ELECTRICAL INDUCTION MOTOR HAVING OPPOSITELY ROTATING ROTOR AND STATOR COMPONENTS AND INCLUDING PLANETARY ARRANGED AND COUNTER-ROTATING COG GEARS WITH SPRAG CLUTCH BEARINGS FOR ENSURING UNIDIRECTIONAL ROTATION OF THE GEARS

Abstract

An induction motor or generator assembly for converting either of an electrical input or rotating work input to a mechanical/rotating work or electrical output. An outer annular arrayed component is rotatable in a first direction and includes a plurality of magnets arranged in a circumferentially extending and inwardly facing fashion according to a first perimeter array, the outer component further incorporating a rotating shaft projecting from a central location. An inner concentrically arrayed and reverse rotating component exhibits a plurality of outwardly facing and circumferentially spaced array of coil-subassemblies opposing the magnetic elements, such that a gap separates the coil-subassemblies from the magnets. The coil sub-assemblies each include a plurality of concentrically arrayed coils configured within a platform support of the inner component. A fixed commutator has a plurality of annular extending and individually insulated segments, a similar plurality of outer rotating brushes in continuous contact with the commutator segments.

Claims

1. An electromagnet assembly for operating in either of a rotating work or electrical output mode, comprising: an outer annular arrayed component rotatable in a first direction and an inner annular and concentrically arrayed component rotatable in a second opposite direction; said outer component including an annular end surface supporting a plurality of magnetic elements in a circumferentially extending array, said outer component having a rotatable shaft; said inner component including an outwardly facing and circumferentially spaced array of coil-subassemblies opposing said magnetic elements of said outer component; said coil sub-assemblies each including a plurality of concentrically arrayed coils configured within a platform support of said inner component; a commutator having a plurality of annular extending and individually insulated segments, a plurality of brushes opposing said segments and slaved to rotation of said inner component in order to provide inter-rotational contact with said commutator segments; a disk package supported between said outer component and said inner component, a toothed ring array defined within an inside of an outer perimeter of said disk package; a pair of gears supported within said disk package and including a first of gears influenced by rotation of said inner component and a second gear influenced by rotation of said outer component; said disk package being slaved in a selected rotational direction by either of said inner or outer components, causing said gears to travel in a planetary arrangement within said toothed ring array such that said first gear of said inner component travels in a first direction and said second gear of said outer component travels in a second counter direction; said assembly operating in a first variant such that a current supplied to said components creating opposing magnetic fields in a phased and shifting manner resulting in relative rotation between said components and resulting in a rotating work output delivered to said shaft; and said assembly operating in a second variant such that a rotating work input supplied to said shaft creating opposing magnetic fields between said inner and outer annular components for creating an electrical current output through said coil-subassemblies.

2. The invention as described in claim 1, further comprising said disk package being slaved to rotate with said inner component.

3. The invention as described in claim 1, said outer annular component further comprising a stator and said inner annular component further comprising a rotor.

4. The invention as described in claim 1, further comprising said gears vertically tiered so that said first gear slides over said second gear during planetary rotation.

5. The invention as described in claim 4, further comprising a pin and bearing pivotally linking together overlapping lobes of said vertically tiered gears.

6. The invention as described in claim 5, each of said gears further comprising a central projecting shaft which defines a vertical axis rotation of said gears separate from a horizontal planetary travel path of said gear within said toothed ring array.

7. The invention as described in claim 6, said projecting shafts of said first and second gears extending in opposite directions and seating within each of upper and lower annular pockets are formed within the disk package.

8. The invention as described in claim 7, further comprising a plurality of one way clutch bearings positioned between said first and second gears and said disk package.

9. The invention as described in claim 8, said clutch bearings each including inner and outer coaxially defined and rotationally supported portions or surfaces which permit rotation of the outer portion in a first direction however which engage with the inner portion to prevent counter-rotation in an opposite direction.

10. The invention as described in claim 9, further comprising a selected sub-plurality of said clutch bearings provided at locations of said disk package so that opposite sides of each of said gear shafts are supported along with upper and lower inside supporting locations of said disk package.

