Auxiliary electric drive system and vehicle using same
AssigneeEvaos, Inc.
InventorDonald R. Matheson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electric drive system adapted to utilize an existing vehicle with a combustion engine and to add an electric drive capability. Components of the system may be implemented rearward of the vehicle engine and transmission along the drivetrain. In some aspects, the system allows for combustions engine, electric motor, or combination powering of the vehicle. In some aspects, the vehicle's original secondary systems, such as air conditioning, and power steering, are able to be used in the electric motor only drive mode.
Claims19
A vehicle system comprising:
- an internal combustion engine;
- a transmission coupled to the internal combustion engine on a first end;
- a front drive train portion connected to a second end of the transmission;
- a rear drive train portion;
- a disconnect connected inline to the front drive train portion;
- and
- an electric drive assembly coupled to the front drive train portion on a first end and coupled to the rear drive train portion on a second end;
- wherein
- the disconnect is located between the transmission and the electric drive assembly and selectively decouples the electric drive assembly and the front drive train portion, wherein the rear drive train portion comprises:
- a first end coupled to the electric drive assembly;
- a second end coupled to a vehicle differential;
- and
- a second disconnect, wherein the second disconnect is located between the electric drive assembly and the differential with the second disconnect being adapted to couple and decouple torque from the first end of the rear drive train portion to the second end of the rear drive train portion.
A method for the operation of a vehicle with an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, said method comprising the steps of:
- selecting whether to drive the vehicle with the aid of the electric motor;
- selecting whether to drive the vehicle with the aid of the internal combustion motor;
- selecting whether to engage a front disconnect, said front disconnect residing between the transmission of the vehicle and the electric motor;
- selecting whether to engage a rear disconnect, said rear disconnect residing between said electric motor and the differential of the vehicle;
- and
- selecting whether to isolate the electric motor between the transmission and the differential by disengaging the front disconnect and the rear disconnect.
A vehicle system comprising:
- an internal combustion engine;
- a transmission coupled to the internal combustion engine on a first end;
- a differential;
- and
- an electric drive assembly positioned between and isolated from the transmission and the differential by a first disconnect connected between the transmission and the electric drive assembly and a second disconnect connected between the electric drive assembly and the differential;
- the first disconnect selectively decouples the electric drive assembly and the transmission and the second disconnect selectively decouples the electric drive assembly and the differential.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.