Self-charging method and charging system for new energy automobile in running process

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of energy recovery of new energy vehicles, and particularly relates to a self-charging method for a new energy vehicle in the running process and a charging system. The system comprises a motor, a gear A, a gear B, a first chain, a second chain, supporting columns, rotating shafts, springs and tires. The front end of the motor is provided with the gear B, and the front end of the gear B is provided with the gear A; the lower ends of the chains are supported by supporting columns which are connected with springs and tires through rotating shafts. The motor is tightly connected with the gear A and the gear B, works cooperatively and transmits power efficiently. The gear A and the gear B adopt a mechanism similar to a bicycle one-way flywheel, so that one-way transmission of power is ensured, and recoil is avoided. The tires generate power through gravity and jolt in the running process, overturning energy in the vertical direction is converted into rotating mechanical energy through a rotating shaft, a supporting column and a chain system, finally, a motor is driven to generate electricity, and self-charging in the vehicle running process is achieved. The system is stable in structure and can adapt to different road conditions, and the energy utilization efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy recovery and automatic charging technology for new energy vehicles, specifically a method and charging system for self-charging of new energy vehicles during operation. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, range anxiety and charging efficiency remain core challenges hindering its widespread adoption. Traditional charging methods rely on fixed charging stations, resulting in long charging times and insufficient infrastructure coverage, especially during long-distance travel or in complex road conditions. In recent years, the industry has attempted to alleviate charging pressure through technologies such as wireless charging and kinetic energy recovery, but existing technologies still face bottlenecks such as low efficiency, poor compatibility, or complex structures. For example, while wireless charging technology enables contactless charging, it relies on specific charging locations and has limited power; kinetic energy recovery systems mostly convert braking energy, making them highly dependent on driving conditions, and their energy recovery rates are difficult to improve. Furthermore, existing mechanical charging devices generally suffer from low power transmission efficiency and insufficient structural stability, leading to significant energy losses.

[0003] To address the aforementioned pain points, this technical solution proposes a self-charging system based on gear and chain transmission and mechanical energy conversion. Its core lies in utilizing the contact between the tires and the ground during vehicle operation to convert vertical bump energy into rotational mechanical energy. This energy is then transmitted unidirectionally through an optimized gear and chain structure, ultimately driving a motor to generate electricity. This design overcomes the limitations of traditional kinetic energy recovery technologies, improving energy conversion efficiency through mechanical structural innovation while avoiding reliance on charging stations, thus providing a new solution to the range anxiety problem of new energy vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and charging system for self-charging of new energy vehicles during driving.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation. The motor has a B gear at its front end, and an A gear at its front end. A chain one is located at the outer end of the B gear, and a chain two is located at the outer end of the A gear. The gear set adopts a front-to-back tandem layout. The B gear, as the power input end, directly receives the driving force from the motor. The chain one at its outer edge and the chain two at the outer edge of the A gear form a double-chain transmission structure. The meshing relationship between the A gear and the B gear is kept stable by the chain tension, ensuring the continuity of the power transmission path. The double-chain design can distribute the transmission load, reduce single-point wear, and simultaneously absorb some vibration through the flexible connection of the chains, improving system durability.

[0006] Furthermore, both chain one and chain two have support pillars at their lower ends, with a pivot shaft at the lower end of each support pillar. The pivot shaft's end face houses a spring and a tire. The support pillars rigidly connect and secure the chain ends, preventing sagging or deviation and ensuring the accuracy of the power transmission path. The pivot shaft acts as a power conversion hub, transmitting the tire's rotational motion to the spring. The spring's elastic deformation buffers the impact of ground bumps on the transmission system. The tire directly contacts the ground, and its rotation drives the spring to compress and rebound via the pivot shaft, creating a periodic mechanical energy input that provides a continuous power source for the gear set.

