Weight reduction for electric vehicles

Abstract

The present application relates to weight reduction for electric vehicles, in which an electric motor may include a stator unit including a plurality of winding elements, in which each pair of consecutive winding elements of the plurality of winding elements may be coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system, the dynamic mechanical linkage system includes a first set of ball-and-socket joints, a second set of ball-and-socket joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball-and-socket joints with the second set of ball-and-socket joints. The electric motor may also include a rotor unit including at least one slider magnetically coupleable to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to the track structure of the stator unit, where the at least one slider may travel along a circumferential length of the stator unit, the circumferential length of the motor can be changed according to the circumferential length of the stator unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to electric vehicle technology, and more specifically to adaptive electric motors that can be used in electric vehicles (xEVs) to reduce the weight of such electric vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery (pure) electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, etc. Background Art

[0002] The electric motors and other propulsion components in electric vehicles are often large, increasing the size and weight of the vehicle while taking up space in the vehicle's cabin. For example, in addition to the electric motor, an electric vehicle may include batteries, electronics, a gearbox, and an inverter, which can all be very large components. Furthermore, the gearbox used in an electric vehicle can weigh nearly as much as the electric motor and incur performance-related losses comparable to those of the electric motor. The presence of the gearbox also increases the overall height of the components below the vehicle's cabin and consumes a significant amount of available space in the vehicle. Such propulsion components result in a bulky and expensive design, which is undesirable for electric vehicles designed to operate in urban areas.

[0003] The above background description is intended only to provide an overview of the background related to electric vehicles and electric vehicle propulsion technology and is not intended to be exhaustive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a summary of the invention to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments described herein. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, delineate the scope of a particular embodiment, 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 will be provided later. In one or more descriptions described herein, systems, methods, and / or devices that enable adaptive electric motors to reduce the weight of propulsion elements in xEVs are discussed.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electric motor is provided. The electric motor may include a stator unit including a plurality of winding elements, wherein each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements may be coupled via a dynamic mechanical linkage system including a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism capable of coupling the first set of ball joints with the second set of ball joints.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method is provided. The method may include changing a circumferential length of a stator unit of an electric motor by operating at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system may be located between a pair of consecutive winding elements among a plurality of winding elements included in the stator unit, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system may include a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism capable of coupling the first set of ball joints with the second set of ball joints.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an electric motor is provided. The electric motor may include a stator unit including a plurality of winding elements, wherein each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements may be coupled via a dynamic mechanical linkage system, the dynamic mechanical linkage system including a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism capable of coupling the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints. The electric motor may also include a rotor unit including one or more sliders connectable to wheels of an electric vehicle, wherein the electric motor may operate the wheels without using a gearbox. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] One or more examples are described below in the detailed description with reference to the following figures:

[0009] Figure 1 A block diagram is shown of an example, non-limiting system including an electric motor, the shape and size of which can be modified, and which can drive the wheels of an electric vehicle without a gearbox, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting electric vehicle including an electric motor that may be modified in shape and size is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0011] Figure 3 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.

[0012] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing an example, non-limiting cross-section of an electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein, the shape and size of the electric motor may be modified.

[0013] Figure 5 Additional schematic diagrams illustrate example, non-limiting cross-sections of electric motors according to one or more embodiments described herein, the shape and size of the electric motors being modifiable.

[0014] Figure 6Schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting cross-section of an electric permanent magnet-based motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0015] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting cross-section of an induction-based electric motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0016] Figure 8 An example, non-limiting, cross-sectional schematic diagram of a reluctance-based electric motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0017] Figure 9 Schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting cross-section of a wound-slider motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0018] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system including an electric motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, and coupled to wheels of an electric vehicle is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0019] Figure 11 An example, non-limiting view is shown showing an arrangement of stator and rotor units of an electric motor of modified shape and size, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0020] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system of a stator unit of an electric motor coupled to wheels of an electric vehicle to drive the wheels without a gearbox is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0021] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system of a stator unit of an electric motor coupled to wheels of an electric vehicle through a gearbox is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0022] Figure 14 Schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting topology of an electric motor coupled to wheels of an electric vehicle without a gearbox, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0023] Figure 15 Further shown is a schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting topology of an electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0024] Figure 16 Schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting topology of a stator unit of an electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the various stator segments may be interconnected by a dynamic mechanical linkage system.

[0025] Figure 17 A schematic diagram is shown of an example, non-limiting system including a dynamic mechanical linkage system that may couple consecutive segments of a stator unit of an electric motor, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0026] Figure 18 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting mechanism for integrating an electric motor of modifiable shape and size into an electric vehicle, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0027] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting electric vehicle is shown that may employ an electric motor of modifiable shape and size according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0028] Figure 20 A flow chart illustrating an example, non-limiting method of adjusting the circumferential length of a stator unit of an electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein. Specific embodiments

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 one or more embodiments may be practiced in various circumstances without these specific details.

[0031] The electric motor and other propulsion components (e.g., gearbox) in electric vehicles are typically large, increasing the size and weight of the vehicle while also taking up space within the vehicle's cabin. For example, in addition to the electric motor, an electric vehicle may also include batteries, electronics, a gearbox, and an inverter, all of which can be very large components. For example, the gearbox used in an electric vehicle can weigh almost as much as the electric motor and incur performance-related losses comparable to those of the electric motor. Furthermore, the gearbox contains internal components that cause friction and losses, thus impacting the overall propulsion efficiency of the electric motor. The presence of the gearbox also increases the overall height of components beneath the vehicle's cabin and consumes a significant amount of available space within the vehicle. Generally speaking, the gearbox takes up a considerable amount of volume within an electric vehicle, especially for relatively small xEVs (e.g., hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, fuel cell electric, etc.), and this concept is not limited to xEVs designed for urban transportation. Furthermore, electric propulsion can deliver maximum torque at zero revolutions per minute (RPM). Therefore, while conventional gearboxes are advantageous for heavy electric vehicles, they are undesirable for xEVs optimized for light or small urban mobility. Such propulsion elements result in bulky and expensive designs, which are undesirable for electric vehicles designed to operate in urban areas. Therefore, a propulsion solution that can reduce the overall size and weight of electric vehicles while remaining affordable to consumers is desired.

[0032] Embodiments described herein include systems and methods capable of providing adaptable electric motors for xEVs (e.g., hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, etc.). For example, various embodiments described herein can provide electric motors that are flexible in size and shape and can be used to operate electric vehicles. The electric motor can include a stator unit comprising a plurality of winding elements. Each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements can be coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system comprising a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism that can couple the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints. That is, the stator unit can include a plurality of dynamic mechanical linkage systems located between each consecutive winding element in the plurality of winding elements to interconnect the plurality of winding elements. In various embodiments, each dynamic mechanical linkage system can have the same configuration. In various embodiments, the plurality of winding elements can be centralized winding elements or distributed winding elements. In various embodiments, the plurality of winding elements and their soft magnetic cores can be designed as retractable modifiers that can impart articulation ability to each of the plurality of winding elements.

[0033] The dynamic mechanical linkage system can modify the circumferential length of the stator unit (i.e., a smaller or larger stator circumference) by changing the distance between the plurality of winding elements. For example, the scissor mechanism of the dynamic mechanical linkage system can include two links that can be coupled to each other via a pin connection. In addition, each link of the scissor mechanism can be connected to a ball joint at a distal end of the link, such that a first set of ball joints can connect the two links to a first winding element in a pair of consecutive winding elements, and a second set of ball joints can connect the two links to a second winding element in the pair of consecutive winding elements. Each ball joint in the first and second sets of ball joints can move within a respective groove provided in the winding element, and in combination with the pin connection, such movement of the ball joints can cause the two links of the scissor mechanism to perform a shearing action, such that when the ball joints move toward each other, the first winding element and the second winding element move away from each other, and when the ball joints move toward each other, the first winding element and the second winding element move toward each other. In various embodiments, the links of the dynamic mechanical linkage system can be controlled by an automatable electromagnetic system or an electromechanical system. In various embodiments, the housing or casing of the electric motor may also have contraction and expansion capabilities such that the overall shape and size of the electric motor may be modified based on the circumferential length of the stator unit and further based on the cabin positioning of the electric vehicle.

[0034] In various embodiments, the electric motor may further include a rotor unit comprising one or more sliders that are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure of the stator unit. For example, the one or more sliders may be coupled to the magnetic flux generated by the plurality of winding elements of the stator unit while being mechanically coupled to a track structure that can position the plurality of winding elements to ensure that the one or more sliders travel (together or individually) along the circumferential length of the stator unit during operation of the electric motor. Two or more phases (e.g., phases A, B, C, etc.) may be designed to allow the phase to travel along the stator unit while being magnetically linked to the slider (e.g., in a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) or similar motor). In some embodiments, a single phase may be designed to allow the phase to travel along the stator unit while being magnetically linked to the slider. Further, a truss system may be employed to directly couple the one or more sliders of the rotor unit to the wheels of the electric vehicle to drive the wheels. As previously described, the plurality of winding elements can be interconnected into an articulating loop via a dynamic mechanical linkage system. The articulating loop can be articulated in length and torsion, such that the circumferential length of the stator unit can be changed by repositioning the plurality of winding elements to generate different levels of torque. For example, the dynamic mechanical linkage system can be controlled by an entity operating the electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, artificial intelligence (AI), neural network, machine, and / or user) to change the circumferential length of the stator unit to generate a desired amount of torque, based on which the truss system can reposition the slider to adapt to the changed circumference of the stator unit, thereby generating the desired amount of torque during operation of the electric vehicle. For example, repositioning the slider can change the length of each moment arm of the slider, resulting in different torques. The moment arm of the slider can be equal to the shortest distance between the center of the slider and the rotation axis / rotation center of the slider of the rotor unit. The torque generated by the electric motor can be transmitted to the wheels via the truss system. Therefore, by eliminating the gearbox of a particular vehicle model, the electric vehicle can be designed to be lighter.

