Adaptive electric motor for battery electric vehicle (BEV)

Abstract

An electric motor may include a stator unit including a plurality of centralized or distributed winding elements coupled together in the form of a chain. The electric motor may also include a rotor unit including one or more sliders coupled to the arrangement of the plurality of centralized or distributed winding elements impart the electric motor to a shape that may bypass a cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to electric vehicle technology, and more particularly to electric motors suitable for use in BEVs. Background Art

[0002] For a vehicle, a larger cabin volume is considered a sign of high quality. Since electric motors are relatively compact compared to internal combustion engines (ICE), electric vehicles can provide a spacious cabin. However, the electric motors and other propulsion components in electric vehicles are typically large and encroach on the cabin space of the electric vehicle. For example, in addition to the electric motor, the electric vehicle may also include batteries, electronics, and inverters, which can be very large. In addition, the presence of the rotor and gearbox increases the overall height of the components below the electric vehicle cabin, resulting in a relatively tall electric vehicle. Intrusive propulsion components may compromise the overall comfort of the electric vehicle occupants. In addition, taller electric vehicles are less aerodynamically efficient. Therefore, there is a need for a propulsion solution that can improve the performance efficiency and cabin volume of electric vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following is a summary to provide a basic understanding of one or more of the descriptions presented herein. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, delineate the scope of a particular description, or describe the scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows. In one or more of the descriptions presented herein, systems, methods, and / or apparatus are discussed that enable the implementation of an adapted electric motor for a BEV.

[0004] According to one embodiment, an electric motor is provided. The electric motor may include a stator unit including a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain-like manner. The electric motor may also include a rotor unit including one or more sliders, wherein the arrangement of the one or more sliders coupled to the plurality of winding elements can give the electric motor a shape that can be passed around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method is provided. The method may include coupling a plurality of winding elements in a stator unit of an electric motor together in a chain formation. The method may also include arranging one or more sliders in a rotor unit coupled to the plurality of winding elements to impart a shape to the electric motor that can be routed around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor.

[0006] According to yet another embodiment, an electric vehicle is provided. The electric vehicle may include at least one electric motor. The at least one electric motor may include a stator unit comprising a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain-like manner. The at least one electric motor may also include a rotor unit comprising one or more sliders. The one or more sliders, when coupled to the plurality of winding elements, may impart a shape to the at least one electric motor that allows it to circumvent a cabin of the electric vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] One or more examples are described below in the detailed description section with reference to the following figures:

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram is shown of an example, non-limiting system including an electric motor that can be modified to adjust cabin volume within an electric vehicle according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting motor topology in an electric vehicle according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0010] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting electric motor that may bypass an electric vehicle cabin according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0011] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting cross-section of an adaptive electric motor that can bypass an electric vehicle cabin according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0012] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting placement of concentrated winding elements in an electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0013] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting view of a slide included in an adaptive electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0014] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system including a truss system coupling an electric motor to a tire via a gearbox is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0015] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system including a truss system coupling an electric motor directly to a tire is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0016] Figure 9Example, non-limiting topologies of electric motors according to one or more embodiments described herein are shown that may result in different cabin volumes within an electric vehicle.

[0017] Figure 10 Example, non-limiting schematic diagrams showing different topologies of electric motors are shown, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0018] Figure 11 Further shown are example, non-limiting schematic diagrams illustrating different topologies for an electric motor of an electric vehicle, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0019] Figure 12 An example, non-limiting schematic diagram is shown showing how different topologies of electric motors can be utilized to achieve greater cabin volume in an electric vehicle, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0020] Figure 13 An example, non-limiting cabin-forward design for an electric vehicle is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0021] Figure 14 A flow chart illustrating an example, non-limiting method of developing an adaptive electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown.

[0022] Figure 15 A flow chart illustrating another example, non-limiting method of developing an adaptive electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown. Specific embodiments

[0023] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the application or use of the embodiments and / or embodiments. In addition, this application is not intended to be bound by any explicit or implicit information provided in the foregoing background technology, or summary of the invention, or specific embodiments.

[0024] One or more embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout to refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent that in various circumstances, the one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0025] For vehicles, a large cabin volume is considered a sign of high quality. Electric vehicles can offer spacious cabins because electric motors are relatively more compact than ICEs. However, electric motors and other propulsion components in electric vehicles are typically large and infringe upon the vehicle's cabin volume. For example, in addition to the electric motor, electric vehicles may also include batteries, electronics, and inverters, all of which can be large components. Furthermore, the presence of the rotor and gearbox increases the overall height of the components below the cabin, resulting in a relatively tall electric vehicle. Intrusive propulsion components can compromise the overall comfort of electric vehicle occupants, and taller electric vehicles are aerodynamically inefficient. For example, in the near future, the entity operating an electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, artificial intelligence (AI), neural networks, and / or the user) may have the option to operate the vehicle in autonomous mode while resting and enjoying music, lights, beautiful scenery, pleasant scents, etc. To facilitate this experience, the cabin surfaces of electric vehicles may require insulation to maintain a certain temperature, atmosphere, sound, etc. Introducing such a cocooning environment for passengers inside an electric vehicle can be expensive, and any disruption to the experience reduces the luxury available to occupants. For example, mounting one or more electric motors at the rear of an electric vehicle, below the cabin area, may result in a significant amount of cabin volume being dedicated to the propulsion elements of the electric vehicle.

[0026] Typically, the electric motor is located on the axle, between the tires of an electric vehicle. For example, in a rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle, the electric motor and the entire assembly, including the inverter and electronics used to charge the electric vehicle, can be housed in a package between the two rear tires. A similar configuration is employed at the front of the electric vehicle, resulting in the majority of the machinery being located between the tires under the seats at the rear and inside the trunk at the front. The package containing the electric motor and assembly is typically placed near the axle of the electric vehicle, as placing the package elsewhere could introduce efficiency issues. For example, placing the electric motor and inverter in separate locations, rather than as a single package, can introduce risks related to electromagnetic compatibility issues, cable resistance, and other factors. The penalty of placing the electric motor and other propulsion components far apart is immediately apparent in the electric vehicle's range. Consequently, electric vehicles often include a tall package with the propulsion components housed below the cabin (i.e., extending toward the roof of the electric vehicle). In-wheel motors, i.e., the corresponding propulsion package and the braking system associated with the package, can be located within the wheel well of the electric vehicle, but this is not an effective solution to the above-mentioned problems. In some existing electric vehicle technologies, the electric motors can share the same shaft in the transverse direction of the electric vehicle, so that two electric motors can be placed back-to-back on the same shaft. However, this solution also consumes the cabin volume of the electric vehicle, thereby reducing the customer experience and overall vehicle efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for a propulsion solution that can improve the performance efficiency and cabin volume of electric vehicles while supporting commercially viable design solutions for electric vehicles.

[0027] Various embodiments of the present application can be implemented to produce solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned problems. The embodiments described herein include systems and methods that enable adaptive electric motors as propulsion solutions for BEVs. In the various embodiments described herein, the electric motor can be designed to have an adaptive size and shape. For example, in various embodiments, the electric motor can include a stator unit that includes a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain. The electric motor can also include a rotor unit that includes one or more sliders (shuttles), and the arrangement of the one or more sliders coupled to the plurality of winding elements can give the electric motor a shape that can bypass / avoid the cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor. That is, the winding elements that constitute the stator unit of the electric motor by coupling in a chain structure, and the sliders that constitute the rotor unit of the electric motor by coupling with the winding elements, can allow the electric motor to have a shape that does not intrude into the cabin volume of the electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the winding elements can be concentrated winding elements. In other embodiments, each element can be a distributed winding element.

