FünfWheelKupplung

FünfWheelKupplung is a proposed mechanical coupling system designed to connect five wheel modules to a single drive output, enabling torque transfer to five wheel hubs. The concept appears in discussions of modular wheeled platforms where up to five wheels share a common drive interface while allowing independent suspension.

The typical construction comprises a central hub with five interfaces arranged around a pentagonal pattern, using splines, bevel gears or flexible couplings to transmit torque. In passive versions, it relies on mechanical constraints; active variants incorporate actuators, clutches or locking elements to modulate engagement and torque distribution. Sealing and lubrication are critical for reliability in dirty environments.

Operation involves distributing torque and managing wheel speeds to maintain traction and steering. The control can be mechanical, hydraulic, or electronic. In steering applications, differential control or individual wheel module actuation allows turning without excessive tire scrubbing. The design must accommodate misalignment and articulation between wheels and chassis.

Applications are primarily in research, heavy machinery, and specialized vehicles where five-wheel grounding offers advantages such as redundant traction, load distribution, or compact high-traction platforms. The term is not widely standardized and several competing designs exist, with various schemes for braking, signaling, and safety interlocks.

See also: five-wheel drive; multi-wheel steer; wheel hub motor; modular vehicle chassis. Further reading includes patent filings and engineering studies on multi-wheel drive couplings.