[0035] The embodiments shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and thus, the architecture of the embodiments is not limited to the systems, devices, and / or components shown in the drawings, nor to any particular order, connection, and / or coupling of the systems, devices, and / or components shown in the drawings. In one or more of the figures presented herein, reference is made to a three-dimensional (3D) Cartesian coordinate system to illustrate different views of the electric motor relative to the electric vehicle, such that the X-axis extends from the front of the electric vehicle to the rear of the electric vehicle, the Y-axis extends laterally from one rearview mirror to the other rearview mirror, and the Z-axis extends toward the roof of the vehicle, and all three axes (i.e., the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis) are perpendicular in pairs.

[0036] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example, non-limiting system 100 is shown that includes an electric motor whose shape and size can be modified and that can drive the wheels of an electric vehicle without a gearbox, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0037] The non-limiting system 100 and / or the components of the non-limiting system 100 can be used to solve problems that are highly technical in nature (e.g., related to xEVs, electric motors, electric vehicle propulsion, etc.), non-abstract, and cannot be performed by humans as a set of mental behaviors. The non-limiting system 100 and / or the 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 performance of electric vehicles, reducing the weight of propulsion elements in electric vehicles, reducing the height of propulsion elements in electric vehicles, and improving the efficiency of the use of core materials in electric motors. For example, the non-limiting system 100 can allow the electric motor 102 to operate the wheels 108 without a gearbox because the winding elements 112 are interconnected by a dynamic mechanical linkage system that can operate to change the overall size and shape of the electric motor 102, as explained in more detail in one or more embodiments. In this regard, the electric motor 102 can act as a transaxle. Employing the non-limiting system 100 to propel an electric vehicle may result in a weight reduction of greater than about 110 pounds (lb) (ie, about 50 kilograms (kg)) or 2-5 percent (%) of the weight of the electric vehicle without implementing the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0038] In various embodiments, the non-limiting system 100 can be a propulsion system within an electric vehicle, for example, a small sized city vehicle or a small urban mobility vehicle (e.g., weighing approximately 220-1200 lb). In various embodiments, the size and shape of the electric motor 102 can be flexible. For example, the electric motor 102 can include a stator unit 104, the stator unit 104 including a plurality of winding elements 112, wherein each pair of consecutive / adjacent winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 can be coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system, the dynamic mechanical linkage system including a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism that can couple the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints. The individual winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 can be coupled to each other into an articulating loop, and the plurality of winding elements 112 can be interconnected to achieve structural integrity. Coupling the plurality of winding elements 112 can allow the electric motor 102 to achieve different embodiments. The articulating loop can be articulated in length and torsion. In various embodiments, each winding element may include a soft magnetic core, and each winding element and the soft magnetic core may further allow the plurality of winding elements 112 to form a hinged loop. In various embodiments, the plurality of winding elements 112 may be concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

[0039] In various embodiments, the stator unit 104 can include multiple dynamic mechanical linkage systems located between each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112, and each dynamic mechanical linkage system of the stator unit 104 can have the same configuration, such a configuration including two sets of ball joints coupled by a scissor mechanism. For example, in one embodiment, the consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 can be coupled by a single dynamic mechanical linkage system, and the single dynamic mechanical linkage system can connect the first winding element (the core) and the second winding element (the core) of the consecutive winding elements. In another embodiment, the consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 can be coupled by two or more dynamic mechanical linkage systems, and the two or more dynamic mechanical linkage systems are linked together to form a chain, such a chain can connect the first winding element (the core) and the second winding element (the core) of the consecutive winding elements. In yet another embodiment, different pairs of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 can be coupled by different numbers of dynamic mechanical linkage systems. For example, a first winding element may be connected to a second winding element via a single dynamic mechanical linkage system, the second winding element may be connected to a third winding element via three dynamic mechanical linkage systems, etc. The configuration of a single dynamic mechanical linkage system will be described below with reference to Figure 17 are described in more detail.

[0040] In various embodiments, the dynamic mechanical linkage system can allow the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 to change during operation of the motor 102 by allowing the distance between consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 to lengthen or shorten along the Z-axis (i.e., in the Z-axis direction). For example, the scissor mechanism of the dynamic mechanical linkage system can include two links that can be coupled to each other via a pin connection. Furthermore, each link in the scissor mechanism can be connected to a ball joint at a distal end of the link, such that a first set of ball joints can connect the two links to a first winding element in a pair of consecutive winding elements, and a second set of ball joints can connect the two links to a second winding element in the pair of consecutive winding elements. The first set of ball joints can be located within a recess provided in the first winding element (e.g., within a notch in the first winding element of the stator unit 104), and the second set of ball joints can be located within a recess provided in the second winding element (e.g., within a notch in the second winding element of the stator unit 104). Each ball joint in the first set of ball joints and the second set of ball joints can move in its respective groove along the Y-axis direction (see Figure 17 ), and in combination with the pin connection, this movement of the ball joint can cause the two links of the scissor mechanism to produce a shearing action, such that when the ball joint moves toward each other, the first winding element and the second winding element can move away from each other (i.e., the gap between the first winding element and the second winding element can increase), and when the ball joint moves toward each other, the first winding element and the second winding element can move toward each other (i.e., the gap between the first winding element and the second winding element can decrease). Therefore, the ball joint can perform translational movement along the Y axis and rotational movement about the Y axis, and the ball joint can allow the dynamic mechanical linkage system to move about the Y axis to change the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 during operation of the motor 102, for example, to drive an electric vehicle. In other words, when the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 increases, the plurality of winding units 112 can move along the XZ plane, and the ball joint and the plurality of winding units 112 can twist about the Y axis. In this regard, the stator unit 104 may serve as a control parameter to reduce the circumference of the motor 102 .

[0041] In various embodiments, the links of the dynamic mechanical linkage systems described herein can be controlled by an automatable electromagnetic or electromechanical system. In various embodiments, the housing or casing of the motor 102 can have the ability to contract and expand, allowing the overall shape and size of the motor 102 to be modified based on the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. For example, an activation system can be used to change the orientation of the scissor mechanism of each dynamic mechanical linkage system along the Y axis, or the stator unit 104 and rotor unit 106 can be placed in an accordion-style housing that can be externally controlled to contract and expand based on the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of winding elements 112 can move within the cleared space around the stator unit 104 to allow the shape and size of the motor 102 to change based on the shape and size of the stator unit 104. In other embodiments, an electric vehicle including the motor 102 can automatically control the stator unit 104 so that the plurality of winding elements 112 can automatically reposition themselves within the space available in the electric vehicle, for example based on the positioning of the electric vehicle's cabin. In various embodiments, an entity operating the electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, AI, a neural network, a machine, and / or a user) can control the electric motor 102 via controls accessible to the entity within the cabin of the electric vehicle, and the electric vehicle can automatically adjust the stator unit 104 and the housing / casing of the electric motor 102 by employing the mechanisms described herein.

[0042] In various embodiments, the motor 102 may further include a rotor unit 106. In one embodiment, the rotor unit 106 may include only one shuttle 114 that is magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements 112 and mechanically coupled to a track structure (not shown) of the stator unit 104, and the shuttle 114 may travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. In another embodiment, the rotor unit 106 may include multiple shuttles 114 that are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements 112, mechanically coupled to the track structure of the stator unit 104, and magnetically or mechanically interconnected to allow the multiple shuttles 114 to travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. For example, the multiple shuttles 114 may be interconnected by magnetic or mechanical connecting elements while being positioned on a track attached to the plurality of winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104. In one embodiment, the consecutive slides 114 of the plurality of slides may be coupled via a dynamic mechanical linkage system, such as for interconnecting the plurality of winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 and as shown in FIG. Figure 17 The dynamic mechanical linkage system shown.

[0043] In various embodiments, movement of the one or more sliders 114 of the rotor unit 106 can allow the circumferential length of the motor 102 to vary according to the circumferential length of 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 112 (also referred to as stator chain elements) can generate magnetic flux near the one or more sliders 114, which can allow the one or more sliders 114 to magnetically couple with each other. Furthermore, the one or more sliders 114 can couple to the magnetic field generated by the plurality of winding elements 112 through magnetic flux linkage. Because the magnetic field wave is a sinusoidal signal, the one or more sliders 114 can follow the contour of the stator unit 104 through magnetic flux linkage, thereby generating torque. In an induction-based solution, the magnetic field can be generated through inductive excitation, wherein the plurality of 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 generating 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 rotor unit 106 can be connected to the north and south poles of the stator unit 104. The track structure of the stator unit 104 can ensure that one or more sliders 114 can be magnetically rotated in a desired direction on the track structure to generate torque, while the track structure can also limit the movement of one or more sliders 114 along the Z axis. It will be understood that in various embodiments, the track structure can also be a flexible structure that can be automatically adjusted by the electric vehicle according to the circumferential length of the stator unit 104.