11. The invention as described in claim 10, further comprising a further selected sub-plurality of said clutch bearings provided within each of an upper perimeter extending interior extending between an inside facing outer perimeter surface of said disk package and an outside facing support surface defined by an annular inner body support portion.

12. The invention as described in claim 1, further comprising a spring biasing each of said brushes in a counter-centrifugal force exerting fashion in order to maintain a continuous contact profile with said commutator segments.

13. The invention as described in claim 12, further comprising a toggle element interposed between said springs and brushes and which is balanced about an abutment defined in a housing supporting said brushes.

14. The invention as described in claim 1, said outer annular component further comprising a lower housing and said inner annular component an upper housing, said shaft associated with said outer component extending through a central through aperture associated with said inner component.

15. The invention as described in claim 1, each of said coils further comprising a plurality of wires wound or braided together.

16. An electric motor, comprising: an outer annular arrayed component rotatable in a first direction and an inner annular and concentrically arrayed component rotatable in a second opposite direction, said components separated by an air gap; said outer component exhibiting an annular end surface supporting a plurality of magnetic elements in a circumferentially extending array, said outer component having a rotatable shaft; said inner component exhibiting an outwardly facing and circumferentially spaced array of coil-subassemblies opposing said magnetic elements of said outer component; said coil sub-assemblies each including a plurality of concentrically arrayed coils configured within a platform support of said inner component; a commutator having a plurality of annular extending and individually insulated segments, a plurality of brushes opposing said segments and slaved to rotation of said inner component in order to provide inter-rotational contact with said commutator segments; a disk package supported between said outer component and said inner component, a toothed ring array defined within an inside of an outer perimeter of said disk package; a pair of gears supported within said disk package and including a first of gears influenced by rotation of said inner component and a second gear influenced by rotation of said outer component; said disk package being slaved in rotation with said inner component, causing said gears to travel in a planetary arrangement within said toothed ring array such that said first gear of said inner component travels in a first direction and said second gear of said outer component travels in a second counter direction; and a current supplied to said components creating opposing magnetic fields in a phased and shifting manner resulting in relative rotation between said components and resulting in a rotating work output delivered to said shaft.

17. An electric generator, comprising: an outer annular arrayed component rotatable in a first direction and an inner annular and concentrically arrayed component rotatable in a second opposite direction, said components separated by an air gap; said outer component exhibiting an annular end surface supporting a plurality of magnetic elements in a circumferentially extending array, said outer component having a rotatable shaft; said inner component exhibiting an outwardly facing and circumferentially spaced array of coil-subassemblies opposing said magnetic elements of said outer component; said coil sub-assemblies each including a plurality of concentrically arrayed coils configured within a platform support of said inner component; a commutator having a plurality of annular extending and individually insulated segments, a plurality of brushes opposing said segments and slaved to rotation of said inner component in order to provide inter-rotational contact with said commutator segments; a disk package supported between said outer component and said inner component, a toothed ring array defined within an inside of an outer perimeter of said disk package; a pair of gears supported within said disk package and including a first of gears influenced by rotation of said inner component and a second gear influenced by rotation of said outer component; said disk package being slaved in rotation with said outer component, causing said gears to travel in a planetary arrangement within said toothed ring array such that said first gear of said inner component travels in a first direction and said second gear of said outer component travels in a second counter direction; and a rotating work input supplied to said shaft creating at least opposing magnetic fields between said annular components for creating an electrical current output through at least said coil subassemblies.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective of the electrical generator or motor with the upper housing removed according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and which exhibits a plurality of circumferentially arranged and inwardly facing magnets associated with a shaft supporting and rotating component, in combination with an inner concentrically arranged and opposing array of individual coil sub-assemblies which are likewise arranged in plural and circumferential fashion about an inner coaxial rotating component which is driven in a direction opposite the outer rotating component, the generator or motor device further depicting an inner coaxial component supported and rotatable brush housing established in continual contact with a fixed interior array of commutator segments for facilitating either rotating shaft or current output of the overall assembly in either motor or generator operational modes;