[0028] In various embodiments, the one or more sliders can be magnetically coupled to the multiple winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track system in the stator unit. Multiple concentrated or distributed winding elements can generate a magnetic field in the motor, and the one or more sliders can be coupled to the magnetic field through the flux linkage of the permanent magnet(s) in the slider or via magnetic resistance. Since the magnetic field signal is a sine wave, the one or more sliders can follow the contour of the stator unit via the magnetic flux linkage, thereby generating torque. The track system can ensure that the one or more sliders can be magnetically rotated in the desired direction around the track system to generate torque. In various embodiments, the one or more sliders can be selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet-based sliders, induction-based sliders, or magnetic resistance-based sliders, and the number of sliders in the rotor unit can be increased to increase the torque generated by the motor. Additionally, increasing the number of concentrated or distributed winding elements, for example, by increasing the circumference of the motor, can produce one or more different configurations of the motor.

[0029] In various embodiments, the electric motor can be coupled to the truss system via a linkage arm, and the truss system can be coupled to a gearbox. The gearbox can also be coupled to the tires of the electric vehicle. The torque generated by the electric motor can be transmitted to the tires via the truss system and gearbox. In one embodiment, the truss system can directly connect the electric motor to the tires. In various embodiments, the size and shape of the stator unit and the electric motor can be changed to adjust the cabin volume within the electric vehicle during operation. For example, the sliders within the rotor unit can be rearranged via controls accessible to entities operating the electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural networks, and / or users) to create a more compact slider positioning, which can reduce the existing size of the stator unit and the electric motor. Doing so can free up additional cabin volume for increased passenger space or storage space in the hatch or trunk of the electric vehicle. In this regard, the truss system can also be designed to accommodate such repositioning of the sliders during operation of the electric vehicle. In various embodiments, the electric motor can be used alone or in combination with additional adaptable electric motors in the electric vehicle. For example, low-end electric vehicles and / or electric vehicles with low propulsion requirements may include only one electric motor, while heavy electric vehicles may include multiple electric motors. For example, an electric vehicle may be equipped with one electric motor at the front and one electric motor at the rear, on an axle. As described above, the number of sliders in the electric motor may also be increased or decreased based on the propulsion requirements of the electric vehicle. In some embodiments, hybrid solutions may also be implemented, including a combination of traditional electric motors and the electric motors proposed herein.

[0030] Cab forward (CAB-FORWARD):

[0031] The embodiments described herein can provide a cab-forward design solution for electric vehicles. Cab-forward means that instead of designing the vehicle with the engines in a straight line, the engines are positioned transversely so that the hotter components are positioned toward the radiator or inlet of the vehicle. This results in a vehicle with a larger cab or cabin and a shorter front. The overall shorter front of the vehicle can also provide aerodynamic advantages. For example, the vehicle's tires can be placed closer to the vehicle's bumper, which can provide aerodynamic advantages, and the lateral distance between the tires can be large enough to provide the vehicle's occupants with a luxurious and relaxing experience, even in a smaller car.

[0032] While cab-forward technology has been well explored in ICEs, cabin-forward solutions for BEVs are limited by the inflexible cylindrical motor housing design. For example, historically, ICEs have primarily been used to propel the vehicle, but their large size takes up a significant amount of space within the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the use of ICEs results in very hot components being placed to the side of the occupants. Firewalls are used to separate the engine compartment from the passengers to prevent heat, fumes, and other emissions from reaching them. However, to keep the vehicle's center of gravity in the desired position, these components are placed in a position that reduces cabin volume. A cab-forward solution to this problem involves enclosing the electric motor laterally in the front section, which allows the hotter portions of the enclosure to be moved out of the cabin. As a result, the shape of the cabin can be modified to become more spacious, open, and relatively low in height.

[0033] However, existing techniques for compactly packaging electric motors into BEVs involve increasing current density, increasing frequency, expensive materials, permanent magnets, rare earth elements, and other factors, which are often inefficient from the perspectives of sustainability, vehicle performance, and cost. In this regard, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an effective solution that enables compact electric motors and helps further increase cabin size at the front and rear of the vehicle. Overall, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide flexible electric motor designs for flexible BEV designs, allowing the BEV cabin to be designed to be substantially larger for a given vehicle segment. The embodiments described herein aim to provide electric motors with a bandwidth that can be tailored to customer needs. For example, the electric motors described in various embodiments herein can enable propulsion flexibility and cabin volume flexibility for electric vehicles. For example, by using electric motors in electric vehicles, the cabin space of the electric vehicle can be changed at the touch of a button. In some embodiments, the cabin space can be differentiated for different locations in the electric vehicle (e.g., at the four corners of the electric vehicle or based on the height of the electric vehicle). In various embodiments, the electric motors can also allow the ground clearance of the electric vehicle to be adjusted to the needs of the entity operating the electric vehicle (e.g., the owner, driver, etc.). In various embodiments, the flexible topology of the electric motor presented herein also allows it to be implemented in an electric vehicle in the form of an on-demand accessory, such that the electric motor can be retrofitted into the electric vehicle and the entity operating the electric vehicle can adjust the shape of the motor and modify the cabin volume by pressing a button while the electric vehicle is in operation.

[0034] The embodiments shown in one or more figures described herein are for illustration purposes only, and thus, the architecture of the embodiments is not limited to the systems, devices, and / or components shown therein, nor to any specific order, connection, and / or coupling of the systems, devices, and / or components shown therein. In the figures presented herein, reference is made to a Cartesian coordinate system to represent different views of the electric motor relative to the vehicle, such that the X-axis extends from the front to the rear of the vehicle, the Y-axis extends laterally from one side mirror to the other, and the Z-axis extends toward the roof of the vehicle.

[0035] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example, non-limiting system 100 including an electric motor that can be modified to adjust cabin volume within an electric vehicle is shown, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0036] The non-limiting system 100 and / or components of the non-limiting system 100 can be used to solve problems that are highly technical in nature (e.g., related to BEVs, electric motors, propulsion of electric vehicles, etc.), are non-abstract, and cannot be performed by humans as a set of mental behaviors. The non-limiting system 100 and / or components of the non-limiting system 100 can be used to solve new problems that arise due to advances in the above-mentioned technologies and / or similar technologies. The non-limiting system 100 can provide technical improvements to electric vehicle technology by improving the aerodynamic efficiency and performance of electric vehicles, reducing the weight of propulsion components in electric vehicles, increasing the cabin volume of electric vehicles, improving the cooling efficiency of electric vehicles, and improving the efficiency of core materials used in electric motors.