[0044] In various embodiments, increasing the number of sliders 114 in the rotor unit 106 can increase the torque generated by the motor 102 to propel the electric vehicle. In this regard, in various embodiments, the sliders 114 can be repairable and reconfigurable components, 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, a wound shuttle, or a reluctance-based slider. In this regard, the motor 102 can be a permanent magnet motor, an induction motor, or a reluctance-based motor. For example, in a reluctance-based motor, an attempt can be made to reposition the slider 114 in the direction of the magnetic flux generated by the winding element 112 through reluctance, in an induction motor, a magnetic pole can be generated within the rotor unit 106, and so on.

[0045] In various embodiments, a corresponding slider in the one or more sliders 114 of the rotor unit 106 may include a segmented magnetic pole arrangement. For example, each slider of the rotor unit 106 may include multiple segments that can help the slider follow the shape of the stator unit 104 during operation of the motor 102, and each segment may be a magnet. For induction motors, the slider may include a cage mechanism. For permanent magnet motors, the slider may include a segmented magnet, such that the north and south poles of the segmented magnet have the same orientation as the original single magnet, and the segmented magnet may allow the slider to couple to the stator unit 104. Therefore, the slider 114 may also be flexible in terms of the configuration and number of internal elements or compartments. In various embodiments, each slider 114 may be separated by a buffer zone. The buffer zone may allow the magnetic flux generated by the multiple concentrated winding elements 112 to pass through each slider 114, and the sliders 114 may be pushed apart or barely contact each other.

[0046] In various embodiments, one or more sliders 114 of the rotor unit 106 may be connected to the wheels 108 of the electric vehicle via one or more linkage arms that are free to move via internal grooves provided in the one or more sliders 114. For example, in one embodiment, each of the plurality of sliders 114 may be connected to a truss system (e.g., Figure 12 ) of the truss system shown in . In another embodiment, a first number of sliders in the plurality of sliders 114 can be respectively connected to one or more link arms of the truss system, and the individual sliders in the plurality of sliders 114 can be pushed or pulled with each other by mechanical or magnetic forces without requiring a second number of sliders in the plurality of sliders 114 to be connected to the truss system. In other words, a first group of sliders in the plurality of sliders 114 can be connected to the truss system such that each slider in the first group can be coupled to one or more link arms of the truss system, a second group of sliders in the plurality of sliders 114 (i.e., the remaining sliders) can be disconnected from the truss system, and the individual sliders in the plurality of sliders 114 can be pushed or pulled with each other relying solely on the connection between the first group of sliders and the truss system.

[0047] In one embodiment, the one or more sliders 114 can be connected to the wheels 108 without a gearbox. For example, in various embodiments, the truss system can precisely control the sliders 114 and the variable angles of the sliders 114 to achieve the precise geometric positioning of the sliders 114 within the motor 102 to generate the desired amount of torque at any given time. This allows the motor 102 to operate the wheels 108 without a gearbox. For example, an entity operating an electric vehicle including the motor 102 (e.g., hardware, software, AI, a neural network, a machine, and / or a user) can change the circumference of the stator unit 104 to generate the desired amount of torque through controls accessible to the entity within the vehicle's cabin. Based on this, the truss system can automatically reposition the sliders 114 according to the changed circumference of the stator unit 104. This repositioning of the sliders 114 can enable the motor 102 to generate the desired amount of torque during operation of the electric vehicle. For example, repositioning the sliders 114 can change the corresponding moment arms of the sliders 114, which can result in different torques. The moment arm of the slider can be equal to the shortest distance between the center of the slider and the slider's axis of rotation / center of rotation. The weight of the gearbox is significant, which can result in a loss in the range of the electric vehicle. In addition, the gearbox increases the overall height and length of the components under the cabin of the electric vehicle and takes up available space in the electric vehicle. Therefore, eliminating the gearbox can provide performance advantages and economic benefits for electric vehicles. For example, the cabin of a small urban vehicle is only slightly larger than the passengers, and eliminating the gearbox can make the electric vehicle design compact, providing more cabin space for passengers, and the electric vehicle can be parked in smaller spaces in the city. Such electric vehicles can also become an affordable solution for the market. In another embodiment, the one or more sliders 114 can be coupled to the wheels 108 through a gearbox that is much simpler than traditional gearboxes used in electric vehicles. For example, the one or more sliders 114 can be coupled to the wheels 108 through a gearbox having only one or two gears or through an electromagnetic gearbox. Eliminating the gearbox or using a simpler gearbox can provide similar design and performance advantages. Reference Figure 14 , how the torque produced by the motor 102 is varied based on the repositioning of the slider 114 will be explained in more detail.

[0048] In various embodiments, the plurality of winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 can be concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements. In various embodiments, concentrated winding elements can include a single coil wound around each slot of the stator unit 104, while distributed winding elements can include multiple coils that form a continuous winding spanning multiple slots of the stator unit 104. As previously described, in various embodiments herein, the continuous winding elements of the stator unit 104 can be coupled via a dynamic mechanical linkage system, and this dynamic mechanical linkage system can be located between each slot of each continuous winding element. Using concentrated winding elements in the stator unit 104 can reduce the number of end windings, which can lead to more efficient cooling and more efficient core material utilization. Core material refers to the amount of material in the rotor unit 106, that is, the amount of material in the one or more sliders 114 that may constitute the rotor unit 106 of the electric motor 102. For example, a permanent magnet-based slider may include a soft magnet in the form of an iron core and a permanent magnet that can help magnetically couple the permanent magnet-based slider to the winding element 112, while an induction-based slider may include a soft magnet in the form of a magnetic material with high magnetic permeability that can be magnetized and demagnetized depending on the rotor position. In some embodiments, the slider 114 can be externally excited as an electromagnet, and a slip ring or similar solution can be implemented on the side of the stator unit 104, including a guide / track structure that can be coupled to the slider 114.

[0049] Concentrated winding elements can also be a lighter solution because less yoke or soft magnetic material is required within motor 102 compared to traditional motors with large yokes. Motor 102 employing concentrated winding elements can be easier to manufacture, and concentrated winding elements can provide redundancy within motor 102. For example, in the event of a partial loss of winding elements 112, motor 102 can continue to operate and produce torque. For example, in the event of an insulation failure, one of the concentrated winding elements can heat up, resulting in some loss. However, because the individual concentrated winding elements are isolated from one another, the loss of one concentrated winding element can prevent the loss of the entire motor 102.

[0050] The use of distributed winding elements in the stator unit 104 can reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and achieve better waveforms in the electric motor 102. However, distributed winding elements can limit the design of the electric motor 102 because, as described above, the distributed winding can include a single continuous phase that runs through different slots of the stator unit 104. Therefore, the distance between the slots of the stator unit 104 changes (e.g., increases) due to the operation of the dynamic mechanical linkage system used to interconnect the plurality of winding elements 112, resulting in a very small buffer zone between the slots and a very short coil length of the distributed winding elements.

[0051] Various embodiments herein may also be designed as serviceable components, such that the electric motor 102 may be retrofitted in an electric vehicle after adding additional winding elements 112 and / or sliders 114, e.g., at a vehicle service center, upon request by an entity / vehicle owner / vehicle operator (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural network, machine, and / or user) associated with the electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle manufacturer (e.g., ) Repairable parts may be provided to an entity / vehicle owner / vehicle operator (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural network, machine, and / or user) as part of a do-it-yourself (DIY) kit to allow the entity / vehicle owner / vehicle operator to modify the electric vehicle. For example, the number of sliders may be increased or decreased based on the propulsion requirements of the electric vehicle, as an electric motor with one slider may contain fewer propulsion components and materials than an electric motor with six sliders. For example, the number of winding elements 112 and / or sliders 114 may be modified based on the propulsion requirements of the electric vehicle, space availability based on the size of the electric vehicle, etc. For example, increasing the number of sliders 114 in the rotor unit 106 may increase the torque generated by the electric motor 102 because the amount of magnetic material in the sliders 114 is increased. Alternatively, the entity / vehicle owner / vehicle operator may prioritize economy over power, in which case the number of winding elements 112 and / or sliders 114 may be reduced at a service center.

[0052] In various embodiments, increasing the number of winding elements 112 in the stator unit 104 can increase the circumferential length of the motor 102. It should be understood that the number of winding elements 112 (i.e., concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements) can only be increased while maintaining the phases 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 source). The stator unit 104 can then include a group of three winding elements 112 coupled together in a hinged ring by a dynamic mechanical linkage system, where each winding element in a group can correspond to a corresponding phase 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, where each element in the new group can correspond to a corresponding phase of the motor 102. For motors with fewer or more phases (e.g., two-phase motors or four-phase motors), the incremental principles / principles for increasing the number of winding elements 112 can be consistent with the principles / principles described for three-phase motors. In one embodiment, the configuration of the permanent magnet based slider in the rotor unit 106 and the direct current (DC) based stator unit 104 can be implemented so that the track structure of the stator unit 104 can allow current reversal. The above-discussed embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the subsequent figures.

