METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING AN ENGINE OR A DRIVE WHEEL

• US 20130184916A1
• Filed: 01/18/2013
• Published: 07/18/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Johnathan Goodwin
• Original Assignee: Johnathan Goodwin
• Inventors: Goodwin, Johnathan
• Application Number:
  US13/744,876
• Publication Number:
  US 20130184916A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/22
• CPC Class Codes: B23P 11/00 Connecting or disconnecting metal parts or objects by metal-working techniques not otherwise provided for connecting sheet metal or metal tubes, rods or profiles B21D39/00; riveting B21J; soldering, unsoldering, welding B23K; hand tools for connecting wire or strip B25B25/00; connecting metal parts by adhesives F16B11/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/485 Motor-assist type
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 20/00 Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles hybrid vehicle design, B60K6/00; electric vehicles B60L
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2304/076 by add-on parts, e.g. retrofit
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 903/903 having energy storing means, e.g. battery, capacitor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49716 Converting

Abstract

An apparatus and method for increasing the fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine including an electric motor and storage batteries to create a hybrid assist vehicle. The electric motor aids in the rotation of the components of the internal combustion engine including the engine crankshaft or drivetrain, and a control system aids in operation of the electric motor thereby reducing the consumption of fuel by the internal combustion engine. The apparatus and method may be used to provide electrical energy to a device separate from the components of the control system.

Claims

1. A method of increasing the fuel efficiency a vehicle having an internal combustion engine the method comprising:

(a) receiving an indication to increase the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine from a controller;

(b) supplying current from a current source to an electrical motor in response to the indication; and

(c) rotating a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine with the output of the electrical motor.

2. A hybrid vehicle comprising:

(a) an automobile having an internal combustion engine having at least one piston associated with a combustion chamber;

(b) a crankshaft rotatively and operatively mounted to the piston wherein the reciprocating movement of the piston results in the rotation of the crankshaft;

(c) a drive train including a drive wheel operatively connected to the crankshaft for turning the drive wheel of the hybrid vehicle;

(d) a throttle sensor;

(e) an electric assist motor operatively connected to the crankshaft;

(f) at least one storage battery for providing electrical current to the electric assist motor;

(g) a controller having a processor and an internal memory and operatively connected to the storage battery;

(h) a display for displaying information from the controller to a driver and querying driver;

(i) an input device for responding to the query of the controller and for inputting driver selected modes of operation; and

(j) an algorithm operable on the processor of the controller for engaging the electrical assist motor for assisting the rotation the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine.

3. A retrofit assembly for increasing the fuel mileage of an automobile having an internal combustion engine, the assembly comprising:

(a) a coupler attached to the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine;

(b) an electric assist motor operatively and rotatively connected to the coupler;

(c) a controller having a processor and an internal memory;

(d) an display screen for displaying information from the controller to a driver;

(e) an input device for inputting driver selected modes of operation; and

(j) an algorithm operable by the processor of the controller for engaging the electrical motor for assisting the rotation the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine

(c) a controller for engaging the electrical motor for assisting the rotation of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine.

4. A method of creating a hybrid automobile vehicle by retrofitting an internal combustion engine of an automobile wherein the internal combustion engine has a crankshaft operatively and rotatively connected to a drive train for rotating a drive wheel of the vehicle, the method comprising:

(a) installing a coupler on a harmonic balancer or a pulley attached to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine;

(b) engaging the coupler with an electric motor;

(c) supplying electrical current from a storage battery to the electric motor; and

(d) rotating the coupler with the electric motor to rotate the drive train.