that she basically did not use any "on-board computers" to stabilize movement and balance. This is a purely mechanical system, and if you watch the video where Taylor tests his developments, everything is pretty good both when driving in a straight line and in corners.
A whole series of questions even arises: how does he manage to turn so easily with one wheel? Or - how is the vehicle balanced? How does the device overcome small obstacles without a shock absorption system? Technology has stepped forward (for example, the same Segways), but Taylor's machines were created in 1956, isn't it amazing?
And if we talk about electric unicycle, then even initially, Taylor's ideas differed from the design of simple unicycle, where people usually sat in the center of a giant wheel. Taylor's design involved mounting a large single wheel (usually from a tractor) in the middle of a rectangular frame that also housed the engine, gyroscope, driver's seat, controls, and other auxiliaries.
Promotional video:
Well, the solution to the stability of the device lies precisely in the use of a gyroscope. To allow the car to turn and keep it steady, Taylor mounted the gyroscope on a platform connected to the steering wheel. This allowed the platform to be tilted, which allows for turning and resists forward / backward rollover.
Why such a "monster" was created is difficult to say - neither a truck, nor an SUV, and just moving around on it every day … not the easiest event. However, as an engineering design exercise, the Taylor One Wheel Vehicle is fascinating, unusual and, in some ways, absolutely brilliant.