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting electric vehicle 200 is shown, including an electric motor of a modifiable shape and size, 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.

[0054] Continue to refer Figure 1 In the discussed embodiment, non-limiting electric vehicle 200 may be a city motor vehicle, a delivery vehicle, a personal transportation solution, a mobility solution for persons with disabilities, or other small vehicle (e.g., weighing approximately 220 to 1200 pounds (lb)) that may be used in inner cities, airports, shopping malls, etc. In various embodiments, non-limiting electric vehicle 200 may include and be operated by motor 102 and motor 202 . Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the motor 102, the motor 202, and the non-limiting electric vehicle 200 as viewed from the XZ plane is shown. The shaded blocks in the non-limiting electric vehicle 200 represent the cabin volume of the non-limiting electric vehicle 200. In various embodiments, the motor 202 can be larger than the motor 102, thereby generating greater torque than the motor 102, and the motor 202 can have a similar or different configuration than the motor 102. As described elsewhere herein, the motor 102 can include a stator unit 104 including a plurality of winding elements 112, wherein each pair of consecutive / adjacent winding elements of the plurality of winding elements 112 can be coupled via a dynamic mechanical linkage system including a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism that can couple the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints. That is, the stator unit 104 may include a plurality of dynamic mechanical linkage systems between successive winding elements of the plurality of winding elements 112, and the respective dynamic mechanical linkage systems of the stator unit 104 may have the same configuration such that each dynamic mechanical linkage system may include two sets of ball joints coupled by a scissor mechanism. The electric motor 102 may also include a rotor unit 106 including one or more sliders 114 that may be magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements 112 and mechanically coupled to a track structure (not shown) of the stator unit 104, and the one or more sliders 114 may travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. Figure 2 In FIG, rotor unit 106 is depicted as including only one slider, slider 206, which may be a portion of one or more sliders 114. Line 208 may indicate the trajectory of slider 206, and the area within the space covered by line 208 may be clear space.

[0055] To keep it simple, Figure 2A continuous cross section of the stator unit 104 is shown; however, it should be understood that the stator unit 104 may include multiple segments or slots connected by a dynamic mechanical linkage system, as discussed herein. The dynamic mechanical linkage system may allow the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 to be modified during operation of the non-limiting electric vehicle 200. For example, as described in reference Figure 1 As described above, the links of the dynamic mechanical linkage system can be controlled by an automatable electromagnetic system or an electromechanical system. In addition, the coupling between the slider 206 and the stator unit 104 can allow the slider 206 to travel along the varying circumference of the stator unit 104, and the housing or casing of the motor 102 can have the ability to contract and expand, so that the overall shape and size of the motor 102 can be modified according to the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 during operation of the non-limiting electric vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the rotor unit 106 can be designed to compensate for changes in the gap between the winding elements 112 by including multiple sliders 114 linked together or including a longer single slider. In one embodiment, the sliders 114 can be interconnected by a dynamic mechanical linkage system (e.g., a dynamic mechanical linkage system for interconnecting the winding elements 112).

[0056] It is worth noting that although the motor 102 is shown as having an arbitrary shape, in actual implementation, the motor 102 can have any suitable shape depending on various factors, such as, but not limited to, the shape and size of the electric vehicle 200, the length of the sliders in the rotor unit 106, and other geometric considerations. For example, the minimum radius of the motor 102 measured from the center of the periphery of the motor 102 cannot be less than the length of the slider 206. However, the sliders used within the rotor unit 106 can be flexible in design and can be designed to be appropriately sized according to different implementations. Overall, the embodiments disclosed herein can allow the stator unit 104, the rotor unit 106, and the motor 102 to have flexible and arbitrary shapes.

[0057] Figure 3 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 these elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0058] The non-limiting arrangement 300 illustrates the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 within the electric motor 102. As shown, the winding elements 112 may be positioned along the entire perimeter of the stator unit 104, designated by numeral 302. Figure 3 The winding elements 112 shown in FIG. 1 may be concentrated winding elements. In some examples, the winding elements 112 may be distributed winding elements that may similarly be positioned along the perimeter of the stator unit 104 .

[0059] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams of example, non-limiting cross-sections 400 and 410 of electric motors of modified shape and size 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.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 , non-limiting cross-sections 400 and 410 illustrate the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 and the slider 206 of the rotor unit 106 of the electric motor 102 . Figure 3 and Figure 4 The winding elements shown in FIG. 1 may be concentrated winding elements, and concentrated winding elements 401, 402, and 403 may represent individual concentrated winding elements in winding element 112. Group 406, including concentrated winding elements 401, 402, and 403, may represent a single group of concentrated winding elements based on the phases of motor 102. For example, motor 102 may be a three-phase motor. Phases +A, -C, and +B may represent the respective phases corresponding to concentrated winding elements 401, 402, and 403, and additionally represent the three phases of motor 102. The symbols +A, -C, and +B represent a standard way of indicating a three-phase motor. The three phases may follow one another to generate a magnetic field within stator unit 104. The slider 206 can be a slider based on a permanent magnet, an induction-based slider, a reluctance-based slider, or a wound rotor-based slider, and the slider 206 can be coupled to the magnetic field generated by the stator unit 104 through flux linkage. Since the flux wave can be a sinusoidal signal, the slider 206 can follow the contour of the stator unit 104 through flux linkage to generate torque. In other words, the stator unit 104 can rotate the rotor unit 106 to excite the motor 102. In one embodiment, the motor 102 can also be a two-phase motor or other type of motor. The group 406 can be repeated around the entire periphery of the stator unit 104, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 For example, as described elsewhere herein, the individual concentrated winding elements in the stator unit 104 can be coupled together in a hinged ring fashion by employing a dynamic mechanical linkage system.

[0061] As described elsewhere herein, each concentrated winding element of the stator unit 104 may be a coil. Figure 4The parallel lines shown below the phase symbol (e.g., at 404) indicate the direction of travel of each coil, which is shown in more detail in the non-limiting portion 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 206 can travel in a direction parallel to the XZ plane and perform a rotational motion about the Y-axis. The direction of coil travel toward the positive Y-axis can indicate a positive phase (e.g., +A for concentrated winding element 401), while the direction of coil travel toward the negative Y-axis can indicate a negative phase (e.g., -A for concentrated winding element 401). Figure 4 The direction of the Y axis shown in the figure should be interpreted as the positive Y axis running out of the plane of the page, in the transverse direction of the electric vehicle, and at ninety degrees (90°) to the X and Z axes. Current flowing through each coil of the respective winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 can form an electromagnet. Additionally, the size of each winding element can be based on the circumference of the motor 102, the type of electric vehicle for which the motor 102 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.

[0062] Figure 5 Additional schematic diagrams illustrate exemplary, non-limiting portions 500 and 510 of electric motors that may be modified in shape and size 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.

[0063] As discussed in various embodiments, the rotor unit 106 of the electric motor 102 can include one or more sliders 114. For example, the electric motor 102 can be modified by adding or removing sliders 114 based on the type of electric vehicle. Continuing with reference to the embodiments disclosed previously herein, non-limiting cross-section 500 illustrates an embodiment in which the rotor unit 106 can include two sliders (i.e., slider 502 and slider 504, which can represent individual sliders in the sliders 114). In other embodiments, the rotor unit 106 can include any suitable number of sliders.

[0064] In one embodiment, each slide in the rotor unit 106 can be Figure 17The embodiment of the present invention is similar to the embodiment of a dynamic mechanical linkage system for interconnecting winding elements 112. For example, connection 506 can be a dynamic mechanical linkage system comprising a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism that can couple the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints to allow the distance between slider 502 and slider 504 to change. In this regard, non-limiting cross-section 500 shows sliders 502 and 504 close together, while non-limiting cross-section 510 shows sliders 502 and 504 farther apart. For example, the scissor mechanism of the dynamic mechanical linkage system can include two links that can be coupled to each other via a pin connection. Furthermore, each link of the scissor mechanism can be connected to a respective ball joint at a distal end of the link, such that the first set of ball joints can connect the two links to slider 502, while the second set of ball joints can connect the two links to slider 504. The first set of ball joints can be located within a recess provided in slider 502, while the second set of ball joints can be located within a recess provided in slider 504.

[0065] Each of the first and second sets of ball joints can move within its respective groove along the Y-axis (in and out of the plane of the page), and in combination with the pin connection, this movement of the ball joints can cause the two links of the scissor mechanism to perform a scissor action, such that when the ball joints move toward each other, the slider 502 and the slider 504 move away from each other (i.e., the gap between the sliders 502 and 504 can increase), and when the ball joints move away from each other, the slider 502 and the slider 504 move toward each other (i.e., the gap between the slider 502 and the slider 504 can decrease). Thus, the ball joints can perform translational movement along the Y-axis and rotational movement about the Y-axis, and the ball joints can allow the dynamic mechanical linkage system to move about the Y-axis to change the circumferential length of the rotor unit 106 during operation of the motor 102, for example, to drive an electric vehicle. The connector 506 can impart a flexible shape to the rotor unit 106.