[0037] In some embodiments, concentrated winding elements may be employed in the stator unit of the motors presented herein. Using concentrated winding elements can reduce the number of end windings, resulting in more efficient cooling and more effective use of core material. In other embodiments, distributed winding elements may be employed in the stator unit of the motor. Using distributed windings can reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in the motor and achieve better waveforms. Core material refers to the amount of material in the rotor unit, i.e., the one or more rotors that may comprise the rotor unit of the motor. Permanent magnet-based sliders may include soft magnets in the form of an iron core and permanent magnets that can facilitate magnetic coupling between the slider and the concentrated or distributed winding elements. Induction-based sliders may include soft magnets in the form of magnetic materials with high magnetic permeability that can be magnetized and demagnetized depending on the rotor position. The motor design can avoid the use of large yokes in the stator unit. Concentrated winding elements also offer a lighter solution because less yokes or soft magnetic material are required within the motor compared to traditional motors. Furthermore, an electric motor with one slider contains less material than an electric motor with six sliders, and the number of sliders can be increased or decreased depending on the propulsion requirements of the electric vehicle. Various embodiments herein can also be designed as serviceable components such that the electric motor can be retrofitted in an electric vehicle with additional sliders, for example, at a vehicle service center upon request of an entity / vehicle owner / vehicle operator (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural network, machine, and / or user) that owns the electric vehicle to upgrade the electric vehicle in terms of power and performance. Alternatively, the entity / owner / vehicle operator may prioritize economy over power, in which case the number of default rotor sliders in a cab-forward BEV can be reduced, for example, at a service center.

[0038] Using concentrated winding elements also makes the motor easier to manufacture. Furthermore, concentrated winding elements enable redundancy in the motor. For example, if a portion of a winding is lost, the motor can continue to operate and produce torque. For example, if an insulation failure occurs, one of the concentrated winding elements may heat up, resulting in some loss. However, because the concentrated winding elements are separate (e.g., each concentrated winding element can be a separate coil), the loss of one winding can prevent the loss of the entire motor.

[0039] Non-limiting system 100 may be a propulsion system within an electric vehicle. Non-limiting system 100 may include an electric motor 102, a truss system 108, and a gearbox 110. Electric motor 102 may include a stator unit 104 and a rotor unit 106. Stator unit 104 may include winding elements 112, while rotor unit 106 may include sliders 114. In some embodiments, winding elements 112 may be concentrated winding elements. In other embodiments, winding elements 112 may be distributed winding elements. In various embodiments, stator unit 104 may include multiple winding elements 112 coupled together in a chain-like formation, while rotor unit 106 may include one or more sliders 114 arranged to couple to the multiple winding elements 112, thereby giving electric motor 102 a shape that allows it to circulate around the cabin of the electric vehicle. In other words, the multiple winding elements 112 may constitute stator unit 104, while the one or more sliders 114 may constitute rotor unit 106. The plurality of winding units 112 coupled in a chain structure and the one or more sliders 114 coupled to the plurality of winding units 112 may allow the electric motor 102 to have a shape that can pass around a cabin of an electric vehicle.

[0040] In various embodiments, the one or more sliders 114 can be magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements 112 and mechanically coupled to a track structure (not shown) on the stator unit 104. For example, each of the plurality of winding elements 112 can be a coil, and each of the one or more sliders 114 can include a magnetic material. The plurality of winding elements (i.e., stator chain elements) can generate magnetic flux near each slider 114, which can cause the sliders 114 to magnetically couple to each other. In various embodiments, the sliders 114 can be magnetically or mechanically coupled to each other (i.e., coupled to adjacent sliders 114) while positioned on a track of the plurality of winding elements 112 attached to the stator unit 204. That is, adjacent sliders 114 (i.e., two sliders) can be coupled to each other via magnetic and / or mechanical coupling elements. As previously described, the plurality of winding elements 112 can generate a magnetic field in the motor 102, and the one or more sliders 114 can be coupled to the magnetic field via magnetic flux linkage. Because the magnetic field wave is a sinusoidal signal, the one or more sliders 114 can follow the contours of the stator unit 104 through magnetic flux linkage to generate torque. In an induction-based solution, the magnetic field can be generated through induction excitation, wherein the multiple winding elements 112 within the stator unit 104 can generate an induction field, which in turn generates a magnetic field. A reluctance-based solution can involve reluctance to the magnetic field, thereby generating torque through reluctance. In a permanent magnet-based solution, a set of north and south poles formed within the motor can be connected to the north and south poles of the stator unit 104. A track structure can ensure that the one or more sliders 114 can magnetically rotate in the desired direction on the track structure to generate torque. In other words, the track structure can limit the movement of the one or more sliders 114 in the Z direction (i.e., the axis perpendicular to the ground). In various embodiments, the one or more sliders 114 can serve as propulsion elements for electric vehicles, and increasing the number of sliders 114 in the rotor unit 106 can increase the torque generated by the motor 102. In some embodiments, the slider 114 can be a repairable and reconfigurable component, such that the number of sliders 114 in the rotor unit 106 can be changed. In various embodiments, the one or more sliders 114 can be selected from the group consisting of a permanent magnet-based slider, an induction-based slider, or a reluctance-based slider. In one embodiment, the slider can act like a squirrel cage in which flux can be calibrated. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the motor 102 can be selected from the group consisting of a permanent magnet motor, an induction motor, or a reluctance-based motor.

[0041] In various embodiments, the truss system 108 can connect the one or more sliders 114 to the wheels (i.e., tires) of the electric vehicle directly or through the gearbox 110 to drive the wheels. In one embodiment, the one or more sliders 114 can be connected to corresponding linkage arms of the truss system 108. In another embodiment, multiple sliders 114 can be connected to one or more linkage arms of the truss system 108. For example, the truss system 108 can connect multiple sliders 114 to the wheels, wherein a first number of the multiple sliders 114 can be respectively connected to one or more linkage arms of the truss system 108, such that each of the multiple sliders 114 can be pushed or pulled by each other via mechanical or magnetic forces without a second number of the multiple sliders 114 being connected to the truss system 108. In other words, a first number of the plurality of sliders 114 can be connected to the truss system 108 such that each of the first number of sliders can be connected via one or more linkage arms of the truss system 108, while a second number of the plurality of sliders 114 (i.e., the remaining sliders) can be disconnected from the truss system 108, and the individual sliders 114 can be pushed and pulled relative to each other solely by virtue of the connection between the first number of sliders and the truss system 108. Thus, in various embodiments, the one or more sliders 114 and the stator unit 104 can be moved about the Y-axis (as well as along the Z-axis) to adjust the shape of the electric motor 102, thereby changing the existing cabin volume of the electric vehicle.

[0042] In various embodiments, the plurality of winding elements 112 can allow the motor 102 to generate torque even with a partially lost winding and reduce the number of end windings, which can improve cooling efficiency and core material usage for the motor 102. Core material refers to the amount of material in one or more sliders 114 that may comprise the rotor unit 106 of the motor 102. The design of the motor 102 can avoid the need for a large (magnetic) yoke in the stator unit 104. Consequently, the plurality of winding elements 112 can also provide a lighter solution, as fewer (magnetic) yokes or soft magnetic materials are required within the motor 102 compared to conventional motors. Furthermore, increasing the number of winding elements 112 can create one or more different motor configurations in an electric vehicle. For example, increasing the number of winding elements 112 in the stator unit 104 can increase the periphery of the motor 102. It will be appreciated that the number of winding elements 112 (i.e., concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements) can only be increased while maintaining the phase distribution of the motor 102. For example, the motor 102 can be a three-phase motor (i.e., a motor that can receive power from a three-phase current). The stator unit 104 can then include a group of three winding elements 112, which are coupled together to form a chain, wherein each element in a group can correspond to a corresponding one of the three phases of the motor 102. In this way, the number of winding elements 112 can also be increased in groups of three winding elements 112, wherein each element in the new group can correspond to a corresponding one of the three phases of the motor 102. For motors with fewer or more phases (e.g., two-phase motors or four-phase motors), the incremental principle / principle of increasing the number of winding elements 112 can be consistent with the principle / principle described for three-phase motors. A detailed description of the above embodiment will be expanded below in conjunction with the subsequent figures.