[0007] Furthermore, the motor works collaboratively with gears B and A through a tight connection, and direct coupling reduces energy loss. The motor output shaft is connected to gear B via a keyway or flange, ensuring gapless power transmission and reducing mechanical friction losses. This tight connection design reduces the energy conversion steps in the transmission process, enabling the motor's output power to be efficiently converted into the rotational kinetic energy of the gear set. This structure avoids the multi-stage reduction gears found in traditional transmissions, shortens the power transmission path, and thus improves overall energy conversion efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, gear B engages with gear A, transmitting and converting power via chains one and two. Gear A is designed to respond only to upward thrust, while gear B responds only to downward thrust, forming a ratchet-like unidirectional transmission mechanism. When the vehicle is moving, the tires, reacting to the ground, cause chain two to move upward, driving gear A to rotate clockwise; simultaneously, chain one moves downward, driving gear B to rotate clockwise as well. Both gears transmit power into the system, but due to structural limitations, the system is prevented from being driven in the opposite direction. This design ensures that power flows in only one direction, avoiding energy loss caused by recoil, while maintaining meshing stability through chain tension to adapt to dynamic conditions such as vehicle acceleration and deceleration.

[0009] Furthermore, chains one and two employ a special link structure to create a continuous power transmission path between the gears. The chain link surfaces are designed with anti-slip textures to increase friction with the gear teeth and reduce slippage. The chain tensioning device maintains a constant contact pressure between the chain and the gears through preload adjustment, preventing power interruption due to chain slack. The dynamically adjustable tensioning mechanism can adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the chain or deformation of components during vehicle operation, ensuring the continuity and reliability of power transmission.

[0010] Furthermore, the support post rigidly supports the chain end and has an internal positioning groove that engages with the chain clip to prevent lateral chain shift. The support post is made of a high-strength alloy, combining lightweight and fatigue resistance, and can withstand long-term vibration loads. The positioning design ensures the chain's stability in the vertical direction, preventing misalignment between the chain and gears due to road bumps. This structure significantly reduces the risk of chain derailment and extends the service life of the transmission system.

[0011] Furthermore, the shaft connects the support column, spring, and tire. When the tire rotates, friction drives the shaft to rotate. The shaft surface is designed with helical guide grooves to convert the tire's rotational motion into axial compression and rebound of the spring. During the compression energy storage phase, the spring accumulates elastic potential energy, which, upon release, drives the gear set to rotate and generate electricity. The shaft's bearings employ a low-friction design to reduce energy transmission loss, while also being waterproof and dustproof, suitable for long-term use under complex road conditions.

[0012] Furthermore, the spring is made of a material with a high elastic coefficient, and its deformation range has been optimized to absorb both high-frequency, minute vibrations and low-frequency, large impacts. An internal damping structure dissipates vibrational energy through oil or an elastomer, protecting gears and chains from instantaneous overload damage. Flexible connectors at both ends of the spring prevent stress concentration-induced metal fatigue, ensuring the long-term reliability of the buffer system.

[0013] Furthermore, the tire contacts the ground through its tread pattern, utilizing vertical bumps and rolling resistance generated during vehicle movement to produce rotational torque. An embedded pressure sensor monitors deformation in real time and feeds feedback to the control system, dynamically adjusting spring preload to optimize energy recovery efficiency. The tire is made of a highly wear-resistant composite material, combining grip and anti-aging properties to ensure stable mechanical energy output under various road conditions. The symmetrical dual-tire layout balances the load, preventing excessive force on one side from causing drivetrain misalignment.

[0014] The components achieve functional coupling through modular design: gear sets and chains form the power transmission backbone, springs and tires form the energy capture unit, and the motor serves as the energy conversion terminal. During vehicle operation, the system continuously converts road bumps into rotational mechanical energy, which is then increased in speed by gears to drive the motor and generate electricity, achieving a closed loop of kinetic energy recovery and electrical energy storage. Compared to traditional charging methods, this design requires no external power grid support, directly utilizing redundant mechanical energy generated during driving, significantly improving energy efficiency.

[0015] This invention provides a method and charging system for self-charging of new energy vehicles during driving, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This technical solution, through its unique mechanical structure design, offers significant advantages in energy conversion efficiency, system stability, and adaptability. Firstly, the gear set and chain utilize a unidirectional transmission mechanism, similar to the ratchet structure of a bicycle's rear wheel, ensuring that power flows in only one direction and avoiding energy loss due to backlash. The coordinated operation of gears B and A, combined with the chain tensioning design, effectively reduces slippage and improves power transmission efficiency. Secondly, the integration of springs and shock-absorbing components within the vehicle body increases the system's cushioning capacity. Furthermore, the tires, as the core component for energy harvesting, directly utilize the gravitational potential energy generated during vehicle movement, requiring no additional power input, making energy acquisition more efficient and sustainable.

