Patent classifications
B60Y2304/076
Systems and methods for improving propulsion of a vehicle using selectively attachable hub motors and rotatable axles
Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving propulsion of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a vehicle configuration associated with an arrangement of a set of hub motors that are selectively attachable on driven wheels of the vehicle, loading a control setting according to the arrangement to one of a series configuration and a parallel configuration to indicate a power source for the driven wheels as one or more of a motor of the set of hub motors and a central propulsion system. The set of hub motors is structured to be selectively attached to the driven wheels without removing the driven wheels from the vehicle. The method includes managing power delivery to the set of hub motors and the central propulsion system of the vehicle to propel the vehicle according to the control setting.
Apparatus and method for retrofit engine start/stop and idle control
A system and method for retrofit engine start/stop control system for an air starter equipped internal combustion engine includes a circuit to energize and air control value, an air pressure sensor, a programmable logic controller, an engine block temperature sensor to measure an external engine temperature, an ambient temperature sensor, an ignition circuit connector, a battery voltage sensor, and an engine speed sensor. The programmable logic controller is configured to start the engine when at least one of the pressure of the compressed gas tank, an external engine block temperature, an ambient air temperature, and a battery output voltage fall below a predefined threshold value for startup.
Method and apparatus for conversion of motorized vehicles to electric vehicles
Apparatus and method for converting a gas-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle. For example, one embodiment of an apparatus comprises: a motor case comprising: an inner surface forming a central cavity with a volume sufficient to enclose a first type of electric motor, the volume of the central cavity formed, at least in part, based on dimensions of a crankshaft of a gas-powered engine to be replaced by an electric motor; an outer surface coupled to the inner surface through a material layer comprising a material from which the motor case is fabricated; a plurality of internal connection elements to fixedly couple the motor within the motor case; and a set of external connection elements coupled to or formed on the outer surface of the motor case, the set of external connection elements arranged in accordance with connection points of a vehicle chassis, the set of external connection elements to be used to couple the motor case to the chassis at the connection points and to couple various gas-powered engine accessories. In one implementation, a second set of external connection elements are used to connect accessories, including accessories which are in combination with the electric motor and accessories which are not used, but which are coupled to the motor case for aesthetic purposes.
A VEHICLE
A multi wheeled vehicle includes: a body frame that includes a head pipe; a conversion assembly that includes an electric machine operatively connected to a transmission assembly; and a housing configured to accommodate at least one electronic component and at least one electrochemical cell, the housing being attached to the electric machine, the conversion assembly being mounted to a front lower portion of the body frame by means of one or more engine mounting brackets, and the conversion assembly being disposed below a fuel tank with at least a portion of the conversion assembly being overlapping a side cover of the multi wheeled vehicle in a vehicle side view.
Electric motor/generator with integrated differential
An electrical machine comprising: at least one stator, at least one module, the at least one module comprising at least one electromagnetic coil and at least one switch, the at least one module being attached to the at least one stator; at least one rotor with a plurality of magnets attached to the at least one rotor, an integrated electrical differential coupled to at least one of the rotors, the at least one integrated electrical differential permitting the at least one rotor to output at least two rotational outputs to corresponding shafts, wherein the at least two rotational outputs are able to move the shafts at different rotational velocities to one another. The electrical machine is configured to fit into a housing, and that can be retrofitted into a conventional vehicle by replacing the mechanical differential.
Vehicle operation with interchangeable drive modules
Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.
HYBRID VEHICLE COVERSION SYSTEM
Provided herein is an auxiliary hybrid system (AHS) that may be configured to provide electrical propulsion to an e.g., internal combustion-powered vehicle through the use of a battery and electric motor. Alternatively, the AHS may be configured to increase range to electric vehicles through the use of an internal combustion-powered generator. In either embodiment, the AHS is added to a vehicle without altering the operation of the vehicles' standard drivetrain, allowing the vehicle to operate conventionally when the AHS is not engaged. The AHS is compatible with a wide range of vehicles with a minimum of vehicle-specific parts.
Hyper-Compact Electric All-Terrain Vehicle Drivetrain and Conversion Kit
The present invention relates to electric drivetrain kits for converting all-terrain vehicles into hybrid or electric vehicles. In exemplary embodiments, a conversion kit replaces an existing standard single motor and transmission drive system with a dual set-up including a motor for each rear wheel and a split transmission that houses two sets of gear reduction components in a single housing or an all-wheel configuration with two transmission sets (front and rear). Dual output shafts in each transmission set drive the wheels independently to provide the torque needed as required and demanded by each wheel. System electronics send signals to the motors and other components to manage the system and independently control each wheel.
Hybrid Vehicle And Vehicle Hybridization Method
A vehicle that includes: a towing axle connected to a heat engine; a directional axle; and a complementary axle that is neither directional nor motor-driven. When the vehicle is hybridized according to the method of the invention, the wheels of the complementary axle are removed and replaced by in-wheel motors, each connected with an inverter specifically dedicated for supplying electrical power thereto from an electrical power battery. A control housing is also provided, that has built-in acceleration control devices connected to the accelerator pedal, and built-in deceleration control devices connected to the brake pedal, so as to control and monitor all the mechanisms needed for the driver to transparently accelerate and decelerate the vehicle.
FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE REPLACEMENT KIT
A fuel tank inlet check valve replacement kit is provided. The fuel tank inlet check valve replacement kit is adapted to obviate the need to replace the entire fuel tank when there is a fracture in the inlet check valve. The replacement kit includes a fuel inlet fluidly connected to a body portion thereof. Within a chamber of the body portion a spring-biased check valve may be moveable between an open condition and a closed condition blocking the flow between the body portion and the fuel inlet, wherein fuel supplied through the fuel inlet moves the check valve to the open condition, that is otherwise biased in the closed condition. The chamber has side ports so that fuel flowing from the fuel inlet flows into the fuel tank. Tank seals and a gasket seals the fuel inlet to the tank.