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Differential electric engine with variable torque conversion

  • US 6,726,588 B2
  • Filed: 08/19/2002
  • Issued: 04/27/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A differential engine with a variable torque output, said differential engine comprising:

  • (a) a motor for driving an output at a rotational speed and applying an input rotational torque to said output;

    (b) a torque conversion stage coupled to said motor for converting said input rotational torque into a rotational torque at an output drive for coupling to a load;

    (c) said torque conversion stage including a first differential stage, said first differential stage having an input coupled to the output of said motor, and said first differential stage having a gear mechanism for translating the rotational torque from said input to first and second outputs and said gear mechanism driving each of said first and second outputs at the same speed and in opposing rotational directions;

    (d) said torque conversion stage including a second differential stage, said second differential stage having a first input coupled to the first output of said first differential stage, and a second input coupled to the second output of said first differential stage, and including a gear mechanism for applying a rotational torque to said output drive when a difference occurs between the rotational speeds of the first and second input shafts for the second differential stage;

    (e) a loading mechanism, said loading mechanism being coupled to one of said inputs on said second differential stage, said loading mechanism being responsive to a control input for loading said input to vary the rotational speed of the associated input.

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