[0043] Figure 2 Block diagrams of example, non-limiting motor topologies 200 and 210 in an electric vehicle according to one or more embodiments described herein are shown. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0044] Non-limiting motor topology 200 illustrates vehicle 202. Non-limiting motor topology 200 may represent existing topologies for motor placement and cabin packaging in electric vehicles. Vehicle 202 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or another type of electric or hybrid vehicle. Generally speaking, vehicle 202 may be a cargo carrier or a person carrier. Cabin 204 may represent the cabin volume within vehicle 202. It should be understood that cabin 204 is merely an example representation of the cabin volume of vehicle 202, and different electric vehicles may have different cabin volume shapes and sizes. In non-limiting motor topology 200, motor M1 and motor M2 may represent respective motors (or rotors of respective motors) used in vehicle 202. For example, each of motors M1 and M2 may be an XC90TB twin-engine integrated electric drive unit, as shown at 206. Motors M1 and M2 may be static / inflexible, such that they cannot be modified or deformed to become larger or smaller. Therefore, motors M1 and M2 occupy a certain percentage of cabin 204 / invade cabin 204, which reduces cabin volume and results in less cabin space for passengers. Using a conventional linear motor in place of the rotor may be inefficient because the amount of soft magnetic material available for magnetic flux linkage within the rotor is much smaller than that of the conventional linear motor, and thus does not offer the same advantages as the rotor. Therefore, existing motor technology does not allow for the adjustment of cabin size in electric vehicles.

[0045] Various embodiments of the present application can enable motors to be designed so that the motors can bypass the cabin of an electric vehicle including the motors. For example, in the non-limiting motor topology 210, motor M3 and motor M4 can represent motors (e.g., motor 102) designed to bypass cabin 204, such that using motors M3 and M4 instead of motors M1 and M2 can free up the amount of cabin 204 occupied by motors M1 and M2 and increase the cabin volume of vehicle 202. For example, each of motors M3 and motor M4 can include a stator unit (e.g., stator unit 104), the stator unit including: a plurality of winding elements (e.g., winding elements 112) that are coupled together as a chain; and a rotor unit (e.g., rotor unit 106) that includes a slider (e.g., slider 114) coupled to the plurality of winding elements. The plurality of winding elements can be concentrated winding elements or distributed windings. The arrangement of the sliders coupled to the plurality of winding elements in each motor can give each motor a shape that allows it to bypass cabin 204. That is, the adaptive motor design including multiple winding elements and sliders proposed in various embodiments can allow the motor to have any stator form and any shape, wherein any shape can be a shape that can bypass the shape of the compartment 204. In various embodiments, each of the M3 and M4 motors can, in principle, represent a powerful linear motor without the shape of a traditional linear motor.

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also implement a drivetrain for an electric vehicle, wherein the drivetrain may include a combination of an electric motor and an additional propulsion element. In one embodiment, the vehicle 202 may include only one electric motor (e.g., motor M3 or motor M4). For example, the vehicle 202 may be a vehicle designed for low speed or inexpensive, low-end solutions, where only one electric motor is sufficient to propel the vehicle 202. For example, the vehicle 202 may be deployed as a concierge service in an airport, where the vehicle 202 may be expected to operate primarily at low speeds on a smooth path. In this case, the vehicle 202 may include only one electric motor. In another embodiment, the vehicle 202 may include multiple electric motors (e.g., motor M3, motor M4, motor M5, etc.). For example, the vehicle 202 may be a heavy vehicle, in which additional electric motors may be used. If there are multiple electric motors, an even number of electric motors may be required to balance the center of gravity of the vehicle 202. Furthermore, in various embodiments, each motor of vehicle 202 may include one or more sliders depending on the resonant frequency of vehicle 202, the natural frequency of vehicle 202, the subframe, etc., wherein the one or more sliders may be selected from the group consisting of a permanent magnet-based slider, an induction-based slider, or a reluctance-based slider. For example, in one embodiment, each motor of vehicle 202 may include only one slider, while in another embodiment, each motor of vehicle 202 may include multiple sliders (e.g., 5 sliders, 6 sliders, 8 sliders, etc.).

[0047] In general, the designs of the electric motors presented in various embodiments herein may allow for different numbers of sliders to be employed within the motors, and for different numbers of such motors to be employed as propulsion solutions for the electric vehicle based on the mechanical and other design considerations of the electric vehicle. In various embodiments, the electric motors of the vehicle 202 may be selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet motors, induction motors, or reluctance motors. For example, the sliders employed within the motors may be permanent magnet based sliders, induction based sliders, or reluctance based sliders, and thus the motors may be permanent magnet based motors, induction based motors, or reluctance based motors. As described elsewhere herein, the number of sliders (sliding elements) in the various electric motors of the vehicle 202 may be changed at a service center (e.g., based on a request by an operator or owner of the vehicle 202, a potential purchaser of the vehicle 202, etc.). For example, in some locations, if the vehicle 202 is operated by an individual under a certain age threshold, the number of sliders in the motor may be reduced to reduce the amount of power available in the vehicle 202 due to safety concerns and / or legislation. Once the individual exceeds the age threshold, additional sliders may be retrofitted as a continuous upgrade. Reference Figure 3 The shapes of the motors described in the various paragraphs of this article are discussed in more detail.

[0048] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting electric motor 300 that can bypass an electric vehicle cabin according to one or more embodiments described herein. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0049] Various embodiments of the present application may enable an electric motor to be designed so that the electric motor can bypass the cabin of the electric vehicle including the electric motor. Figure 3 In the non-limiting motor 300 (or motor 300) as Figure 2 However, it should be understood that the motor 300 may also represent Figure 2 3. In various embodiments, the motor 300 may include a stator 302 including a plurality of winding elements (i.e., concentrated or distributed winding elements) coupled together in a chain. The motor 300 may also include a rotor 304 including a slider 306 (or one or more sliders 306) magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure. The area outlined by the line 310 representing the trajectory of the slider 306 may be a blank area. In various embodiments, the motor 300 may have a shape that can bypass the shape of the cabin 204. For example, employing one or more sliders 306 coupled to the plurality of winding elements in the rotor 304 may allow the shape of the motor 300 to bypass the shape of the cabin 204.

[0050] In one embodiment, increasing the number of winding elements can create one or more different configurations for motor 300. In other words, connecting winding-based basic stator units (i.e., concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements) together in a chain formation can allow for different implementations of motor 300. In various embodiments, the slider and stator 302 can be moved in a rotational motion along the Z-axis (i.e., an axis perpendicular to the ground) to adjust the shape of motor 300, which can allow for modification of the existing cabin volume of vehicle 202. Generally speaking, motor 300 can be similar to motor 102. It should be noted that although motor 300 is shown as having an arbitrary shape, in practice, motor 300 can have any suitable shape depending on various factors, such as the shape and size of vehicle 202, the length of the slider included in rotor 304, and other geometric considerations. For example, the minimum radius of motor 300 measured from the center of the perimeter of motor 300 cannot be less than the length of the slider; however, the slider design is flexible and can be sized appropriately for different implementations. In this regard, the electric motor 300 may be deployed in the electric vehicle as a closed manifold or surface.

[0051] Figure 4 Diagrams of example, non-limiting cross-sections 400 and 420 of an adaptive electric motor that can bypass an electric vehicle cabin according to one or more embodiments described herein are shown. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0052] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the electric motor 300 may include a stator 302 including a plurality of winding elements (i.e., concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements) coupled together in a chain-like manner. The electric motor 300 may also include a rotor 304 including one or more sliders (e.g., one or more sliders 306) magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, such an arrangement enabling the electric motor 300 to be shaped so as to be able to pass around the cabin of an electric vehicle (e.g., vehicle 202).

