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Michelin H_ster concept
Gaia GM 50 |
As the name shows the car is powered and controlled by hydraulics: the drivetrain consists of a hydraulic pump, that pumps oil to all the wheels where it is injected into the built-in wheel-turbines which drive the vehicle, and then the oil is chanelled back to the reservoir. The concept has a unique intelligent safety system: the main carbon-fiber spaceframe is separated into two pieces: the front nose part and the rear cabin part, which are connected by four hydraulic pistons that provide side protection as well. In case of an accident the pistons function as crash-structures: the pressure-control valves control the amount of oil leaving the pistons and so these control the deceleration of the rear part of the frame. The computer keeps the valves open for the first milliseconds of the collision and so can measure the weight and velocity of the hit object. On the basis of this data the pressure in the pistons can be controlled by the valves to keep the deceleration of the cabin at a bearable level for the passengers. The visual safety of the concept is enchanced by the four pistons which have a very strong effect, and also by the carbon-fiber insets on the body of the car. The outer cover of the car is soft and flexible for pedestrian safety while the inner spaceframe is very strong to channel the energies to the pistons with minimal deformation. H_ster is a brand new concept with a unique drivetrain, a re-usable crash structure and improved overall safety for the people inside and outside of the car.
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