Electric Motor Assisted Propulsion System for Human-Powered Watercraft

• US 20080132127A1
• Filed: 11/01/2007
• Published: 06/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Patrick Lee Jansen
• Original Assignee: Patrick Lee Jansen
• Inventors: Jansen, Patrick Lee
• Granted Patent: US 7,549,902 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 440/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/20 for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/32 Waterborne vessels
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/423 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/20 using propulsion power generated by humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/60 using power supplied by batteries in combination with fuel cells B60L50/75
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 8/003 Converting light into electric energy, e.g. by using photo-voltaic systems
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 32/10 Motor-propelled water sports boards power-driven personal watercraft B63B34/10
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 34/50 Body-supporting buoyant devices, e.g. bathing boats or water cycles swimming aids A63B31/00
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 16/14 for propelled drive
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 21/17 by electric motor
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 70/50 Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to the propulsion system
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 70/5236 Renewable or hybrid-electric solutions
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Abstract

A propulsion system for watercraft for personal enjoyment that incorporates human power with electric motor assistance, energy storage and optional solar power to achieve increased watercraft speeds and/or reduced pedaling effort. Control electronics enable operator-adjustable electric motor assistance to the propulsion, thereby providing flexible pedal cadences and efforts and enjoyment for a wide variety of operators. An optional photovoltaic solar panel augments the power generation to extend travel time with motor assistance, and recharges the energy storage system. This invention enables a pleasure watercraft that is simultaneously lightweight, low cost, low maintenance, environmentally friendly with zero pollution, ultra-low noise, and thrilling to operate, while simultaneously providing a means of enjoyable exercise for operators of nearly all abilities.

Claims

1-1. A watercraft utilizing at least one propulsion system of claim 1.

2. The watercraft of claim 2 further comprising a photovoltaic system to provide power to the electric motor.

4. The propulsion system of claim 4 wherein the operator interface is mounted on or integral with the housing means of the propulsion system.

6. The propulsion system of claim 6 wherein the electronics unit mounted within the housing means of the propulsion system is configured to have good thermal conduction from the power switching devices to the surrounding water.

16. A propulsion system for watercraft comprising:

a.) a human-powered propulsion means, and

b.) an electric motor system configured to augment the human-powered propulsion means.

17. The propulsion system of claim 16 wherein the amount of augmentation is controlled by an operator.

18. The propulsion system of claim 16 further comprising an energy storage means, a control means, and an operator interface means.

19. The propulsion system of claim 18 further comprising a solar electric charging means.

20. A propulsion system for watercraft comprising:

a.) a pedal means that converts human pedaling effort into human effort torque (power),

b.) a propulsion means comprising at least one propeller for converting torque (power) to propelling thrust (power),

c.) a mechanical drive means that transfers the said human effort torque (power) to torque at the said propeller

d.) at least one electric motor configured to provide additional torque (power) to the said propeller,

e.) an energy storage means configured to supply electrical power to the said electric motor,

f.) a control means to control the electrical power supplied to the said electric motor as a direct or indirect function of the human pedaling effort.