[0053] Non-limiting cross-sections 400 and 420 illustrate concentrated winding elements / arrays (e.g., element 402) that may be included in stator 302 and sliders 306 that may be included in rotor 304 of electric motor 300. Non-limiting cross-section 400 illustrates an embodiment in which rotor 304 may include a single slider 306, while non-limiting cross-section 420 illustrates an embodiment in which rotor 304 may include multiple sliders 306 (e.g., slider 306A, slider 306B, etc.). As described in various embodiments, increasing the number of sliders 306 in rotor 304 may increase the torque generated by electric motor 300 due to an increased amount of magnetic material in sliders 306. The number of sliders may be increased based on the use of electric motor 300 in an electric vehicle, for example, based on the propulsion requirements of the electric vehicle, space availability based on the size of the electric vehicle, etc. In this regard, electric motor 300 may be modified by adding or removing concentrated winding elements and / or sliders based on the type of electric vehicle.

[0054] like Figure 4As shown, a group 406 of concentrated winding elements can be repeated within stator 302 and coupled together in a chain-like manner. Group 406 shows three concentrated winding elements, indicating that motor 300 can be a three-phase motor. For example, +A, -C, and +B can represent the three phases of motor 300, and the symbols +A, -C, and +B represent a standard way to indicate a three-phase motor. The three phases can follow each other to generate a magnetic field within stator 302. Sliders 306 can be permanent magnet-based sliders, induction-based sliders, or reluctance-based sliders, which can couple to the magnetic field in stator 302 through flux linkage. Because the flux wave can be a sinusoidal signal, slider(s) 306 can follow the contour of stator 302 through flux linkage to generate torque. In other words, stator 302 can rotate rotor 304 to excite motor 300. In one embodiment, motor 300 can also be a two-phase motor or other type of motor.

[0055] Each concentrated winding element (eg, element 402 ) may be a coil. Figure 4 The parallel lines shown below the phase symbols (e.g., at 404) indicate the direction of travel of each coil, which is shown in more detail at 410. For example, each concentrated winding element can travel in the Y-axis direction and along a path shown as path 412, while the slider 306 can travel along the Z-axis and perform a rotational motion about the Y-axis. The direction of travel of the coil toward the positive Y-axis can indicate a positive phase (e.g., +A for element 402), while the direction of travel of the coil toward the negative Y-axis can indicate a negative phase (e.g., -A). Figure 4 The Y-axis direction shown in the figure should be interpreted as the positive Y-axis being out of the plane of the page / in the transverse direction of the electric vehicle and running at 90 degrees to the X-axis and Z-axis. Current flowing through each coil can form an electromagnet. Additionally, the size of each concentrated winding element can be based on the periphery of the motor 300, the type of electric vehicle for which the motor 300 is designed, the purpose of the electric vehicle, and / or other factors. It should be understood that although Figure 4 Concentrated winding elements are shown, but the embodiments discussed herein are also applicable to distributed winding elements.

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting arrangement of concentrated winding elements in an electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0057] Non-limiting arrangement 500 illustrates concentrated winding elements, such as shown in non-limiting cross-sections 400 and 410, positioned within electric motor 300 to form stator 302. Although only a few concentrated winding elements are shown in non-limiting arrangement 500, in electric motor 300, concentrated winding elements may be positioned along the entire periphery of stator 302, designated by numeral 502. In various embodiments, distributed winding elements may similarly be positioned along the periphery of stator 302.

[0058] Figure 6 An example, non-limiting diagram 600 illustrates a slide included in an adaptive motor according to one or more embodiments described herein. A and 600 B For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0059] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may enable an electric motor to be designed such that the motor can be routed around the cabin of an electric vehicle that includes the electric motor. For example, the electric motor 600 may include a stator 602 that includes a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain (i.e., concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements). The electric motor 600 may also include a rotor 604 that includes a plurality of sliders (e.g., four sliders 606) that are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, wherein the arrangement of the plurality of sliders imparts a shape to the electric motor 600 that can be routed around the cabin of an electric vehicle that includes the electric motor 600. The plurality of sliders may be coupled to one another, or the plurality of sliders may be separate. The electric motor 600 may be similar to the electric motor 102. Non-limiting view 600 A A non-limiting view of the motor 600 is shown along the XZ plane. B A view of the motor 600 along the YZ plane is shown. From the non-limiting view 600 A and 600 B As can be seen, the electric motor 600 can be deployed as a closed surface including a stator 602 and a rotor 304. In this regard, the electric motor 600 can be an adaptive linear motor including a plurality of winding elements that can constitute the stator 602 and a slider 306 that can constitute the rotor 604, wherein the electric motor 600 can be modified or adapted based on the propulsion requirements of the electric vehicle by adding or removing winding elements or the slider 606.

[0060] Figure 7A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system 700 is shown, including a truss system that couples an electric motor to a tire via a gearbox, according to one or more embodiments described herein. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0061] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may enable an electric motor to be designed such that the electric motor can be routed around the cabin of an electric vehicle that includes the electric motor. For example, the non-limiting system 700 (or system 700) may include an electric motor. The electric motor may include a stator 702 that includes a plurality of winding elements (i.e., concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements) that are coupled together in a chain. The electric motor may also include a plurality of slides 706 that are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure so that the arrangement of the plurality of slides 706 gives the electric motor a shape that can be routed around the cabin of an electric vehicle that includes the electric motor. The plurality of slides 706 may constitute a rotor of the electric motor. The electric motor of system 700 may be similar to electric motor 102.

[0062] In various embodiments, the truss system can connect the motor to the wheels (i.e., tires) of the electric vehicle through a gearbox to drive the wheels. For example, the system 700 can further include a truss 704, wherein the truss 704 can connect the plurality of sliders 706 to the tires 712 through a gearbox 710 to drive the tires 712 of the electric vehicle including the system 700. For example, the torque generated by the motor can be transmitted to the gearbox 710 through the truss 704, and the gearbox 710 can be coupled to the tires 712 so that the torque generated by the motor can be used to rotate the tires 712. In one embodiment, for example, in low-speed applications, the torque generated by the motor can be used to rotate multiple tires, wherein the electric vehicle can be propelled by a single motor. In another embodiment, for example, in a large electric vehicle that can be propelled by multiple motors, multiple motors can be used to rotate corresponding tires of the electric vehicle.

[0063] In one embodiment, each slider 706 can be connected to each linkage arm 708 of the truss 704. In another embodiment, a first number of sliders 706 can be connected to the linkage arms 708, while a second number of sliders can be disconnected from the truss 704. For example, while the system 700 illustrates each slider 706 connected to each linkage arm 708, in one embodiment, a first number of sliders 706 (e.g., four of six sliders) can be connected to the truss system 108 such that each of the four sliders can be connected to one or more linkage arms 708 of the truss 704. Additionally, the remaining sliders (e.g., two of the six sliders) can be disconnected from the truss 704, while the four sliders connected to the truss 704 can move (e.g., push or pull) all six sliders 706 of the motor. This can reduce the number of linkage arms 708 required in the motor and, therefore, reduce the weight of the motor. In various embodiments, the truss 704 can be designed with a link arm 708 that can be mechanically coupled to a swash plate or hub (e.g., Figure 7 and 8 706 ).