[0017] At the application level, this system is adaptable to various road conditions, providing stable power generation regardless of frequent starts and stops on urban roads or continuous bumps on rugged terrain. Compared to traditional charging methods, this solution eliminates the reliance on charging stations, reducing infrastructure investment costs and solving the problem of long charging wait times. Through the direct conversion of mechanical energy, the system can complete charging while the vehicle is in motion, significantly improving energy efficiency. In the future, combined with an intelligent control system, it can also achieve automated management of the charging process, further optimizing energy distribution. Overall, this technical solution provides an innovative path to improve the range of new energy vehicles, possessing both engineering practicality and commercial potential. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a planar schematic diagram of gear A and gear B of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] How to use

[0024] This system achieves self-charging by utilizing the mechanical energy generated during vehicle operation. Its core components include a motor, gear set, chain drive unit, and energy conversion module. The following is a detailed description of the system's operation and workflow.

[0025] I. Preparations before system startup

[0026] Before activating this self-charging system, a series of checks must be performed to ensure its proper functioning. First, confirm that the electrical connection between the motor and the vehicle's main battery is secure, without any looseness or corrosion. Second, check the meshing of gears B and A to ensure a tight, unobstructed engagement. Simultaneously, check the tension of chain one and chain two; too loose may cause slippage, while too tight will increase running resistance. Finally, check the tire pressure and wear to ensure adequate contact area with the ground for effective energy collection from bumps. After completing these preparations, the system is in standby mode and will automatically operate upon vehicle startup.

[0027] II. Power Transmission and Conversion Mechanism

[0028] The rotational kinetic energy generated by the shaft is transmitted upwards through the chain system. Chain 1 meshes with gear B, and chain 2 (5) meshes with gear A (3), forming two parallel transmission paths. Gears B and A employ a mechanism similar to a bicycle's unidirectional freewheel: gear B only responds to downward thrust (no upward force), and gear A only responds to upward thrust (no downward force). This design ensures unidirectional power transmission, preventing energy loss or system backlash caused by reverse transmission.

[0029] When the tire moves upward due to bumps, chain two drives gear A to rotate clockwise; when the tire moves downward, chain one drives gear B to rotate clockwise as well. This ensures that gears A and B always maintain the same direction of rotation (both clockwise or both counterclockwise) regardless of whether the tire moves upward or downward, achieving continuous power transmission to motor 1. Motor 1 then converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the vehicle's battery.

[0030] III. Operation Monitoring and Maintenance Standards

[0031] Status Indicators: The system is equipped with mechanical indicators that reflect the energy recovery intensity through the gear set speed and spring extension / retraction. A green indicator shows normal charging, a yellow indicator suggests the transmission components need lubrication, and a red indicator indicates overload or component malfunction.

[0032] Troubleshooting: If charging efficiency decreases, first check gear meshing clearance, chain tension, and spring deformation capacity. If the motor overheats, stop using it immediately and check the cooling system and circuit connections.

[0033] IV. System Advantages and Applicable Scenarios

[0034] This system achieves energy recovery through a purely mechanical structure, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure. In scenarios involving bumpy roads or frequent start-stop operations, the coordinated operation of springs and gears can improve energy capture efficiency by over 85%. It is suitable for urban commuting, mountain transportation, and emergency charging, and is particularly well-suited for remote areas with limited charging infrastructure.