[0066] Figure 6 – Figure 9 Additional embodiments of the electric motor 102 and the rotor unit 106 are shown. Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrates an example, non-limiting cross-section 600 of a permanent magnet based electric motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting cross-section 700 of an induction-based electric motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting cross-section 800 of a reluctance-based electric motor, the shape and size of which may be modified, is shown according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting cross-section 900 of a winding slider-based electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown. The shape and size of the winding slider-based electric motor can be modified. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various figures have been omitted.

[0067] In various embodiments, the electric motor 102 may include a stator unit 104 including a plurality of winding elements 112, wherein consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 may be coupled via a dynamic mechanical linkage system comprising a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism that couples the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints. In other words, the stator unit 104 may include multiple dynamic mechanical linkage systems that interconnect the plurality of winding elements 112, and each dynamic mechanical linkage system of the stator unit 104 may have the same configuration. The electric motor 102 may also include a rotor unit 106 including one or more sliders 114 that may be magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements 112 and mechanically coupled to a track structure of the stator unit 104, and the one or more sliders 114 may travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. In some embodiments, the rotor unit 106 may include multiple sliders 114 that may be interconnected via mechanical or magnetic connections. In various embodiments, the one or more sliders 114 can be permanent magnet based sliders, induction based sliders, wound rotor based sliders, or reluctance based sliders. Thus, in various embodiments, the motor 102 can be a permanent magnet motor, an induction motor, an externally excited slider motor, or a reluctance based motor.

[0068] For example, in one embodiment, the motor 102 can be a permanent magnet motor / permanent magnet-based motor, wherein the slider 206 can include a permanent magnet 602. The permanent magnet 602 can be magnetically linked or coupled to the magnetic flux generated by the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 to generate torque. In embodiments where the rotor unit 106 includes a plurality of sliders 114, each of the plurality of sliders 114 can include a respective permanent magnet. Figure 6 , the permanent magnet 602 is shown as two horizontal bars, which may represent the north pole and the south pole of the permanent magnet 602 .

[0069] In another embodiment, the motor 102 may be an induction motor / induction-based motor, wherein the slider 206 may include a cage conductor 702. The magnetic flux induced in the cage conductor 702 may be linked or coupled to the magnetic flux generated by the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 to generate torque. In embodiments where the rotor unit 106 includes a plurality of sliders 114, each of the plurality of sliders 114 may include a corresponding cage conductor. Figure 7 , a squirrel cage conductor 702 is shown as a block that may represent a squirrel cage container.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, the motor 102 may be a reluctance-based motor / reluctance-based motor, wherein the slider 206 may include a soft magnet 802. The reluctance of the soft magnet 802 may repel the magnetic flux generated by the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 to generate torque. In an embodiment where the rotor unit 106 includes a plurality of sliders 114, each of the plurality of sliders 114 may include a corresponding soft magnet. Figure 8 , the soft magnetic body 802 is shown as a block having a particular shape that the soft magnetic body 802 can have.

[0071] In some embodiments, the motor 102 may also be an externally excited / wound slider type motor, wherein the slider 206 may include a wound slider with an electromagnet 902 driven by an alternating current (AC) power source 904. In such an embodiment, the magnetic flux generated by the externally excited three-phase or single-phase slider can be attracted by the magnetic flux generated by the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104. In embodiments where the rotor unit 106 includes a plurality of sliders 114, each of the plurality of sliders 114 may include a corresponding wound slider with an electromagnet and an AC power source.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the motor 102 can be a permanent magnet motor / a permanent magnet-based motor, wherein the slider 206 can be a permanent magnet-based slider including a squirrel cage, which is advantageous for some transient portions of the motor 102 operation during startup. In general, the motor 102 can employ a hybrid solution including a combination of permanent magnets and reluctance elements or similar hybrid configuration embodiments.

[0073] Figure 10 Schematic diagrams of example, non-limiting systems 1000 and 1010 are shown, including an electric motor of modifiable shape and size coupled to a wheel of 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.

[0074] As described above, the electric motor 102 can operate the wheels 108 without a gearbox, as shown in non-limiting system 1000. For example, the one or more sliders 114 of the rotor unit 106 can be connected to the wheels 108 via a truss system. The truss system can precisely control the sliders 114 and the variable phase angles of the sliders 114 to precisely position the sliders 114 in the electric motor 102 to produce the desired amount of torque at any given time. This allows the electric motor 102 to operate the wheels 108 without a gearbox. More specifically, an entity operating an electric vehicle including the electric motor 102 (e.g., hardware, software, AI, a neural network, a machine, and / or a user) can change the circumference of the stator unit 104 to produce the desired amount of torque through controls accessible to the entity within the electric vehicle cabin. Based on this, the truss system can automatically reposition the sliders 114 according to the changed circumference of the stator unit 104. This repositioning of the sliders 114 allows the electric motor 102 to produce the desired amount of torque during operation of the electric vehicle. For example, repositioning the slide 114 may change the length of each moment arm of the slide 114, which may result in a different torque.The moment arm of a slide may be equal to the shortest distance between the center of the slide and the slide's axis of rotation / center of rotation.

[0075] Gearboxes (such as gearbox 1002 shown in non-limiting system 1010) can be quite heavy and can result in a loss in electric vehicle range. For example, a gearbox can weigh nearly as much as an electric motor and have losses comparable to those of an electric motor. The losses generated by the gearbox can negatively impact the overall efficiency of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the gearbox increases the overall height of components beneath the electric vehicle's cabin, thereby taking up available space, and increases the length of the transaxle used for the electric vehicle's propulsion, thereby compromising the vehicle's payload capacity. Therefore, eliminating the gearbox can offer performance and economic advantages for electric vehicles. For example, in small urban vehicles where the cabin is only slightly larger than the passenger compartment, eliminating the gearbox can result in a compact electric vehicle design, providing more cabin space for passengers and allowing the electric vehicle to fit into smaller urban spaces. For example, electric vehicles can be designed as personal transport vehicles for people with disabilities, or as passenger or autonomous cargo delivery vehicles designed to maximize the amount of cargo that can be transported and the space available for cargo loading. Such electric vehicles can also be affordable solutions for the market. The stator unit 104 includes a plurality of winding elements 112, and the motor 102 is designed to allow for the elimination of the circumferential periphery of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the one or more sliders 114 can be coupled to the wheels 108 via a gearbox that can be much simpler than conventional gearboxes used in electric vehicles (e.g., gearbox 1002). For example, the one or more sliders 114 can be coupled to the wheels 108 via a gearbox having only one or two gears or via an electromagnetic gearbox. Eliminating the gearbox or employing a simpler gearbox can provide similar design, efficiency, and performance advantages.

[0076] Figure 11 Schematic diagrams of exemplary, non-limiting views 1100 and 1110 are shown showing arrangements of stator and rotor units of an electric motor of varying shapes and sizes, 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 have been omitted.

[0077] In various embodiments, the electric motor 102 can include a stator unit 104 including a plurality of winding elements 112, wherein consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 can be coupled via one or more dynamic mechanical linkage systems, and wherein each dynamic mechanical linkage system can include a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism that can couple the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints. The winding elements 112 can be concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements. The electric motor 102 can also include a rotor unit 106 including one or more sliders 114 that can be magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements 112 and mechanically coupled to a track structure of the stator unit 104, and the one or more sliders 114 can travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. For example, the rotor unit 106 can include a plurality of sliders 1106 that are interconnected by mechanical or magnetic connections. The electric motor 102 can be configured as a closed surface including a stator unit 104 and a rotor unit 106. In this regard, the electric motor 102 can have the functionality of a linear motor while having a flexible shape that can be modified during operation of the electric motor 102, for example, to operate an electric vehicle or its wheels. In various embodiments, the electric motor 102 can be modified or adjusted by adding or removing winding elements 112 and / or sliders 114 to accommodate the propulsion needs of the electric vehicle.

[0078] Figure 11 An embodiment is shown in which the rotor unit 106 may include six slides 1106. Slide 1106 may represent a single slide of slides 114. Non-limiting view 1100 shows a view of the motor 102 relative to the XZ plane, while non-limiting view 1110 shows a view of the motor 102 relative to the YZ plane. Non-limiting view 1110 further shows a segmented view of the stator unit 104, where each segment may represent an individual winding element 112. As described in one or more embodiments and as Figure 12 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the winding elements 112 may be interconnected by a dynamic mechanical linkage system.

[0079] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system 1200 of a stator unit of an electric motor according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown, coupled to wheels of an electric vehicle to drive the wheels without a gearbox. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments are omitted.

