Patent ID: 8169115
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B60K,H02K,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A motor distributor system for powering a vehicle by transmitting rotational energy through a drive shaft, in a first mode, from an internal combustion engine and, in a second mode, from axial flux permanent magnet motors and, in a third mode, from the combination of an internal combustion engine and axial flux permanent magnet motors, the powering being achieved in an energy conserving manner that is safe, ecological, efficient and economical, the system comprising, in combination: a cylindrical drive shaft having a central axis, the drive shaft having a central axis and being rotatable around the central axis, the drive shaft having a forward end and a rearward end with a center there between, the drive shaft being discontinuous at the center thus forming a forward portion and a rearward portion with a connector joining the forward and rearward portions; a fixed cylindrical housing having a forward end and a rearward end, the housing having a central axis coextensive with the central axis of the drive shaft, the forward end of the drive shaft extending forwardly of the forward end of the housing, the rearward end of the drive shaft extending rearwardly of the rearward end of the housing, a forward end cap removably coupled to the forward end of the housing, a rearward end cap removably coupled to the forward end of the housing, a central aperture in each end cap with a bearing rotatably supporting the drive shaft, the housing being fabricated of a rigid material chosen from the class of rigid materials including an aircraft grade aluminum, other metals and composite materials; a forward universal coupling secured to the forward end of the drive shaft, a rearward universal coupling secured to the rearward end of the drive shaft, the rearward universal coupled to a rear axle and driven wheels, an optional clutch forwardly of the forward universal coupling with an internal combustion engine forwardly of the clutch, activation of the internal combustion engine rotatably coupling the drive shaft to power the rear axle and driven wheels; a support linkage having lower ends coupled to the housing at a central region, the support linkage having upper ends coupled to a frame portion of the vehicle, the support linkage having resilient joints between the upper and lower ends for allowing the housing to absorb shocks and vibration during use; a forward and a rearward axial flux permanent magnet motor encompassing the forward and rearward portions of the drive shaft within the housing, each axial flux permanent magnet motor having a radially exterior cylinder fixedly secured to the housing and a radially interior cylinder secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith, each axial flux permanent magnet motor having windings coupled to the exterior cylinder, each axial flux permanent magnet motor having a permanent magnet fixedly coupled to the interior cylinder, the interior and exterior cylinders being fabricated of a rigid, electrically insulating material chosen from the class of electrically insulating materials including composite materials and plastic materials; a forward fan within the housing adjacent to the forward end cap with an air inlet in the housing adjacent to the forward fan, a rearward fan within the housing adjacent to the rearward end cap with an air outlet in the housing adjacent to the rearward fan; and electrical lines having lower ends coupled to the windings in the exterior cylinders and upper ends coupled to a source of electrical potential, the electrical potential energizing the axial flux permanent magnet motors to relieve the load on the internal combustion engine for increased efficiency of the system.