Abstract:
An electric propulsion module supplements may be added to pre-existing vehicles to upgrade them or may be used as a component for new designs of all- electric or hybrid vehicles. In an embodiment, the electric propulsion module forms a self-supporting unit that includes two motors, controllers, and electric power components which can be attached to the suspension fixtures of a vehicle. In a particular embodiment, torque can be selectively transferred between the motors by an electromagnetic clutch.
Abstract:
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a wheel assembly for a vehicle, including a non-rotating support member, a wheel and an electric motor. Loads incurred during vehicle use can cause dynamic flexing of portions of the wheel. The wheel assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention has a load path for loads incurred by the wheel that passes from the wheel to the non-rotating support member without passing through the motor, thereby reducing a potential source of distortion of the gap in the motor (between the motor's rotor and stator) during the aforementioned flexing.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a motive power device for a vehicle, which is preferably retrofittable as front or rear axle. In a first embodiment, the device comprises a chassis (301) supporting at least one electric motor (318) and attached to the vehicle suspension fixtures with mounts (302, 304). Wheel hubs (377) are suspended from the chassis (301) and driven by the at least one motor (318). Further independent claims are included for a motive power device having a controller providing launch assist and/or stability control, a motive power device having at least two motors and a clutch therebetween, a vehicle provided with these various motive power devices, a method of making a vehicle, a clutch per se and an acceleration controller.
Abstract:
A wheel motor with an housing enclosing the motor and defining a cylindrical cavity extending into a space at the center of the motor, with the motor and the cavity separated from each other by the housing. The cavity containing, at least in part, a transmission engaging a shaft of the motor, and a wheel bearing supporting the load of a wheel engaging a wheel mount connected to the transmission. The transmission preferably includes a planetary gear surrounded by the motor in the cavity.