On-Board Vehicle Charging Using a Driven Mass Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems, both wired and wireless, are inconvenient and inefficient, suffering from degradation, inefficiencies, and requiring specific locations, limiting the ability to charge vehicles effectively while in motion.
Innovation Solution
An on-board charging system (OBCS) that utilizes a driven mass coupled to a shaft, generating electrical energy through mechanical input, which is then stored or conveyed to the vehicle's energy storage device or motors, allowing for continuous charging during motion via generators and energy storage devices like capacitors and batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wired or wireless stationary charging systems are used, then vehicles can be charged at stationary locations, but the systems are inconvenient, cumbersome, and require specific locations for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static charging system into a dynamic one by enabling the vehicle to generate its own power while in motion. The driven mass rotates in response to vehicle kinetic energy, driving the generator to produce electrical output, allowing charging to occur dynamically during vehicle movement rather than requiring stationary charging locations
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle becomes self-sufficient by generating its own charging power through the kinetic energy of its motion. The system uses the vehicle's own movement to rotate the driven mass and generate electricity, eliminating the need for external stationary charging infrastructure and making the vehicle its own charging source
2Use of energy by moving object
If stationary charging systems are used, then vehicles can receive power, but energy transfer degradation and inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection and energy transfer of wired charging systems with a direct electromagnetic generation system. The generator converts mechanical rotation from the driven mass directly into electrical output, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and the associated energy losses from contact resistance and connection degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The driven mass acts as an intermediary that captures kinetic energy from the vehicle's motion and transfers it to the generator. This intermediary mechanism efficiently converts vehicle movement into electrical energy without the losses associated with traditional wired or wireless stationary charging transfer methods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and continuous charging of electric vehicles while in motion, reducing reliance on grid charging, extending travel range, and minimizing fossil fuel use and carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The generator is configured to generate an electrical output based on a mechanical input
Implementation Method 2
The driven mass is configured to rotate in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to a bearing support. The bearing support comprises an enclosure, a rotating shaft, first and second bearings installed on the shaft, and a bearing spacer separating the first and second bearings. The first and second bearings comprise an inner ring configured to rotate with the shaft, an outer ring configured to rotate with the enclosure, and a rolling cage configured to enable the inner ring to rotate relative to the outer ring. The bearing spacer comprises lips that create gaps between the bearing spacer and the first and second bearings. Keys can lock the inner rings of the first and second bearings to the shaft and causes the inner rings to rotate with the shaft. The gaps cool the first and second bearings as the shaft rotates. The enclosure houses the first and second bearings, the bearing spacer, and at least a portion of the shaft.