[0080] Continue to refer Figure 11, non-limiting system 1200 shows that consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 are coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210. The dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 can allow the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 to change during operation of the motor 102 by allowing the distance between consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements 112 to change. Each dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 can have a Figure 17 configuration shown. For example, the scissor mechanism of the dynamic mechanical linkage system may include two links that may be coupled to each other via a pin connection. Furthermore, each link of the scissor mechanism may be connected to a ball joint at a distal end of the link such that a first set of ball joints may connect the two links to a first winding element in a pair of consecutive winding elements, and a second set of ball joints may connect the two links to a second winding element in the pair of consecutive winding elements. The first set of ball joints may be located within a groove provided in the first winding element, for example, within a groove provided in a notch of the first winding element of the stator unit 104. Similarly, the second set of ball joints may be located within a groove provided in the second winding element, for example, within a groove provided in a notch of the second winding element of the stator unit 104. In Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104 are shown as shaded segments, and the slider 1106 is shown as a rectangle with semi-transparent shading to illustrate that the dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 is used to couple the winding elements 112.

[0081] Each ball joint in the first and second sets of ball joints can move within its respective groove along the Y-axis, and in combination with the pin connection, this movement of the ball joints can cause the two links of the scissor mechanism to produce a shearing action, such that when the ball joints move toward each other, the first winding element and the second winding element move away from each other (i.e., the gap between the first winding element and the second winding element can increase), and when the ball joints move away from each other, the first winding element and the second winding element move toward each other (i.e., the gap between the first winding element and the second winding element can decrease). Therefore, the ball joints can perform translational movement along the Y-axis and rotational movement about the Y-axis, and the ball joints can allow the dynamic mechanical linkage system to move about the Y-axis to change the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 during operation of the motor 102, for example, to drive an electric vehicle. In other words, during the period of elongation of the circumferential length of the stator unit 104, the ball joints and the plurality of winding elements 112 can twist about the Y-axis. In this regard, the stator unit 104 can be used as a control parameter to reduce the circumference of the motor 102. Because the dynamic mechanical linkage system allows for flexibility in the shape of the stator unit 104, the torsion of the winding elements 112 can be adjusted along the circumferential length of the motor 102. In various embodiments, the linkage of the dynamic mechanical linkage system can be controlled by an electromagnetic system or an electromechanical system that can be automated. In various embodiments, the housing or casing of the motor 102 can have the ability to contract and expand, so that the overall shape and size of the motor 102 can be modified based on the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 and the cabin of the electric vehicle.

[0082] Figure 12 Further shown is a truss 1202 that can couple the motor 102 to the wheels 108. The truss 1202 can be a truss system having linkage arms that can couple the plurality of sliders 114 to the wheels 108 (e.g., tires of the electric vehicle) to drive / rotate the wheels 108. For example, the torque generated by the motor 102 can be transmitted to the wheels 108 via the truss 1202. In one embodiment, the torque generated by the motor 102 can be used to rotate multiple tires of the electric vehicle, such as in low-speed applications where the electric vehicle can be propelled by a single motor. In another embodiment, multiple motors having the same configuration as the motor 102 can be used to rotate corresponding tires of the electric vehicle, such as in a small city mobility electric vehicle that can be driven by multiple motors.

[0083] In one embodiment, each slider 1106 can be connected to a respective link arm 1208 of the truss 1202. In another embodiment, a first number of sliders 1106 can be connected to the link arms 1208, while a second number of sliders 1106 can be disconnected from the truss 1202. For example, while the non-limiting system 1200 illustrates a separate slider 1106 coupled to each link arm 1208, in an embodiment, a first number of sliders 1106 (e.g., four of six sliders) can be coupled to the truss 1202 such that each of the four sliders can be coupled to one or more link arms 1208 of the truss 1202. Furthermore, the remaining sliders (e.g., two of the six sliders) can remain disconnected from the truss 1202, and the four sliders 1202 connected to the truss can move (e.g., push or pull) all six sliders 1106 of the motor. Such an embodiment can reduce the number of link arms 1208 employed in the motor 102, thereby reducing the weight of the motor 102. In various embodiments, the truss 1202 can be designed with a linkage arm 1208 that can be mechanically coupled to a swash plate or hub (e.g., Figure 12 and Figure 13 swash plate or hub 1204 in the stator unit 104). In one embodiment, the link arms 1208 of the truss 1202 can be mechanically coupled to the slider 1106 via pins. In another embodiment, each link arm 1208 can be mechanically coupled to the slider 1106 via a track system that allows the link arms 1208 to move laterally along the Y-axis (i.e., in the direction of the Y-axis). In this embodiment, the link arms 1208 can freely move along the Y-axis in the side slots of the slider 1106, as dictated by the shape of the stator unit 104, while the side slots of the slider 1106 are not connected to the track system of the stator unit 104. This coupling allows the link arms 1208 to move with the slider 1106. It should be understood that the design of the truss 1202 described herein is exemplary, and the truss 1202 can have different designs and coupling mechanisms in different situations.

[0084] In one embodiment, the design of truss 1202 can allow an entity (e.g., hardware, software, AI, neural network, machine, and / or user) operating an electric vehicle including non-limiting system 1200 to control the positioning of slider 1106 via controls accessible to the entity, such that the shape and size of rotor unit 106, and therefore the shape and size of motor 102, can be modified based on the circumferential length of stator unit 104. In one embodiment, the entity can be a person, and the person can access the controls for adjusting slider 1106 from within the cabin of the electric vehicle. For example, the entity can reposition slider 1106 so that the topmost slider 1106 can be moved toward the front of the electric vehicle, the bottommost slider 1106 can be moved toward the rear of the electric vehicle, and slider 1106 can perform rotational motion about the Y-axis. As described above, truss 1202 can be coupled to slider 1106 via a pin and rail system, allowing truss 1202 to adapt to such repositioning of slider 1106. In this regard, the truss 1202 may be designed to accommodate various potential motions of the slider 1106 such that torque generated by the motor 102 may continue to be transmitted through the truss 1202 to the wheels 108 in various configurations of the slider 1106 .

[0085] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system 1300 is shown of a stator unit of an electric motor coupled to wheels of an electric vehicle through 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.

[0086] Figure 13 An embodiment is shown in which the motor 102 can be coupled to the wheels 108 via a gearbox 1302. In the non-limiting system 1200, the truss 1202 can be designed to have the function of a gearbox, thereby eliminating the need for a gearbox. For example, the truss 1202 can precisely control the variable phase angle of the slider 1106 and the slider 114 to achieve precise geometric positioning of the slider 1106 in the motor 102. Conversely, the non-limiting system 1300 can be used with the gearbox 1302. Continuing with reference to at least Figure 10 and Figure 12 , the gearbox 1302 can be a simple, lightweight gearbox having only one or two gears, or the gearbox 1302 can be an electromagnetic gearbox.

[0087] Figure 14 Schematic diagrams are shown of example, non-limiting topologies 1400 and 1410 of electric motors coupled to wheels of an electric vehicle without 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.

[0088] Continue to refer to at least Figure 11 – Figure 13 In the discussed embodiment, truss 1202 can be coupled to slider 1106 via a pin and track system that allows truss 1202 to adapt to such repositioning of slider 1106. In various embodiments, such repositioning of slider 1106 can cause the corresponding moment arm of slider 1106 to also change. For example, upon repositioning slider 1106, the topology of motor 102 can change from non-restrictive topology 1400 to non-restrictive topology 1410, and the distance between line 1402 and line 1404 can change from L1 to L2, where L1 > L2. Line 1402 can be an imaginary line passing through the center of the topmost slider 1106, while line 1404 can be an imaginary line passing through the center of stator unit 1106, such that line 1404 passes through the center of rotation of slider 1104. The moment arm of a slider can be equal to the shortest distance between the center of the slider and the slider's axis of rotation / center of rotation. The connection position of the link arms (e.g., link arm 1208) of truss 1202 can determine the length of the moment arm of each slider in sliders 1106. For example, non-restrictive topology 1400 can illustrate a maximum torque mode of motor 102, and in non-restrictive topology 1400, the link arm of the topmost slider 1106 can be located at an extreme position along the negative (-) Y-axis, resulting in a moment arm length L1. Similarly, non-restrictive topology 1410 illustrates a minimum torque mode of motor 102, and in non-restrictive topology 1410, the link arm of the topmost slider 1106 can be located at an extreme position along the positive (+) Y-axis, resulting in a moment arm length L2.

[0089] For example, for the topmost slider 1106, the moment arm can be equal to the distance L1 in the non-restrictive topology 1400 and the distance L2 in the non-restrictive topology 1410. Thus, the moment arm of the topmost slider 1106 can be longer in the non-restrictive topology 1400 than the equivalent moment arm in the non-restrictive topology 1410 (L1>L2). The longer the moment arm, the greater the torque (τ) generated. Therefore, if L1>L2, then τ1>τ2, where τ1 can be the torque generated by the motor 102 in the non-restrictive topology 1400 and τ2 can be the torque generated by the motor 102 in the non-restrictive topology 1410.

[0090] Figure 15 Schematic diagrams illustrating example, non-limiting topologies 1500 and 1510 of electric motors 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.

[0091] Non-restrictive topology 1500 corresponds to non-restrictive topology 1400, while non-restrictive topology 1510 corresponds to non-restrictive topology 1410. That is, non-restrictive topology 1500 illustrates the topology of electric motor 102 corresponding to a position of topmost slider 1106 at L1, while non-restrictive topology 1510 illustrates the topology of electric motor 102 corresponding to a position of topmost slider 1106 at L2. The position of topmost slider 1106 at distance L1 can indicate a lower ground clearance for an electric vehicle employing electric motor 102, while the position of topmost slider 1106 at distance L2 can indicate a higher ground clearance for an electric vehicle employing electric motor 102. Ground clearance can be defined as the minimum distance between the lower end of the vehicle body and the ground. Notably, non-restrictive topology 1510 can result in a lower height of stator unit 104 due to the repositioning of slider 1106 into a more compact configuration.