[0045] FIG. 2 is an assembly cutaway of the electric induction motor or generator and better illustrating the arrangement of the outer and inner coaxial and counter rotating components, gearing and commutator/brush components associated with the present inventions;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective of the gearbox and gear subassemblies and exhibiting the gearbox and gear assembly incorporating oppositely driven magnet and coil supported mitre gears arranged in order to increase work output (i.e. either enhanced rotation of the shaft in an electric motor mode or increased current output in an electric generator mode);

[0047] FIG. 4 is an enlarged and further rotated perspective cutaway similar to FIG. 2, and further depicting the brush housing in a further rotated and cutaway position with spring loaded brush contacting the external annular face of a selected commutator segment and in order maintain continuous contact during rotation of the brush at higher speeds;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective of the inner rotating component exhibiting individual multi-wire coils arranged in a spaced and three stage configuration with intermediate positioned insulating portions and, with the removal of the circumferential array of magnets associated with the outer coaxial rotating component, better illustrates the potential variations in coil geometry and braiding patterns associated with the inner concentrically arranged and opposing array of coil sub-assemblies and which further enhances the performance characteristics of the assembly in either of motor or generator modes of operation;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective illustration of the electric generator or motor according to a further preferred embodiment and by which the counter-rotating rotor and stator components each drive counter planetary gears, including cog gear, which are being arranged within an inner circumferential geared and central rotating disk package, and which rotates in the direction of the rotor in a first rotating input/electrical output configuration, as well in a counter direction with the stator in a second electrical input/rotating work output configuration, an arrangement of one way sprag clutch bearings are further supported between the gears and the outer rotating disk, as well as between interior locations of the central disk package and the counter rotating rotor and stator, in order to prevent jamming of the gearing during operation and to ensure that they continue to travel in the intended planetary directions;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective of FIG. 6 removing the magnet and coil subassembly arrays in order to better illustrate the counter rotating directions established by the rotor, stator and intermediate rotating disk package with interiorly supported one way sprag clutch bearings; and

[0051] FIG. 8 is a further perspective illustration with parts removed and showing the counter rotating planetary gear relationship established between the rotor and stator cogs or gears relative to the inner circumferential toothed pattern of the central rotating disk package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] As previously described, the present invention relates generally to electrical generators and motors and, more specifically, discloses AC induction generator or motor assemblies for converting into an electrical output a rotating work input applied to a shaft (generator mode) or, alternatively, converting an electrical input applied to the coils and magnets to a rotating work output (motor mode). More specifically, the present invention discloses an electrical induction generator or motor exhibiting redesign stator and rotor components for optimizing either electrical output (generator) of the rotating input applied to the rotor shaft (generator) or, alternately, work output of the rotating shaft resulting from electrical (current) input.

[0053] Given the above background description, the present invention discloses an improved arrangement of induction style AC generators or electric motors, in which an outer coaxial and inner facing circumferential array of magnets is incorporated into a redesigned rotor and which is opposed by an inner coaxially positioned and outwardly facing circumferential array of multi-wire wound/braided coil subassemblies respectively incorporated into a redesigned stator. The redesigned aspects of the stator and rotor, in combination with the unique and novel aspects of the individually winding/braiding patterns of the multi-wire and serpentine arranged coil subassembly (or possibly segmented subassemblies), results in either improved electrical output of resulting from the configuration of the coils passing by the magnets to create an electrical charge or, in the alternate electrical motor variant, provides for an optimal work output of the rotor shaft in response to a given electrical input necessary for generating the opposing magnetic fields in the motor components.

[0054] Additional novel aspects of the present inventions include the incorporation of a mitre gear and gearbox assembly incorporating first and second rotor and stator supported mitre gear rings, these being further spatially supported and oppositely rotated by a set of, typically a pair, of circumferentially arrayed and offset reversing gears. The effect of the gearbox assembly is to increase either the work output of the shaft in a motor configuration or the current generating and electrical output delivery capability of the armature in the generator configuration, this by assisting in the counter rotation of a coil segment supported and inner coaxial supporting component (traditionally the rotor) relative to the counter rotated and outer coaxial magnet supported component (traditionally the stator).

