Separated Electric Motor Assisted Propulsion for Human-Powered Watercraft

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-08-21
JANSEN PATRICK LEE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a propulsion system for a motor-assisted watercycle wherein the pedal mechanism is operate

Problems solved by technology

Their main drawback is the relatively low power output capability of the operators.
Unlike watercraft propelled by conventional combustion engines, pedal-powered watercraft are severely limited in power capability; typically less than 200 watts (around ¼ hp) per person on a continuous basis.
A person that routinely pedals a conventional watercycle on a specific lake or river is likely to see only the same

Method used

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  • Separated Electric Motor Assisted Propulsion for Human-Powered Watercraft
  • Separated Electric Motor Assisted Propulsion for Human-Powered Watercraft
  • Separated Electric Motor Assisted Propulsion for Human-Powered Watercraft

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Description and Operation

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates a typical human-powered watercycle (water bicycle) 1 of the prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,080). The watercycle 1 has an elongated floatation board 3, a propulsion and seat unit 7, and a steering unit 9. The propulsion and seat unit 7 comprises of an operator seat 6 and a human-powered mechanical propulsion unit 12. The propulsion unit 12 comprises of an upper body 11 and lower body 19, pedal mechanism 15, and propeller 21. An operator pedals the crank pedal mechanism 15, which turns the propeller 21, thereby propelling the watercraft forward.

[0029]FIG. 2 illustrates the propulsion system unit 12 of the human-powered watercycle 1 of the prior art in FIG. 1. A human operator pedals a crank pedal mechanism 15, thereby causing a crankshaft 16 to rotate in equivalent manner as pedaling the crank mechanism of a bicycle. The crankshaft contains a crankshaft sprocket 17. A propeller 21 is mounted on a rotating propeller shaft 42 that also c...

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PUM

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Abstract

A propulsion system for hybrid electric 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.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0001]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]1. Field of Invention[0004]The present invention relates to the general art of watercraft, and to the particular field of hybrid-electric powered watercraft incorporating human (e.g., pedal) power with electric motor power assistance with energy storage in the form of electric battery, capacitor, fuel cell, and / or flywheel energy storage, and / or solar power.[0005]2. Description of Prior Art[0006]A multitude of pedal-powered watercraft (also referred to as water bikes, water-bicycles, and watercycles) are commercially available. They are relatively low cost, low maintenance, light weight, and fun. Their main drawback is the relatively low power output capability of the operators. Unlike watercraft propelled by conventional combustion engines, pedal-powered watercraft are severely limited in power capability; typically less than 200 watts (around ¼ hp) per person on a continu...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B63H21/21B63H21/20B63H21/17
CPCB63H16/14B63H21/17B63H21/20B63H2021/171Y02T90/46Y02T70/5209Y02T70/5236Y02T70/5245B63H2021/202B60L8/003B60L15/20B60L2200/32B60L2250/16B60L50/20B60L50/60Y02T10/64Y02T10/70Y02T10/7072Y02T10/72Y02T70/50Y02T90/40
Inventor JANSEN, PATRICK LEE
Owner JANSEN PATRICK LEE
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