[0035] Example 1: Application of urban commuter bicycles in frequent start-stop road conditions

[0036] Commuter bicycles traveling on urban asphalt roads frequently experience minor bumps due to speed bumps, manhole covers, and road repair seams. In such conditions, the system's tires continuously undergo high-frequency, low-amplitude up-and-down motion. When the tire encounters a bump and moves upwards, chain two is tightened, driving gear A to rotate clockwise; when the tire falls back down after clearing a bump, chain one is tightened, driving gear B to rotate clockwise as well. Due to the unidirectional flywheel mechanism, power is continuously transmitted unidirectionally to the motor regardless of whether the tire is moving up or down. This design is particularly efficient in urban traffic conditions with frequent starts and stops, as each minor bump is converted into rotational kinetic energy. The motor stably converts this energy into electrical energy, trickle-charging the bicycle's lights, navigation system, or auxiliary drive battery. The mechanical indicator should display a stable green during normal riding; a flashing yellow on smooth surfaces indicates that the chain may be loose due to frequent changes in direction and needs to be tightened immediately. The key to this embodiment is the system's efficient capture of minor, frequent mechanical energy, significantly improving energy utilization efficiency for short commutes.

[0037] Example 2: Application of electric tricycles for logistics on unpaved rural roads

[0038] Logistics electric tricycles often travel on rural gravel or dirt roads with significant undulations and irregular surfaces. The tires experience impacts of considerable amplitude but relatively low frequency. In this scenario, the system's spring damping mechanism and gear set face severe challenges. When the wheel suddenly encounters a deep pothole and plunges violently, the enormous downward impact force acts on gear B through chain one; when the wheel rolls up a slope, the upward force acts on gear A through chain two. The large impact forces require a very tight meshing between gears A and B; otherwise, tooth breakage can easily occur. Simultaneously, chains one and two need sufficient tension to cope with sudden pulling forces, but cannot be too tight, leading to excessive running resistance and energy consumption. Successful application is demonstrated by the mechanical indicator remaining green most of the time, even when traveling on uneven surfaces, indicating that the system is effectively recovering energy. Maintenance focuses on regularly checking gear wear and promptly cleaning mud and sand from the gear meshing points to prevent abnormal wear. This embodiment highlights the system's durability under harsh road conditions and its ability to absorb and convert large impact energy.

[0039] Example 3: Silent charging application of electric patrol vehicles at night

[0040] Electric vehicles used for nighttime community or park patrols have strict requirements regarding operating noise. During operation, the gear meshing and chain drive must maintain a low noise level. In implementation, using high-strength engineering plastic gears or precision-ground metal gears, along with long-lasting lubricating grease, can significantly reduce transmission noise. When the vehicle patrols at low speeds at night on slightly undulating roads, the system operates almost silently, converting tire-to-ground friction and minor bumps into electrical energy, directly replenishing the onboard battery and extending patrol time. Mechanical indicators can be equipped with luminous displays for easy observation. A red warning light from the indicator is often accompanied by abnormal noise, requiring immediate inspection to check for insufficient lubrication causing gear dry friction, or improper chain tension interfering with the guide pulley. The core value of this embodiment lies in the system's ability to meet specific quiet operation requirements while achieving energy self-sufficiency, enhancing the equipment's concealment and endurance.

[0041] Example 4: Extending the range of long-distance off-road electric bicycles

[0042] When an off-road electric bicycle equipped with this system travels long distances, it will encounter various complex road conditions, including highways, mountain roads, and gravel roads. On long downhill sections, the tires are continuously subjected to downward pressure. The system primarily outputs power to the motor through chain 1 and gear B, providing a certain degree of slowing down while recovering gravitational potential energy. On continuously bumpy uphill sections, the tires move violently up and down. Gears A and B work alternately or simultaneously, maximizing the conversion of vibrational energy into electrical energy. At this time, motor 1 operates as a generator, and its heat dissipation is crucial. If the motor overheats, the built-in temperature control device should trigger a protection mechanism, which will be reflected on the mechanical indicator (e.g., flashing red), reminding the rider to pause the system or check the cooling ducts. The success of this embodiment lies in the system's ability to adapt to varying terrain, converting resistance factors (such as bumps) during riding into beneficial energy replenishment, significantly extending the single-charge range of the off-road electric bicycle.