[0055] With reference to the above description, and referring initially to the cutaway assembly views of FIGS. 2 and 4, an AC induction electric generator or motor is generally shown at 10 in cutaway fashion (and with each figure depicting both common and varied components of the common assembly in first and second perspective representations). A housing for the assembly includes a reconfigured rotor component, which is exhibited by a circular shaped base 12 with an annular extending end wall 14. A rotatable power output shaft 16 extends upwardly from a center location of the base 12 and, in operation, interfaces with any type of work output component not limited to a gear associated with either a mechanical output or other electrical generator input, and such as is associated with a generator style capacity.

[0056] A plurality of magnets 18, 20, 22, et. seq. (see also best shown in FIG. 1) are arranged in circumferential and inwardly facing fashion establishing a first perimeter array about the inner annular surface of the outer end wall 14. Aside from a three dimensional and pseudo-rectangular shape as best depicted in the illustrations, it is further understood that the magnets can be configured in any other shape or profile and can be provided with any variable of magnetic force configuration.

[0057] Referencing again FIGS. 2 and 4, a redesign of the (traditionally) stator component includes an interior supported and generally annular shaped structure 24 this being configured in an inner concentric arrangement relative to the outer concentric positioned (and inwardly facing) magnets 18, 20, 22 et seq. supported upon the outer wall 14 of the rotor. As best shown in FIG. 2 when viewed in combination with FIG. 5, a plurality of individual coil subassemblies are shown (nine in the non-limiting illustrated embodiment) arranged in a circumferentially arrayed fashion so as to define a second outwardly facing perimeter array about the annular coil supporting structure 24, and such as are generally represented at each of 21, 23, 25, et seq. in FIG. 5, and which establish a determined gap 27 (FIG. 2) with reference to the inwardly facing first perimeter array of magnets associated with the outer rotating component. The material construction of the inner and outer counter rotating components can include any metallic or other material, such as which can further include any suitable insulating components for ensuring localization of generated magnetic fields in the desired and intended fashion (e.g. commutator, armature brushes, etc.).

[0058] The coils can be arranged in a three stage configuration (this facilitating the work output generating in either the generator or motor modes and by virtue of assisting in enhanced magnetic field (and consequent) rotary generating capabilities in application with the outer rotary magnet support component. As shown, a support platform associated with each of the coil subassemblies exhibits (without limitation) a generally three dimensional circular, oval or ellipsoidal shape which is constructed of an insulating material and which is configured for seating a plurality (such as three shown) of concentrically arranged coils as best shown in FIG. 5.

[0059] Reference is again made to selected concentric arranged coils 26 (outermost), 28 (intermediate) and 30 (innermost) depicted in a representative subassembly in FIGS. 2 and 5. Additional reference is made to coil receiving concentric pockets 32 and 34 (FIG. 2), these facilitating seating of the intermediate 28 and innermost 30 coils and which, in combination with the outermost concentric positioned coil 26 shown wrapped around the outer annular surface of the insulating platform 36 provide for a three stage configuration of individually insulated coils which can be energized in duration or intensity for varying periods or intervals during the operation of the motor or generator assembly.

[0060] One aspect of the present invention contemplates each individual coil (e.g. as previously shown in concentrically arrayed fashion at 26, 28 and 30) exhibiting any multi-wire braiding or winding pattern, the number of wires, configuration of the windings and the like being further understood to contribute to the creation of a desired magnetic field produced profile in the stator-like inner rotatable and wire supporting component which, in combination with the fixed or variable fields generated in the outer concentrically arranged magnets, contributes to the driving of the inner component and counter rotating driving of the outer component (and shaft) in a maximum efficient manner. Without limitation, pluralities of three, five or other wire configurations can be provided for each wound or braided coil, with the gauge or diameter of any one or more given wires being larger than for associated inter-braided wires.