[0064] In one embodiment, the design of truss 704 can allow an entity operating an electric vehicle including system 700 (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural network, and / or user) to modify the dimensions of the electric vehicle's cabin during operation. For example, an entity can operate the electric vehicle in autonomous mode while en route to pick up a group of people from a pickup location. As the electric vehicle approaches the pickup location, the entity can control the positioning of slider 706 via controls accessible to the entity, thereby modifying the dimensions of stator 702 and, in turn, the motor, to increase the volume of the electric vehicle's cabin to accommodate the group of people. In one embodiment, the entity can be a person within the electric vehicle's cabin, and the person can access controls for adjusting the positioning of slider 706. For example, the entity can reposition slider 706 so that the topmost slider 706 can move toward the front of the electric vehicle, and the bottommost slider 706 can move along the X-axis toward the rear of the electric vehicle, allowing slider 706 to perform a rotational motion about the Y-axis. As described above, the truss 704 can be coupled to the slide 706 via a pin and track system that can allow the truss 704 to accommodate such repositioning of the slide 706. In this regard, the truss 704 can be designed to accommodate various potential movements of the slide 706 such that the torque generated by the motor can continue to be transmitted through the truss 704 to the gearbox 710 and tire 712 in various positions of the slide 706.

[0065] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system 800 including a truss system that directly couples an electric motor to a tire according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0066] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 An alternative embodiment to the illustrated embodiment allows the motor comprising the stator 702 and the slider 706 to be coupled directly to the tire 712 via the truss 704 without the need for a gearbox. In the absence of a gearbox, modification of the chain of the stator 902 due to repositioning the slider 706 can change the moment arm of each slider 706, thereby causing a change in the torque generated by the motor and transmitted to the tire 712. Figure 9 and 10 This concept is discussed in more detail in . In this embodiment, the truss 704 can be designed to function as a gearbox. In other words, the truss 704 can be designed to eliminate the need for a gearbox in the non-limiting system 800 while maintaining the reference Figure 7The non-limiting system 800 can be similar to the system 700 without the gearbox 710 in this respect. The gearbox can be very heavy and can result in a loss of range in the electric vehicle. Therefore, eliminating the gearbox can provide performance advantages and economic benefits to the electric vehicle.

[0067] Figure 9 Schematic diagrams illustrating example, non-limiting topologies 900 and 910 of electric motors according to one or more embodiments described herein that can result in different cabin volumes within an electric vehicle. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments have been omitted.

[0068] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may enable an electric motor to be designed so that the electric motor can be routed around the cabin of an electric vehicle in which the electric motor is included. For example, Figure 9 An electric motor is shown. The electric motor may include a stator 902 comprising a plurality of concentrated or distributed winding elements coupled together in a chain formation. The electric motor may also include a plurality of sliders 906 magnetically coupled to the plurality of concentrated or distributed winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, such that this arrangement may give the electric motor a shape that can be routed around the cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor. The plurality of sliders 906 may constitute the rotor of the electric motor. Figure 9 The motor in can be similar to motor 102. In addition, truss 904 can connect multiple sliders 906 to tires 912 of the electric vehicle via linkage arms 908 to drive tires 912. The combination of motor, truss 904, and tire 912 can be similar to non-limiting systems 800 and 700 and include a gearbox between truss 904 and tire 912.

[0069] As described in various embodiments, the design of truss 904 can allow an entity operating the corresponding electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural network, and / or user) to modify the cabin dimensions of the electric vehicle during operation. For example, the entity can control the positioning of slider 906 via controls accessible to the entity within the electric vehicle cabin, thereby modifying the dimensions of stator 902 and, in turn, the size of the motor to increase the cabin volume of the electric vehicle. For example, the entity can reposition slider 906 while driving so that the topmost slider 906 can move away from the entity and the bottommost slider 906 can move toward the entity, allowing slider 906 to perform a rotational motion about the Y-axis. Truss 904 can be coupled to slider 906 via a pin and rail system, thereby allowing truss 904 to accommodate such repositioning of slider 906. Repositioning slider 906 can cause the corresponding moment arm of slider 906 or the first number of sliders 906 to also change. For example, when slider 906 is repositioned, the motor's topology can change from non-restrictive topology 900 to non-restrictive topology 910, and the distance between line 914 and line 916 can change from L1 to L2, where L1>L2. Line 914 can be an imaginary line passing through the center of the topmost slider 906, while line 916 can be an imaginary line passing through the center of stator 902. The slider's moment arm can be equal to the shortest distance between the slider's center and the slider's axis of rotation / center of rotation. For example, for the topmost slider 906, the moment arm can be equal to the distance L1 in non-restrictive topology 900 and the distance L2 in non-restrictive topology 910. Therefore, the moment arm of the topmost slider 906 in non-restrictive topology 900 can be longer than the equivalent moment arm in non-restrictive topology 910 (L1>L2). The longer the moment arm, the greater the torque (τ) generated. Therefore, if L1>L2, then τ1>τ2, where τ1 may be the torque produced by the motor given the unrestricted topology 900 and τ2 may be the torque produced by the motor given the unrestricted topology 910. Figure 10 This concept is further explained.

[0070] Figure 10 Example, non-limiting schematic diagrams 1000 and 1010 are shown showing different topologies of electric motors according to one or more embodiments described herein. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0071] Continue to refer Figure 9Non-limiting schematic 1000 can illustrate different positions of slider 906, which can result in different moment lengths and, therefore, different torques generated by the corresponding electric motor. For example, since L1>L2, τ1>τ2, where τ1 can be the torque generated by the electric motor corresponding to the position of slider 906 at a distance L1 from line 916, and τ2 can be the torque generated by the electric motor corresponding to the position of slider 906 at a distance L2 from line 916. Furthermore, the position of slider 906 at a distance L1 can indicate a smaller cabin space in the electric vehicle and a lower ground clearance for the electric vehicle, while the position of slider 906 at a distance L2 can indicate a larger cabin space in the electric vehicle and a higher ground clearance for the electric vehicle. Non-limiting schematic 1010 further illustrates this. At 1012, non-limiting schematic 1010 illustrates the topology of the electric motor corresponding to the position of slider 906 at L1. At 1014, non-limiting schematic 1010 illustrates the topology of the electric motor corresponding to the position of slider 906 at L2. Apparently, the topology at 1014 can result in a reduction in the height of stator 902, resulting in the repositioning of slider 906 into a more compact configuration. This reduced height can free up cabin volume previously occupied by the electric motor, thereby providing more cabin space for passengers or storage. Thus, in various embodiments, a trade-off between cabin volume and torque can be made based on needs.

[0072] Figure 11 Further illustrated are example, non-limiting schematic diagrams 1100 and 1110 showing different topologies of electric motors for electric vehicles according to one or more embodiments described herein. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0073] Continue to refer Figure 9 and 10 In the embodiment described, with respect to an electric vehicle, non-limiting schematic diagram 1100 shows the topology of the motor corresponding to the position of the topmost slider 906 at L1, and non-limiting schematic diagram 1110 shows the topology of the motor corresponding to the position of the topmost slider 906 at L2. Figure 11 As can be clearly seen in the figure, repositioning the slider 906 into a more compact structure can modify the cabin volume of the electric vehicle. In addition, the repositioning of the slider 906 can change the curb height / ground clearance (along the Z axis) of the electric vehicle. For example, the non-limiting schematic diagram 1110 shows a higher ground clearance than the non-limiting schematic diagram 11100. The ground clearance can be defined as the minimum distance between the lower end of the vehicle body and the ground. Therefore, by changing the cabin size, the ground clearance can be allowed to be higher or lower in different scenarios, and the ground clearance can be adjusted while the electric vehicle is traveling. For example, a higher ground clearance can be maintained to suit off-road use of the electric vehicle. Figure 9 This is also illustrated in , where a non-limiting topology 910 for a stator 902 is represented by a dashed line showing the difference between the height of the stator 902 in the non-limiting topology 910 and the height of the stator 902 in the non-limiting topology 900 .

