Diffuser and turbine for vehicle

Abstract

A diffuser system for a vehicle comprises a diffuser component mounted on the vehicle in a position to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion. Further, a turbine component is provided in or associated with the diffuser component. The turbine component is driven by the airflow when the vehicle is in motion.

Claims

1. A diffuser system for a vehicle comprising: a diffuser housing component mounted on the vehicle in a position to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion, the diffuser housing component having a generally horizontal wall portion and an angled wall portion wherein the airflow has a substantially linear airflow pathway at the horizontal wall portion and a substantially nonlinear airflow pathway at the angled wall portion; and a turbine component in or associated with the diffuser housing component, and moveable between a raised or lowered position relative to the diffuser housing component, the turbine component being driven by the airflow when the vehicle is in motion.

2. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the diffuser housing component is configured so as to create a first substantially linear airflow pathway and a second nonlinear airflow pathway, the turbine component being located in the second nonlinear airflow pathway.

3. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component comprises at least one roller having a series of peripheral fins thereon, the fins being positioned to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion.

4. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component comprises a central spindle having a plurality of circumferential blades thereon, the circumferential blades being positioned to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion.

5. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 3 wherein a pair of lateral rollers are provided.

6. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is contained wholly within the diffuser housing component.

7. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is contained partially within the diffuser housing component and partially outside of the diffuser housing component.

8. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is located on the outside of the diffuser housing component.

9. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is mounted on a frame selectively moveable relative to the diffuser housing component depending upon the speed of the vehicle and to optimize performance.

10. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is moveable between a raised or lowered relative to the diffuser housing component.

11. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 when incorporated as an integrated component during vehicle manufacture.

12. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 configured as an add-on device to a manufactured vehicle.

13. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an air shroud, the air shroud housing at least a portion of the turbine component.

14. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a generator, the turbine component and generator being connected to each other by a belt.

15. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is movable via pulleys, a continuously variable transmission, gears, and a combination thereof.

16. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is driven by airflow and provides energy for charging a battery of a vehicle.

17. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a battery for providing power to a hybrid or electrically driven vehicle.

18. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is selectively engaged or disengaged.

19. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the turbine component is engaged or disengaged means of a clutch.

20. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the turbine component is retracted when in the disengaged position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a part of a vehicle showing the position at which a diffuser in accordance with the present invention is mounted;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of a diffuser device in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a rear view of components of an electrical power generator and rollers with fins in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a front view of a diffuser in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross section through lines A-A in FIG. 4 of the drawings;

(7) FIG. 6 is an end view of an air powered current generator which may be used in a diffuser in accordance with the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the underside of a vehicle showing elements and features of the diffuser in accordance with the invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a vehicle incorporating a diffuser of the invention, and showing the location thereof on the vehicle;

(10) FIG. 9 is a lower view of a diffuser of the invention with the turbine located within the diffuser; and

(11) FIG. 10 is a side view of a diffuser in accordance with the invention which shows a turbine partially protruding through the housing of the diffuser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) The drawings which a company this application show various embodiments and features of the invention, and are intended only to provide examples as to the scope and application of the invention.

(13) Generally, and as will be illustrated in the drawings, the invention is for a diffuser for mounting on a vehicle, the diffuser being associated with a turbine which is driven by airflow through the diffuser, the turbine being connected to a generator for capturing and storing energy produced. The turbine may comprise fins mounted on a central post or spindle, or a series of rollers including fins. In any event, the fins are constructed so as to rotate the spindle or rollers, preferably at high speed, to generate energy in a manner known from conventional turbines.

(14) FIG. 1 of the drawings is a schematic representation of a vehicle 12, shown in part, with a rear end 14. A diffuser 16 in accordance with the invention is located at the rear and 14 of the vehicle, and mounted on the underbody 18 thereof. When the vehicle 12 is in motion, an air pathway 20 is produced, and the flowing air passes along and through the diffuser 16 to produce energy. Such energy may be used to charge a battery in hybrid and electric powered vehicles.

(15) FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a diffuser 16 in accordance with the present invention, for mounting on the underbody 18 of the vehicle 12. The diffuser 16 includes a diffuser housing 24, and a turbine 28. The turbine 28 may be mounted completely within the housing 24, or with a portion or all thereof outside of the housing 24. The turbine 28 is selectively positioned for optimal effect so that it will be driven by airflow in and around the housing.