[0061] It is also contemplated that the individual coils can be wired together in any combination of inner, middle/intermediate and outer coils (see phantom representations at 26, 28 and 30 in FIG. 5). Alternatively, the concentrically arrayed coils can be combined into a single coil or any other pattern of coil windings not limited to that shown and within the scope of the present inventions.

[0062] A stationary component of an outer housing of the assembly includes an upper and annular outwardly extending top surface 38 (FIGS. 2 and 4) which communicates with an intermediate outer annular and curved location 40 and which further terminates in an outermost annular rim 42 exhibiting a downward defined rim edge 43 arranged in close and upwardly spaced proximity to an upper rim edge 44 associated with annular end wall 14 of the outer rotating and magnet array supporting rotor style component. Also shown are heat dissipation slots (see inner perimeter edge defining walls 46) formed in the top 38 along with any other configuration of tab, slot or bracket to facilitate mounting of the housing. Portions 38, 40 and 42 are understood to be stationary relative to 12 and 24 which, as will be further described, counter rotate relative to one another.

[0063] As further previously described, the present assembly design differs from the prior art in that the coil supporting (traditionally stator) component, as again depicted by annular structure 24 with supported coil winding patterns 26, 28, 30 et seq., is configured to rotate in a counter or opposite direction to the rotational direction of the magnetically supported outer coaxial housing with annular configured end wall 14, and according to a desired separation (or air gap) between counter-revolving components. The material construction of the various stator and rotor components can include any metallic or other material, such as which can further include any suitable insulating components for ensuring localization of generated magnetic fields in the desired and intended fashion (e.g. commutator, armature brushes, etc.).

[0064] With reference to FIG. 3, a sectional perspective is provided of a gearbox which is integrated into the assembly (see also cutaway perspectives of FIGS. 2 and 4), the gearbox including a main sleeve shaped support trunk 48 with lowermost and outer annular projecting base 50. In combination, a gear subassembly incorporates oppositely driven magnet 52 and coil 54 integrated rings which are spatially supported between a plurality of reversing gears (a pair being shown by representative example at 56 and 58) in order to increase work output, i.e. either enhanced rotation of the shaft in an electric motor mode or increased current output in an electric generator mode.

[0065] As shown, each of the gear rings 52 and 54 exhibits a mitre pattern and which includes an angled pattern associated with the plurality of circumferentially arranged teeth 60 encircling the upper surface of the lower magnet component supporting ring 52. Additional circumferentially arrayed teeth 62 are provided about a downwardly facing and opposing surface associated with the upper counter rotating and coil supporting ring 54. The reversing cross configured and interconnecting reversing gears 56 and 58 likewise include similar mitre arrays of teeth, respectively at 64 and 66. The reversing gears 56 and 58 are mounted to interior locations of the housing, see shaft 60 associated with selected gear 56, and respond to an input rotation of the lower magnet ring 52 in a clockwise direction indicated at 68 to counter rotate the coil supporting ring 54 in counterclockwise direction indicated at 70. Without limitation, the teethed patterns depicted on the opposing gear rings can be established at a 1:1 ratio, it being further understood that the number of teeth can further be modified for each ring and in order to vary the rotary speed of the driving magnetic ring 52 relative to the counter driven supporting ring 54.

[0066] As again shown in each of the assembly cutaways of FIGS. 2 and 4, the gearbox is incorporated into either of the motor or generator configurations and such that the upper and counter-rotating coil ring 54 is integrated into an annular platform 72 which rotates along with the ring in the referenced counter clockwise fashion at 70. As further shown, the coil ring supporting annular platform 72 includes outer and underside facing support surfaces 74 and 76 which anchor and support the annular structural portion 24 to which the coils are secured and in a joint rotating arrangement.