[0074] Figure 12 Schematic diagrams 1200 and 1210 are shown, each illustrating how different topologies of electric motors can be used to achieve greater cabin volume in an electric vehicle, according to one or more embodiments described herein. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0075] Continue to refer Figure 12 Non-limiting schematic diagrams 1200 and 1210 illustrate an embodiment in which flexible spacing within an electric vehicle resulting from the use of electric motors according to various embodiments herein can be used to accommodate large items, including a passenger who can occupy seat 1202, a table 1204, and a double bass 1206. Seat 1202 can be an adjustable seat that rotates so that the passenger can face the rear of the electric vehicle when desired. Furthermore, in various embodiments, different electric motors within an electric vehicle (or another electric vehicle) can be independently adjustable, allowing the cabin space of the electric vehicle to be altered by operating buttons accessible to entities within the electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural networks, machines, and / or users), and the cabin space can be independently shaped at different locations within the electric vehicle (e.g., at the four corners of the electric vehicle or based on the height of the electric vehicle). In this way, the various electric motors employed by the electric vehicle can be positioned at different heights. Non-limiting schematic diagram 1200 illustrates a side view of the electric vehicle, and non-limiting schematic diagram 1210 illustrates a top view of the electric vehicle. To accommodate the double bass 1206 in the electric vehicle, the motor at side A of the electric vehicle shown in non-limiting schematic 1210 can be at the lowest possible motor height, the motor at side B of the electric vehicle at the corner with seats 1202 for rear-facing occupants can be at a slightly higher motor height than the motor at side A, and the motor at side B of the electric vehicle at the corner with table 1204 can be at the highest motor height so that the occupants can work and eat lunch at table 1204 (e.g., when the electric vehicle is parked or if the electric vehicle is an autonomous vehicle).

[0076] Figure 13 An example, non-limiting cabin-forward design 1300 for an electric vehicle according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0077] Various embodiments described herein can provide a cabin-forward design solution for electric vehicles. Cabin-forward means that instead of designing the vehicle with the engine in a straight line, the engine is designed to be placed laterally so that the hotter components can be placed towards the radiator or the inlet of the vehicle. Doing so results in a larger cab or cabin and a shorter front end for the vehicle. An overall shorter front end for the vehicle can also provide aerodynamic advantages. For example, the tires of the vehicle can be placed closer to the bumper of the vehicle, as shown in the non-restrictive cabin-forward design 1300. This design can provide aerodynamic advantages, and the lateral distance between the tires can be large enough to provide a luxurious and relaxing experience for the occupants of the vehicle, even in a smaller vehicle.

[0078] While cabin-forward technology has been well explored in ICEs, cabin-forward solutions for BEVs are limited by inflexible cylindrical motor housing designs. In this regard, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an effective solution that can allow for compact motors and help further increase cabin size at the front and rear of electric vehicles. Overall, embodiments of the present application can provide a flexible motor design for a flexible BEV design, allowing the BEV to be designed larger for a given vehicle segment.

[0079] Figure 14 A flow chart is shown of an example, non-limiting method 1400 for developing an adaptive electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0080] At step 1402 , the non-limiting method 1400 may include coupling together a plurality of winding elements in a stator unit of an electric motor in a chain.

[0081] At step 1404 , the non-limiting method 1400 may include arranging the coupling of one or more sliders in the rotor unit to the plurality of winding elements such that the motor is shaped to pass around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the motor.

[0082] At step 1406 , the non-limiting method 1400 may include connecting the one or more sliders to wheels of the electric vehicle using a truss system to drive the wheels, wherein the truss system may connect the one or more sliders to the wheels directly or through a gearbox.

[0083] At step 1408 , the non-limiting method 1400 may include connecting the one or more slides to corresponding link arms of the truss system.

[0084] Figure 15A flow chart is shown of another example, non-limiting method 1500 for developing an adaptive electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0085] At step 1502 , the non-limiting method 1500 may include coupling together a plurality of winding elements in a stator unit of an electric motor in a chain.

[0086] At step 1504 , the non-limiting method 1500 may include arranging the coupling of one or more sliders in the rotor unit to the plurality of winding elements such that the motor is shaped to pass around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the motor.

[0087] At step 1506 , the non-limiting method 1500 may include connecting one or more sliders to wheels of the electric vehicle using a truss system to drive the wheels, wherein the truss system may connect the one or more sliders to the wheels directly or through a gearbox.

[0088] At step 1508, the non-limiting method 1500 may include connecting the plurality of sliders to the wheel using a truss system, wherein a first number of the plurality of sliders may be respectively connected to one or more link arms of the truss system such that individual sliders of the plurality of sliders may be pushed and pulled relative to each other via mechanical or magnetic forces without requiring a second number of the plurality of sliders to be connected to the truss system.

[0089] At step 1510, the non-limiting method 1500 may include repositioning (e.g., by an entity such as hardware, software, AI, a neural network, a machine, and / or a user) the plurality of slides to change the cabin topology of the electric vehicle (during operation of the vehicle). In some embodiments, changing the cabin topology may involve increasing cabin volume at the expense of reducing torque. Alternatively, in some embodiments, changing the cabin topology may involve increasing torque at the expense of reducing cabin volume. The trade-off between cabin volume and torque in one or more embodiments herein is at least combined with Figure 9 In one or more embodiments, the flexible / flexible topology of the electric motor presented herein may allow the electric motor to be implemented in an electric vehicle as an on-demand accessory, and the entity operating the electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural network, machine, and / or user) may adjust the shape of the electric motor and modify the cabin volume at the push of a button during operation of the electric vehicle.

[0090] For ease of explanation, the computer-implemented and / or non-computer-implemented methods provided herein are depicted and / or described as a series of actions. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the actions and / or order of actions shown, for example, the actions may occur in one or more sequences and / or simultaneously, and with other actions not presented and described herein. In addition, not all of the actions shown can be used to implement the computer-implemented and / or non-computer-implemented methods according to the described subject matter.

[0091] The descriptions of example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provided herein (including what is described in the abstract) are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, all of which are considered to be within the scope of such embodiments and examples. In this regard, although the subject matter has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments and corresponding drawings, it will be understood that other similar embodiments may be used, or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments, to perform the same, similar, alternative, or equivalent functions of the disclosed subject matter, where applicable, without departing from the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but should be interpreted in accordance with the breadth and scope of the appended claims.

[0092] Further aspects of the various descriptions described herein are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0093] Item 1: An electric motor comprising: a stator unit including a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain-like manner; and a rotor unit including one or more sliders coupled to implement an arrangement of the plurality of winding elements to give the electric motor a shape for passing around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor.

[0094] Clause 2: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more sliders are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, wherein the plurality of winding elements are concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

[0095] Clause 3: An electric motor as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more sliders are selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet based sliders, induction based sliders or reluctance based sliders, wherein the one or more sliders are used as propulsion elements of an electric vehicle, wherein increasing the number of sliders in the rotor unit increases the torque generated by the electric motor, and wherein the electric motor is selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet motors, induction motors or reluctance motors.

