#1952: DifferDrives

Today’s invention is based on the idea that there is a difference between the accelerative and constant velocity regimes of vehicle movement.

We tend to rely on tyred wheels for both -which entails a compromise between maximising drive and minimising rolling resistance.

Instead, imagine a vehicle with a fat, high-grip drive band (yellow) to be used only during acceleration or deceleration, together with very thin-tyred, slim wheels (blue) to be used only when the vehicle is moving along at top speed on a smooth surface.

These two elements would be swapped in or out depending on the position of the accelerator pedal.