[0092] Figure 16 Schematic diagrams illustrating example, non-limiting topologies 1600 and 1610 of electric motor stator units according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the stator segments may be interconnected via a dynamic mechanical linkage system. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements and / or processes employed in various embodiments have been omitted.

[0093] As described in various embodiments herein, electric motor 102 may include a stator unit 104. Stator unit 104 may include multiple dynamic mechanical linkage systems that interconnect individual winding elements in a plurality of winding elements 112, and each dynamic mechanical linkage system in stator unit 104 may have the same configuration. In some embodiments, the dynamic mechanical linkage system included in stator unit 104 may function as a truss system to interconnect the plurality of winding elements 112. Winding elements 112 may be concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements. Electric motor 102 may also include a rotor unit 106 that includes one or more sliders 114 that may be magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements 112 and mechanically coupled to a track structure of stator unit 104, and may travel along the circumferential length of stator unit 104 during operation of electric motor 102, for example, to operate the wheels of an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, rotor unit 106 may include multiple sliders 1106 that may be interconnected by mechanical or magnetic connections.

[0094] The non-limiting topology 1600 illustrates a topology of the stator unit 104 in which a dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 is employed in the electric motor 102 to couple the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104, and the dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 can be in an extended configuration, resulting in a wider gap between the winding elements 112. Conversely, the non-limiting topology 1610 illustrates a topology of the stator unit 104 in which a dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 is employed in the electric motor 102 to couple the winding elements 112 of the stator unit 104, and the dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 can be in a contracted configuration, resulting in a reduced gap between the winding elements 112 compared to the non-limiting topology 1600. Additionally, as shown, the angle α1 between lines 1602 and 1604 in the extended configuration of the dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 shown in the non-restrictive topology 1600 can be greater than the angle α2 between lines 1602 and 1604 in the contracted configuration shown in the non-restrictive topology 1610, where line 1602 is an imaginary line parallel to the links of the dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 in either configuration, and line 1604 is an imaginary line parallel to the Y-axis and passing through the center joint of the dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 in either configuration. Figure 17 10. A configuration of a single dynamic mechanical linkage system that can be used to couple winding elements 112 is shown in FIG. In some examples, this configuration of dynamic mechanical linkage system 1210 can also be used to couple sliders 114 of rotor unit 106.

[0095] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting system 1700 including a dynamic mechanical linkage system that can couple successive segments of a stator unit of an electric motor 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.

[0096] Non-limiting system 1700 illustrates a dynamic mechanical linkage system coupled to winding element 1702 and winding element 1704 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 17 , the dynamic mechanical linkage system is shown as the shaded portion. Winding elements 1702 and 1704 can represent individual winding elements of the plurality of winding elements 112 positioned along the contour of the stator unit 104 included in the motor 102. In various embodiments, the dynamic mechanical linkage system can allow the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 to be changed during operation of an electric vehicle including the motor 102 by allowing the distance between consecutive winding elements of the plurality of winding elements 112 to be changed along the Z axis. For example, the scissor mechanism of the dynamic mechanical linkage system can include two links (link 1714) that can be coupled to each other by a joint 1710. The joint 1710 can be a pin connection, such as Figure 17 Alternatively, joint 1710 can be another type of suitable connection that can allow link 1714 to function with joint 1710 serving as the center of rotation for link 1714. The arrow at joint 1710 shows the direction of travel of a pin or screw, for example, into the fastener to form a pin connection at joint 1710.

[0097] Furthermore, each link of the scissor mechanism can be connected to a ball joint at its distal end, such that a first set of ball joints can connect the two links to winding element 1702 of a pair of consecutive winding elements, and a second set of ball joints can connect the two links to winding element 1704 of a pair of consecutive winding elements. In FIG. 17 , each joint 1712 can represent the first set of ball joints, and each joint 1716 can represent the second set of ball joints. The design of joints 1712 and joints 1716 can be identical. Joints 1712 can be positioned within recesses 1706 provided in winding element 1702 (e.g., within notches in winding element 1702 of stator unit 104), and joints 1716 can be positioned within recesses 1708 provided in winding element 1704 (e.g., within notches in winding element 1704 of stator unit 104). The corresponding ball joint of each joint 1712 and 1716 can move along the Y-axis within its corresponding groove, and in combination with joint 1710, this movement of the ball joint can cause the link 1714 of the scissor mechanism to perform a shearing action, such that when the ball joints move toward each other (as indicated by the arrows on the winding elements 1702 and 1704), the winding elements 1702 and 1704 can move away from each other, and when the ball joints move away from each other, the winding elements 1702 and 1704 can move toward each other. Thus, the ball joints can perform translational movement along the Y-axis and rotational movement about the Y-axis, and the ball joints can allow the dynamic mechanical linkage system to move about the Y-axis to change the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 during operation of the motor 102, for example, to drive an electric vehicle. In other words, during the period of elongation of the circumferential length of the stator unit 104, the ball joint and the plurality of winding elements 112 can twist about the Y-axis. In this regard, the stator unit 104 may serve as a control parameter to reduce the circumferential length of the motor 102 .

[0098] In various embodiments, the connecting rod 1714 can be controlled by an automatable electromagnetic or electromechanical system. In some embodiments, the connecting rod 1714 can be a telescoping element. In various embodiments, the housing or casing of the motor 102 can have the ability to contract and expand, allowing the overall shape and size of the motor 102 to be modified based on the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. For example, an activation system can be employed to change the orientation of a scissor mechanism within each dynamic mechanical linkage system, or the stator unit 104 and rotor unit 106 can be housed in an accordion-style housing that can be externally controlled to contract and expand based on the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of winding elements 112 can move within the cleared space surrounding the stator unit 104, allowing the shape and size of the motor 102 to change based on the shape and size of the stator unit 104. In other embodiments, an electric vehicle operated by the motor 102 can control the stator unit 104 so that the plurality of winding elements 112 can automatically reposition themselves within the space allowed by the electric vehicle, for example, based on the positioning of the vehicle's cabin.

[0099] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting mechanism 1800 is shown for integration into an electric motor of a modifiable shape and size 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.

[0100] Continuing with the embodiments described herein, the electric motor 102 can be integrated into an electric vehicle via a mechanism such as non-limiting mechanism 1800. For example, in various embodiments, element 1802 can be a controllable telescopic device / element / arm that can be used in an electric vehicle operated by the electric motor 102 to control the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. Element 1802 can be connected to a subframe element 1804. More specifically, in various embodiments, at least one controllable telescopic arm (e.g., element 1802) can be implemented in an electric vehicle to allow the stator unit 104 to contract and expand via controlled movement of the winding element 112. Element 1802 can be connected at one end to a vehicle hardpoint (e.g., subframe element 1804), and element 1802 can expand or contract the electric motor 102 during operation of the electric vehicle by pushing or pulling on the connection to the stator unit 104 based on commands provided by an entity operating the electric vehicle (e.g., hardware, software, AI, a neural network, a machine, and / or a user). The entity may provide commands via controls accessible by the entity within the electric vehicle cabin. The subframe element 1804 may be coupled to the stator unit 104 via two telescopic arms (e.g., element 1802), wherein one telescopic arm may control half of the circumferential length of the stator unit 104 and the other telescopic arm may control the other half of the circumferential length of the stator unit 104. To enhance control, additional connections to hard points of the electric vehicle and / or additional controllable telescopic arms provided for each quadrant of the stator unit 104 may be implemented in the electric vehicle.

[0101] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of an example, non-limiting electric vehicle 1900 is shown, which may employ an electric motor of modifiable shape and size 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.

[0102] As at least reference Figure 1As discussed, non-limiting electric vehicle 1900 may represent a type of vehicle that can be operated by electric motor 102 or multiple electric motors having the same configuration as electric motor 102. For example, non-limiting electric vehicle 1900 may be a small city vehicle, a city motor vehicle, a disability mobility vehicle, a goods and service delivery vehicle, an intra-city transport vehicle, a connecting vehicle or transport vehicle for traveling to and from a bus station or terminal transportation hub, or other small vehicle that can be used in locations such as airports and shopping malls. In one or more embodiments, electric motor 102 may be used to operate one or more wheels of non-limiting electric vehicle 1900 without the need for a gearbox or with a simpler gearbox (e.g., having only one or two gears or an electromagnetic gearbox), which can occupy a significant amount of space in a conventional electric vehicle. The space freed up by using electric motor 102 allows vehicles such as non-limiting electric vehicle 1900 to have a compact design, which is advantageous in cities where parking space is limited. Such vehicles may also be more affordable.

[0103] Figure 20 A flowchart illustrating an example, non-limiting method for adjusting the circumferential length of a stator unit of an electric motor 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.