(16) FIG. 3 of the drawings illustrates a rear view of the electrical power generating system used with the diffuser of the invention. This electrical power generating system includes a pair of lateral rollers 30 and 32, each of which having a plurality of fins 34 about the rollers 30 and 32. The fins 34 present a driving surface to the airflow around the rollers 30 and 32, causing the rollers 30 and 32 to spin. The spinning rollers 30 and 32 provide charge and power to a generator 36, which, as mentioned above, may be utilized by the batteries of a vehicle.

(17) FIG. 4 of the drawings illustrates a diffuser 50 in accordance with the invention. The diffuser device 50 includes the diffuser body 52, a housing which attaches to the underbody of the vehicle, and a current generator 54. FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a section through line A-A of FIG. 4 of the drawings, further illustrating an air shroud 60 including the turbine 63. In this embodiment, the turbine 63 may comprise a roller with a number of fins, the fins being driven by the air path as the vehicle moves. It will be seen that the diffuser body 52 has a generally horizontal component 62, and an angled component 64, which may be angled at approximately 10 degrees relative to the horizontal. Other angles are of course possible within the scope of the present invention, and may be selected based on various factors. The air shroud 60 is located above the angled component 64. The airflow path, represented by arrow 68 moves adjacent the horizontal component 62, and a part thereof may be deflected in the region represented by the angled component 64. The turbine 63 is located in the vicinity of the angled component 64, and is preferably positioned so as to present a minimal amount of drag or resistance, but at the same time having its fins positioned so that they can be properly driven to generate the necessary energy.

(18) Preferred measurements as to the size and dimensions of the diffuser 50 are provided in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these specific measurements, and that these can be varied depending on the nature and requirements of a particular system. In other words, these measurements represent a single embodiment of the invention only, and should not be considered to be a required or limiting feature.

(19) FIG. 6 of the drawings shows the air powered current generator, including the roller and fins, forming a turbine for the purposes of capturing and storing energy from the flow path generated by movement of the vehicle.

(20) FIG. 7 of the drawings illustrates in perspective view the underside of a vehicle, indicating and illustrating the location at which a diffuser in accordance with the invention may be located. The diffuser of the invention takes advantage of the air path under the vehicle generated by movement, utilizing and diverging a portion of the air path to drive the turbine or other device by means of which energy may be captured and stored.

(21) FIG. 8 of the drawings shows a side representation of a vehicle 70 including a diffuser 72 mounted at the rear of the vehicle on the underbody thereof. The square 74 represents this area, and is shown in further detail in different embodiments, as set forth below.

(22) FIG. 9 illustrates schematically a lower view of a diffuser system in accordance with the invention wherein the turbine is located inside the diffuser 72. An air intake vent 76 captures a part of the air pathway, which is directed into the diffuser 72, driving the turbine. The air exhaust is located at the end opposite that of the air intake vent 76. In this embodiment, the turbine is located inside the diffuser, with the air channeled to the top part of the turbine. This embodiment of the diffuser system of the invention may use the Magnus effect to generate certain amount of down force.

(23) FIG. 10 of the drawings shows an embodiment of the diffuser system 80 in accordance with the invention, in side view, including the diffuser housing 82, an air intake portion 84, and an air exhaust 86. Part of the airflow is deflected into the diffuser housing 82, and drives the turbine 88. The turbine 88 is connected by means of a belt 90 or other appropriate mechanical connection to a generator 92. As the turbine 88 rotates, such movement is transferred through the belts 92 the generator 92, which is able to capture and store energy in a manner which is known.

(24) FIG. 10 shows the embodiment of the diffuser system wherein the lower part of the turbine protrudes through the diffuser. In this version, the turbine can be selectively lowered or raised depending upon the speed of the vehicle, in order to optimize performance. A mounting 94 is provided for the turbine, the mounting 94 being selectively movable between higher and lower positions in order to optimally utilize the airflow and capture and store energy.

(25) Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

(26) As used herein, plurality means two or more. As used herein, a set of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms comprising, including, carrying, having, containing, involving, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases consisting of and consisting essentially of, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as first, second, third, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, and/or means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.