[0067] A further downwardly extending portion 78 of the rotating platform 72 is spaced inwardly of an annular and inner facing lip 80 associated with a configured upper surface of the gearbox base 50 and so that the coil gear ring 54 and integrated platform 72 are supported in a nominally non-contacting fashion during annular rotation. As further shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the shaft 16 and associated internal base structure of the magnetic supported body 12 are configured so that they extend upwardly through the inner cylindrical surface (at 82) of the gearbox cylinder 48 in a non-contacting fashion.

[0068] With reference to the preceding background description regarding conventional brush and commutator arrangements, the present invention incorporates a plurality of commutator segments, see at 84, 86 and 88, which are anchored to the exterior surface of the cylinder 48 of the gearbox, this via additional structural portions 90 and 92 which mount upon the cylinder in an outwardly annular fashion within the interior of the housing. Consistent with prior descriptions, the individual commutator segments are arranged individual annular recessed pockets defined in a suitable insulating material 94 and so as to be insulated from each other as well as the inner concentrically arranged and rotating shaft. Contrasting the prior art descriptions, the commutator segments 84, 86 and 88 are stationary during counter rotation of the outer and inner movable components in the present description.

[0069] A brush housing 96 is provided and exhibits a three dimensional and interiorly configured body which is anchored upon a horizontal upper surface of the annular supporting and rotating platform 72 such that the housing 96 rotates along with the coil ring 54 and platform 72 in the counterclockwise manner illustrated. A brush 98 with an inner facing contact surface 100 (see FIG. 4) is provided in contact with selected commutator segment 86 (it further being understood that an additional number of similarly configured brushes may be integrated into the brush housing, such as without limitation in circumferentially offsetting fashion to the selected brush 98 depicted) in a manner in which they contact surface locations of the other commutator segments 84 and 88 in a similar manner).

[0070] A spring 102 is further shown in the cutaway of FIG. 4 and is mounted within a pocket defined in the brush housing such that an inner end 103 seats against an inner wall 104, a corresponding outer end 105 of the of the spring 102 abutting and outwardly biasing a lower shoulder 106 of a toggle element 108. A pivot abutment 110 is configured upon an inner facing surface of an outer wall of the housing 96 and about which a midpoint location of the toggle 108 is balanced, with the spring exerted forces resulting in an upper engaging portion 112 of the toggle engaging an outer end surface of the indicated brush 98.

[0071] Centrifugal generated forces resulting from higher speed rotations of the brush housing, in combination with the spring forces exerted against the larger (lower) portion of the toggle (by mass) balanced by pivot abutment 110 and represented by contacting end shoulder 106, assist in maintaining a continuous contact profile between the brush and commutator segments and so as to deliver a consistent armature current in either a work input (motor) or electrical output (generator) mode.

[0072] The individual wiring arrangements of the coils, in combination with the fixed commutator and rotating outer brush, are engineered to maximize the generation and application of magnetic fields in coils, these interfacing with the opposing magnetic field profile generated by the magnetic elements 18, 20, 22 et seq. in order to generate the driving forces explained in the previous analysis and in order to maximize the driving efficiency of the outer annular supported rotor component relative to the inner and counter rotating coil supporting component in an electric motor application. In the alternate generator application, the efficiencies released by the braiding of the multiple wire armature coil subassemblies results in both enhanced electromagnetic induction generated (EMF) forces resulting from the reversing fields created between the stator and rotor, along with superior collection of the electrical charge created between the coil subassemblies and magnets, further again as a result of the external powered rotating shaft, and which are delivered via the continuous contact profile maintained between the fixed commutator segments 84, 86 and 88 and the outer and continuously contacting brush 98 (again via the inward biasing spring 84).

[0073] Without limitation, the novel aspects of the magnetic generator or motor configurations depicted herein include but are not limited to the individual coil winding patterns (such as again which can include any plurality of individually braided wires of similar or varying gauge not limited to examples of the three, five or other pluralities of inter-braided wiring patterns). Furthermore, the concentric and counter-driving arrangement of the inner coaxial coil supporting ring and outer coaxial magnetic component supporting ring is further understood to contribute, along with the coil winding geometries, to the efficiency of the AC magnetic induction motor or generator arrangements.