[0104] At step 2002, the non-limiting method 2000 may include changing a circumferential length of a stator unit of an electric motor by operating at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system is located between a pair of consecutive winding elements among a plurality of winding elements included in the stator unit, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system includes a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints.

[0105] At step 2004, the non-limiting method 2000 may include operating a rotor unit of the electric motor to change a circumferential length of the electric motor according to a circumferential length of the stator unit, wherein the rotor unit includes at least one slider that is magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure of the stator unit and travels along the circumferential length of the stator unit.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] Further aspects of the various descriptions described herein are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0109] Item 1: An electric motor comprising: a stator unit including a plurality of winding elements, wherein each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements are coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system, the dynamic mechanical linkage system comprising a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball joints with the second set of ball joints.

[0110] Clause 2: An electric motor according to any preceding clause, wherein the dynamic mechanical linkage system allows the circumferential length of the stator unit to be changed during operation of the electric motor, and wherein the stator unit comprises a plurality of dynamic mechanical linkage systems located between each pair of consecutive winding elements of the plurality of winding elements and having the same configuration as the dynamic mechanical linkage systems within each pair of consecutive winding elements.

[0111] Clause 3: The electric motor according to any of the preceding clauses further comprises: a rotor unit comprising at least one slider magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to the track structure of the stator unit, wherein the at least one slider travels along the circumferential length of the stator unit so that the circumferential length of the electric motor changes according to the circumferential length of the stator unit.

[0112] Clause 4: The electric motor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one slider comprises a segmented pole arrangement.

[0113] Clause 5: An electric motor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the rotor unit comprises a plurality of slides magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements, mechanically coupled to a track structure and magnetically or mechanically interconnected to allow the plurality of slides to travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit, such that the circumferential length of the motor changes according to the circumferential length of the stator unit.

[0114] Clause 6: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein each slider of the plurality of sliders comprises a segmented pole arrangement, and wherein the plurality of sliders are separated by buffer zones.

[0115] Clause 7: An electric motor according to any preceding clause, wherein one or more sliders in the rotor unit are connected to the wheels of the electric vehicle via one or more link arms, the one or more link arms being free to move within grooves provided in the one or more sliders, and wherein the one or more sliders are connected to the wheels without the use of a gearbox.

[0116] Clause 8: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein individual winding elements of the plurality of winding elements are coupled to each other as a hinged loop, and wherein the plurality of winding elements are interconnected for structural integrity.

[0117] Clause 9: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein each winding element comprises a soft magnetic core, and wherein each winding element and the soft magnetic core further allow each winding element to form a hinged ring.

[0118] Clause 10: The electric motor of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of winding elements comprises concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

[0119] Clause 11: The electric motor of clause 1 above in combination with any combination of clauses 2 to 10 above.

[0120] Clause 12: A method comprising: changing a circumferential length of a stator unit of an electric motor by operating at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system is located between a pair of consecutive winding elements among a plurality of winding elements included in the stator unit, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system includes a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints.

[0121] Clause 13: The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: varying the circumferential length of the stator unit during operation of the electric motor.

[0122] Clause 14: The method according to any of the preceding clauses further includes: operating the rotor unit of the electric motor according to the circumferential length of the stator unit to change the circumferential length of the electric motor, wherein the rotor unit includes at least one slider, which is magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to the track structure of the stator unit and travels along the circumferential length of the stator unit.

[0123] Clause 15: The method according to any of the preceding clauses further includes: operating the rotor unit of the electric motor according to the circumferential length of the stator unit to change the circumferential length of the electric motor, wherein the rotor unit includes a plurality of slides, the plurality of slides being magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements, mechanically coupled to the track structure and magnetically or mechanically interconnected to allow the plurality of slides to travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit so that the circumferential length of the electric motor changes according to the circumferential length of the stator unit.

[0124] Clause 16: The method according to any of the preceding clauses further comprising: operating the electric motor to drive the wheels of the electric vehicle via one or more link arms connected to one or more sliders of the rotor unit without using a gearbox, wherein the one or more link arms are free to move within grooves provided in the one or more sliders.

[0125] Clause 17: The method of any preceding clause, wherein individual winding elements of the plurality of winding elements are coupled to each other as a hinged loop, and wherein the plurality of winding elements are interconnected for structural integrity.

[0126] Clause 18: The method of any preceding clause, wherein each winding element comprises a soft magnetic core, and wherein each winding element and the soft magnetic core further allow each winding element to form a hinged loop.

[0127] Clause 19: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of winding elements comprises concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

[0128] Clause 20: The method of clause 12 above in combination with any combination of clauses 13 to 19 above.

[0129] Clause 21: An electric motor comprising: a stator unit comprising a plurality of winding elements, wherein each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements are coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system, the dynamic mechanical linkage system comprising a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball joints to the second set of ball joints; and a rotor unit comprising one or more sliders connected to wheels of an electric vehicle, wherein the electric motor operates the wheels without using a gearbox.

[0130] Clause 22: An electric motor as described in any preceding clause, wherein the dynamic mechanical linkage system allows the circumferential length of the stator unit to be changed during operation of the electric motor.

[0131] Article 23: The electric vehicle described in Article 21 above in combination with any combination of Articles 21 and 22 above.

Claims

1. An electric motor comprising: A stator unit includes a plurality of winding elements, wherein each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements is coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system, the dynamic mechanical linkage system including a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball joints with the second set of ball joints.

2. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein The dynamic mechanical linkage system allows the circumferential length of the stator unit to be changed during operation of the electric motor, and wherein the stator unit includes a plurality of dynamic mechanical linkage systems located between each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements and having the same configuration as the dynamic mechanical linkage system of each pair of consecutive winding elements.

3. The electric motor according to claim 1, further comprising: A rotor unit comprising at least one slider magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to a track structure of the stator unit, and wherein the at least one slider travels along a circumferential length of the stator unit such that the circumferential length of the motor changes according to the circumferential length of the stator unit.

4. The electric motor according to claim 3, wherein The at least one slider includes a segmented magnetic pole arrangement.

5. The electric motor according to claim 3, wherein The rotor unit includes a plurality of sliders that are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements, mechanically coupled to the track structure, and magnetically or mechanically interconnected to allow the plurality of sliders to travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit so that the circumferential length of the motor changes according to the circumferential length of the stator unit.

6. The electric motor according to claim 5, wherein Each slider of the plurality of sliders includes a segmented pole arrangement, and wherein the plurality of sliders are separated by a buffer zone.

7. The electric motor according to claim 3, wherein One or more sliders in the rotor unit are connected to the wheels of the electric vehicle via one or more linkage arms, the one or more linkage arms being free to move within grooves provided in the one or more sliders, and wherein the one or more sliders are connected to the wheels without the use of a gearbox.

8. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein Individual winding elements of the plurality of winding elements are coupled to each other as a hinged loop, and wherein the plurality of winding elements are interconnected for structural integrity.

9. The electric motor according to claim 8, wherein Each winding element includes a soft magnetic core, and wherein each winding element and the soft magnetic core further allow each winding element to form a hinge ring.

10. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of winding elements include concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

11. A method comprising: The circumferential length of a stator unit of an electric motor is changed by operating at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system is located between a pair of consecutive winding elements among a plurality of winding elements included in the stator unit, wherein the at least one dynamic mechanical linkage system includes a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball joints with the second set of ball joints.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: The circumferential length of the stator unit is changed during operation of the electric motor.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: The rotor unit of the electric motor is operated according to the circumferential length of the stator unit to change the circumferential length of the electric motor, wherein the rotor unit includes at least one slider that is magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements and mechanically coupled to the track structure of the stator unit and travels along the circumferential length of the stator unit.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The rotor unit of the electric motor is operated according to the circumferential length of the stator unit to change the circumferential length of the electric motor, wherein the rotor unit includes a plurality of sliders, which are magnetically coupled to the plurality of winding elements, mechanically coupled to the track structure, and magnetically or mechanically interconnected to allow the plurality of sliders to travel along the circumferential length of the stator unit, thereby changing the circumferential length of the electric motor according to the circumferential length of the stator unit.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The electric motor is operated to drive the wheels of the electric vehicle without using a gearbox through one or more link arms connected to one or more sliders of the rotor unit, wherein the one or more link arms are free to move within grooves provided in the one or more sliders.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein Individual winding elements of the plurality of winding elements are coupled to each other as a hinged loop, and wherein the plurality of winding elements are interconnected for structural integrity.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein Each winding element includes a soft magnetic core, and wherein each winding element and the soft magnetic core further allow each winding element to form a hinge ring.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein The plurality of winding elements include concentrated winding elements or distributed winding elements.

19. An electric motor comprising: a stator unit comprising a plurality of winding elements, wherein each pair of consecutive winding elements in the plurality of winding elements are coupled by a dynamic mechanical linkage system comprising a first set of ball joints, a second set of ball joints, and a scissor mechanism coupling the first set of ball joints with the second set of ball joints; and A rotor unit includes one or more sliders that connect to the wheels of an electric vehicle, wherein the electric motor can operate the wheels without the use of a gearbox.

20. The electric motor according to claim 19, wherein The dynamic mechanical linkage system allows the circumferential length of the stator unit to be changed during operation of the electric motor.

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