[0096] Clause 4: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein the truss system connects the one or more sliders to wheels of an electric vehicle, either directly or through a gearbox, to drive the wheels.

[0097] Clause 5: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more slides are connected to respective link arms of a truss system.

[0098] Clause 6: An electric motor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a truss system connects the plurality of sliders to the wheels, wherein a first number of the plurality of sliders are respectively connected to one or more link arms of the truss system such that individual sliders of the plurality of sliders push or pull each other by mechanical or magnetic forces without a second number of the plurality of sliders being connected to the truss system.

[0099] Clause 7: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of winding elements allows the electric motor to generate torque with partial losses in the windings and reduces the number of end windings, which increases cooling efficiency of the electric motor and efficient use of core material.

[0100] Clause 8: An electric motor according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more slides and stator unit are movable along an axis perpendicular to the ground to adjust the shape of the electric motor and allow the electric motor to change the existing cabin volume or vehicle height of the electric vehicle.

[0101] Clause 9: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein increasing the number of said plurality of winding elements results in one or more different motor configurations in an electric vehicle.

[0102] Clause 10: The electric motor of clause 1 above in combination with any combination of clauses 2 to 9 above.

[0103] Clause 11: A method comprising: coupling a plurality of winding elements in a stator unit of an electric motor together in a chain; and coupling one or more sliders in a rotor unit to the plurality of winding elements to impart a shape to the electric motor to pass around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor.

[0104] Clause 12: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more sliders are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, wherein the plurality of winding elements are concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

[0105] Clause 13: A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more sliders are selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet based sliders, induction based sliders or reluctance based sliders, wherein the one or more sliders are used as propulsion elements of an electric vehicle, wherein increasing the number of sliders in the rotor unit increases the torque generated by the electric motor, and wherein the electric motor is selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet motors, induction motors or reluctance based motors.

[0106] Clause 14: The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: connecting the one or more sliders to wheels of an electric vehicle using a truss system to drive the wheels, wherein the truss system connects the one or more sliders directly to the wheels or to the wheels through a gearbox.

[0107] Clause 15: The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: connecting the one or more slides to respective link arms of a truss system.

[0108] Clause 16: The method according to any of the preceding clauses further includes: using a truss system to connect the multiple sliders to the wheels, wherein a first number of the multiple sliders are respectively connected to one or more link arms of the truss system, so that each of the multiple sliders pushes or pulls each other through mechanical force or magnetic force without the need for a second number of the multiple sliders to be connected to the truss system.

[0109] Clause 17: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of winding elements allows the motor to produce torque with partial losses in the windings and reduces the number of end windings, which increases cooling efficiency of the motor and efficient use of core material.

[0110] Clause 18: A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more slides and stator unit are movable along an axis perpendicular to the ground to adjust the shape of the electric motor and allow the electric motor to change the existing cabin volume or vehicle height of the electric vehicle.

[0111] Clause 19: The method of any preceding clause, wherein increasing the number of sliders in the rotor unit produces one or more different motor configurations in the electric vehicle.

[0112] Article 20: The method of the above Article 11 in combination with any combination of the above Articles 12 to 19.

[0113] Item 21: An electric vehicle comprising: at least one electric motor, the at least one electric motor comprising: a stator unit comprising a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain; and a rotor unit comprising one or more sliders, the arrangement of the one or more sliders coupled to the plurality of winding elements giving the at least one electric motor a shape to pass around a cabin of the electric vehicle.

[0114] Clause 22: The electric vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more sliders are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, wherein the plurality of winding elements are concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

[0115] Clause 23: The electric vehicle as defined in clause 21 above in combination with any combination of clauses 21 and 22 above.

Claims

1. An electric motor comprising: a stator unit comprising a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain; and A rotor unit includes one or more sliders coupled to the plurality of winding elements in an arrangement that imparts a shape to the electric motor for passing around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor.

2. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein The one or more sliders are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, and wherein the plurality of winding elements are concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

3. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein The one or more sliders are selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet based sliders, induction based sliders, or reluctance based sliders, wherein the one or more sliders are used as propulsion elements of an electric vehicle, wherein increasing the number of sliders in the rotor unit increases the torque generated by the electric motor, and wherein the electric motor is selected from the group consisting of a permanent magnet motor, an induction motor, or a reluctance based motor.

4. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein The truss system connects the one or more sliders to the wheels of the electric vehicle directly or through a gearbox to drive the wheels.

5. The electric motor according to claim 4, wherein The one or more slides are connected to corresponding link arms of the truss system.

6. The electric motor according to claim 4, wherein A truss system connects the plurality of sliders to the wheel, wherein a first number of the plurality of sliders are respectively connected to one or more link arms of the truss system such that individual sliders of the plurality of sliders push or pull each other via mechanical or magnetic forces without a second number of the plurality of sliders being connected to the truss system.

7. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein The multiple winding elements allow the motor to produce torque with partial losses in the windings and reduce the number of end windings, which increases the cooling efficiency of the motor and the efficient use of core material.

8. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein The one or more slides and stator unit are movable along an axis perpendicular to the ground to adjust the shape of the electric motor and allow the electric motor to change the existing cabin volume or vehicle height of the electric vehicle.

9. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein Increasing the number of the plurality of winding elements creates one or more different motor configurations in an electric vehicle.

10. A method comprising: coupling together a plurality of winding elements in a stator unit of an electric motor in a chain form; and One or more sliders in the rotor unit are coupled to the plurality of winding elements to give the electric motor a shape that passes around a cabin of an electric vehicle including the electric motor.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more sliders are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, and wherein the plurality of winding elements are concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein The one or more sliders are selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet based sliders, induction based sliders, or reluctance based sliders, wherein the one or more sliders are used as propulsion elements of an electric vehicle, wherein increasing the number of sliders in the rotor unit increases the torque generated by the electric motor, and wherein the electric motor is selected from the group consisting of permanent magnet motors, induction motors, or reluctance based motors.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: A truss system is used to connect the one or more sliders to wheels of the electric vehicle to drive the wheels, wherein the truss system connects the one or more sliders to the wheels directly or through a gearbox.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The one or more slides are connected to corresponding link arms of the truss system.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: A truss system is used to connect multiple sliders to the wheel, wherein a first number of the sliders are respectively connected to one or more link arms of the truss system, so that individual sliders of the multiple sliders push or pull each other through mechanical force or magnetic force without requiring a second number of the sliders of the multiple sliders to be connected to the truss system.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein The multiple winding elements allow the motor to generate torque with partial losses in the windings and reduce the number of end windings, which increases the cooling efficiency of the motor and the efficient use of core material.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein The one or more slides and stator unit are movable along an axis perpendicular to the ground to adjust the shape of the electric motor and allow the electric motor to change the existing cabin volume or vehicle height of the electric vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein Increasing the number of sliders in the rotor unit may result in one or more different motor configurations in an electric vehicle.

19. An electric vehicle comprising: at least one electric motor, the at least one electric motor comprising: a stator unit comprising a plurality of winding elements coupled together in a chain; and A rotor unit includes one or more sliders coupled to the plurality of winding elements in an arrangement that imparts a shape to the at least one electric motor for bypassing a cabin of an electric vehicle.

20. The electric vehicle according to claim 19, wherein The one or more sliders are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure, and wherein the plurality of winding elements are concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

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