[0074] Notably, the present invention contemplates the driving magnetic gear ring 52 and counter rotated and driven coil gear ring 54 operating in synchronicity with the magnetic fields generated between the coils and magnets in order to enhance the work output established by either the rotating shaft 16 in a motor variant or the current output delivered through an armature (not shown) associated with the brush housing in a generator variant. In this manner, the physical rotation work output or electrical current generating capabilities of the assembly can be increased (up to double) in certain variants. It is also understood and envisioned that other reconfigurations of the outer and inner coaxially arrayed components are contemplated and which will retain or enhance the efficiency of the design.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, a series of perspective cutaway views are depicted of a further variant of an electromagnet assembly, at 114, for operating in either of a rotating work or electrical output mode and which includes the provision of counter rotating cogs or gears arranged within an intermediate and interior rotating disk package. For purposes of the description of FIGS. 6-8, common elements to those previously described in FIGS. 1-5 are repetitively numbered. These include without limitation such as the stator outer wall 14 supported magnets 18, 20, et seq. (supported via the circular shaped base 12 of the stator) and rotor (including central shaft 16 and redesigned integrated interior support 116 with outwardly laterally extending flange 117) providing a base insulating platform 119 (compare to 36 in FIG. 2) for supporting the individual coil subassemblies 21, 23, et seq.

[0076] The counter rotation of the stator and rotor components, combined with the arrangement of the magnets and coil subassemblies accordingly operate in similar fashion to that previously described. The operational aspects of the brush and commutator segments are also similar to those previously described and include brushes 118, 120 and 122 (compare to 98 in FIG. 4) rotatably mounted to an upper and outwardly circumferential facing shelf 124 of the rotor interior support 116. A pair of commutator segments 126 and 128 (compare to 84, 86, 88 in FIG. 4) are further mounted within an annular housing 130 secured to and projecting downwardly from a fixed underside portion of upper housing 132 of the assembly. As previously described, biasing contact between the brushes and commutator segments during inter-rotation established therebetween (the present invention also envisions a reverse arrangement in which the brushes can be fixed and the commutator segments rotates) result in delivering a consistent armature current in either a work input (motor) or electrical output (generator) mode.

[0077] For purpose of the description of FIGS. 6-8, an explanation will now be made of the planetary and counter-rotating cogs or gears which substitute for the gearbox arrangement of FIG. 3. Referring first to FIG. 6, a cutaway perspective illustration of the electric generator or motor according to the further preferred embodiment is again illustrated at 114, and by which the counter-rotating rotor 16 and stator components 12 each drive counter planetary gears. These are best shown in FIG. 8 and include a rotor gear (or cog) 134 and a stator gear (or cog) 136.

[0078] The rotor/stator gears or cogs 134 and 136 can exhibit any configuration or shape having any lobe, reuleaux triangular, or other shape and, as best illustrated in the perspective of FIG. 8, each includes a central circular body from which radially project a plurality of lobes (at 138 for gear 134 and further at 140 for gear 136). As further shown, the gears are vertically tiered or offset so that the rotor gear 134 slides over the stator gear 136 during their inter-planetary rotation (as will be further described). A pin and bearing arrangement is further provided for pivotally linking the vertically offset gears together at an aligning location between respective lobes and is depicted in each of FIGS. 6-8 by pin 142 extending downwardly from a selected lobe 138 in the upper rotor cog/gear 134 and seating within a bearing 144 configured within a further lobe 140 of the second/lower stator gear 136.

[0079] The vertically tiered gears each include a central projecting shaft which define a vertical axis rotation of the individual gears separate from their respective horizontal planetary travel paths. This is shown by centrally positioned and upwardly extending gear shaft 146 associated with the upper tiered rotor gear 134 and correspondingly downwardly extending gear shaft 148 associated with the lower tiered stator gear 136.