[0043] Example 5: Application of batch self-inspection of shared electric scooters at centralized maintenance points

[0044] At centralized maintenance points for shared electric scooters, each scooter can be placed individually on a test platform simulating minor bumps. The platform's regular undulations cause the scooter's tires to move up and down, activating its self-charging system. By observing the status of the mechanical indicators on each scooter's system, the operational status of its energy recovery system can be quickly determined in batches: a stable green indicator indicates excellent performance; an off indicator or a flashing yellow / red indicator suggests further inspection is needed, potentially involving issues with gear engagement, chain tension, or motor circuitry. This method provides a highly efficient and low-cost routine maintenance screening tool for shared operations, ensuring that the self-charging systems of scooters in operation are in good condition, indirectly improving vehicle operating efficiency and lifespan. This embodiment demonstrates the system's application potential in batch management and maintenance, ensuring system reliability through standardized testing procedures.

[0045] All electrical components mentioned in this article are connected to an external main controller and 220V AC mains power. The main controller can be a conventional known device such as a computer for control. The detailed description of known functions and components is omitted in the specific implementation of this disclosure. To ensure the compatibility of the device, the operating methods used are consistent with the parameters of commercially available instruments.

[0046] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation, comprising a motor (1), characterized in that: The motor (1) has a B gear (2) at its front end, an A gear (3) at its front end, a chain (4) at the outer end of the B gear (2), and a chain (5) at the outer end of the A gear (3).

2. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower ends of the first chain (4) and the second chain (5) are provided with support pillars (7), the lower ends of the support pillars (7) are provided with shafts (8), the end faces of the shafts (8) are provided with springs (9), and the end faces of the shafts (8) are provided with tires (10).

3. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor (1) works in concert with gears B (2) and A (3) through close connection, effectively receiving and transmitting power, playing the role of drive connection in the whole self-charging system, reducing energy loss through direct coupling, and ensuring efficient power transmission to the gear set.

4. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during driving, as described in claim 1, are characterized in that: The B gear (2) and the A gear (3) cooperate with each other to realize the transmission and conversion of power through the first chain (4) and the second chain (5). The A gear (3) and the B gear (2) are configured to maintain the same rotation direction during transmission, that is, they rotate clockwise or counterclockwise at the same time. The A gear (3) is designed to respond to the upward thrust but not to the downward direction, and the B gear (2) responds to the downward thrust but not to the upward direction. Its function is similar to the one-way flywheel mechanism of the rear wheel of a bicycle to ensure unidirectional power transmission and avoid backlash, thereby ensuring the stability and efficiency of energy transmission.

5. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation according to claim 1, characterized in that: Chain 1 (4) and chain 2 (5), with their unique link structure, form a continuous and effective power transmission path between gear B (2) and gear A (3), allowing power to flow in one direction, reducing slippage and energy loss, and maintaining transmission stability through the tension design of the chain, adapting to dynamic changes during vehicle operation.

6. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support column (7) firmly supports the lower ends of chain one (4) and chain two (5). Through rigid connection and positioning design, it ensures that the chain is stable in position during operation, prevents deviation or loosening, thereby maintaining the continuity of the power transmission path, reducing the risk of interruption, and improving the overall durability of the system.

7. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating shaft (8) connects the support column (7), the spring (9), and the tire (10), so that the rotation of the tire can drive the rotating shaft to rotate, and then transmit the motion to the chain system through the support column, realizing the energy acquisition from the tire to the gear, and efficiently converting mechanical energy to provide initial power input for the self-charging process.

8. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring (9) has an elastic buffering effect, which can absorb and reduce the vibration caused by ground bumps during system operation, disperse the impact force through elastic deformation, protect the overall structure from damage, and ensure the reliability and long-term operational stability of the system.

9. The method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during operation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tire (10) generates power by directly contacting the ground and utilizing the gravity and bumps of the vehicle during driving, converting the vertical overturning energy into rotational mechanical energy, providing an original and sustainable power source for the self-charging system, and adapting to different road conditions. According to claim 1, a method and charging system for self-charging of a new energy vehicle during driving is characterized in that: The tire (10) generates power by directly contacting the ground and utilizing the gravity and bumps of the vehicle during driving, converting the vertical overturning energy into rotational mechanical energy, providing an original and sustainable power source for the self-charging system, and adapting to different road conditions.

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