Electric motor assisted propulsion system for human-powered watercraft

• US 7,549,902 B2
• Filed: 11/01/2007
• Issued: 06/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Patrick Lee Jansen
• Original Assignee: Patrick Lee Jansen
• Inventors: Jansen, Patrick Lee
• Primary Examiner(s): Vasudeva; Ajay
• Application Number:
  US11/933,590
• Publication Number:
  US 20080132127A1
• Time in Patent Office: 600 Days
• Field of Search: 440/3, 440/6, 440 13- 32, 180/65.2, 180205-207, 280212-217
• US Class Current: 440/27
• 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. An electric motor assisted marine propulsion system for a watercraft, comprising:

a manually-driven power input mechanism configured to accept human effort;

a propulsion mechanism comprising at least one propeller mounted on a propeller shaft for providing a propulsive thrust in water;

a mechanical drive train extending between the manually-driven power input mechanism and the propeller shaft, the mechanical drive train configured to transmit the human effort to the propeller shaft to rotate the propeller;

at least one electric motor mechanically coupled to the propeller shaft, wherein the electric motor is arranged to provide assisting power to the propeller shaft to drive the propeller;

an energy storage device configured to supply electrical power to the electric motor;

a control mechanism configured to control electrical power supplied to the electric motor as a function of the human effort, wherein a ratio of assisting power supplied by the electric motor and the human effort is variably and selectively adjustable by an operator; and

a housing enclosing the mechanical drive train, the electric motor and at least a substantial portion of the propeller shaft.

2. The propulsion system of claim 1 further comprising an operator interface enabling the operator to adjust the level of the assisting power supplied by the electric motor.

3. The propulsion system of claim 2 wherein the operator interface is mounted on or is integral with the housing of the propulsion system.

4. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism comprises of an electronics unit mounted within the housing of the propulsion system.

5. The propulsion system of claim 4 wherein the electronics unit is configured to provide good thermal conduction from power switching devices to the surrounding water.

6. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the energy storage device is mounted within the housing of the propulsion system.

7. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the assisting power from the electric motor can be modulated to simulate travel through hills and valleys.

8. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the electric motor is controlled as a function of propeller speed.

9. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the electric motor is controlled as a function of a torque sensor signal.

10. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the electric motor is integrally mounted with the propeller shaft.

11. The propulsion system of claim 1 further comprising an operator interface enabling the operator to monitor performance parameters and operating information.

12. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the manually-driven power input mechanism comprises rotatable pedals.

13. The propulsion system of claim 12 wherein a reverse rotation of the pedals causes the propulsion mechanism to generate reversed thrust.

14. The propulsion system of claim 1 wherein the assisting power from the electric motor is modulated to simulate inertial effects.

15. A watercraft comprising the propulsion system of claim 1.

16. The watercraft of claim 15 further comprising a photovoltaic system for powering the electric motor.