[0080] Again viewing each of FIGS. 6-8 in combination, the gears/cogs 134 and 136 are arranged within an inner circumferential geared and central rotating disk package, referenced at 150 and which defines an annular outer shape which is rotatably supported between an underside surface of the extending ledge 117 of the rotor interior support 116 and a bottom inside surface 152 of the stator base 12 (see also upper perimeter edge 154 and lower perimeter edge 156 of the disk package 150). An annular inner body portion, see at 158 in FIGS. 6-7, with a central recess (inner perimeter wall surface 160 in FIG. 7) seats about a central inside upward projection 162 (again FIG. 7) of the stator 12 to provide support to an inside guiding surface 163 the disk package 150 relative to an annular outer surface 165 of the central support portion 158.

[0081] It is envisioned that the variant of FIGS. 6-8 can operate in either a rotor work input and stator electrical generator output variant in which the disk package 150 is configured to rotate in slaved fashion with the stator 12 and, in such an instance, the disk package is affixed to the stator. Conversely, the disk package 150 can be also configured to rotate in slaved fashion with the rotor in a varying motor/rotary output variant and, in such an instance, may be affixed to the rotoar.

[0082] As best shown in FIG. 8, an inside toothed array is formed within an outer perimeter of the disk package 150 (see alternating recess 164 and projections 166). The inwardly facing toothed array is of a sufficient vertical dimension to mesh with the outward lobes 138/140 of the rotor/stator gears 134/136 as best shown in FIG. 8 and so that the selected direction of rotation of the disk package 140 (depicted by arrow 168 in FIG. 7-8) in a clockwise direction with that of the rotor 16 (see also at 170) in turn influences the upper tiered rotor gear 134 to rotate in a counter clockwise direction 172 (FIG. 7) and the lower tiered stator gear 136 to counter-rotate in a clockwise direction (at 174 in FIG. 7) as dictated by the pin 142 and bearing 144 arrangement established between the lobes 138/140 of the gears 134/136. The stator 12 maintains a rotational direction reflected by arrow 176 in the illustrated variant, and, in this fashion, the gears 134 and 136 are constrained in a linkage related but separate planetary paths of motion within the inside ring gear array of the disk package 150.

[0083] An arrangement of one way sprag clutch bearings are further provided for ensuring smooth and respective unidirectional motion of each of the rotor and stator gears 134/136. As is known in the general art, sprag clutch or bearings each include inner and outer coaxially defined and rotationally supported portions or surfaces which permit rotation of the outer portion in a first direction however which engage with the inner portion to prevent counter-rotation in an opposite direction.

[0084] The distribution of the sprag bearings are shown in FIGS. 6-7 and which are provided at locations designed into the disk package 150 so that opposite sides of each gear shaft 146 (for rotor gear 134) and 148 (for stator gear 136) are supported along with upper and lower inside supporting locations of the disk package 150. Each of upper 178 and lower 180 annular pockets are formed within the disk package (see again FIGS. 6-7) and which respectively seat therein the upward projecting shaft 146 of the upper tiered rotor gear 134 and the downward projecting shaft 148 of the lower tiered stator gear 136. Individual pluralities of sprag bearings, shown at 182 and 184, are provided within each of the pockets 178/180 in order to assist in guiding the respective counter rotational directions (again ccw direction 172 for gear 134 and cw direction 174 for gear 136).

[0085] Additional sub-pluralities of upper and lower spaced apart sprag bearings are depicted at 186 and 188 and are supported within each of an upper perimeter extending interior between an inside facing outer perimeter surface 190 of the disk package 150 (upper) and the outside facing support surface 165 defined by the annular inner body support portion 158. In combination, the pluralities of sprag bearings facilitation free spinning rotation of the disk package, such as in the cw direction 168 in the illustrated embodiment concurrent with the direction of rotation of the rotor (cw direction 170) however which will be prevented from counter rotation. The use of the unidirectional clutch bearings, supported between the gears and the outer rotating disk, as well as between interior locations of the central disk package and the counter rotating rotor and stator, prevent jamming of the gearing during operation and to ensure that they continue to travel in the intended planetary directions.

[0086] Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.