Patent ID: 7992948
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: B60K,B60T,B60W,B62L,B62M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A regenerative braking wheel assembly for a vehicle comprising: a radially outer circular wheel rim configured for rotational motion about a transverse axle, defining a radially inner space from the circular wheel rim to the transverse axle, wherein the radially inner space further includes: a ring gear mounted on the transverse axle and configured for unitary rotational motion with the rim within the radially inner space; a support frame; a first storage tank and a second storage tank mounted on the support frame and in fluid communication with one another through one or more fluid lines; a pump connected with the support frame and operatively associated with the one or more fluid lines, the pump being configured for facilitating movement of a fluid between the first and second storage tanks; a first pinion gear operatively associated with the pump and engaged with the ring gear, wherein rotation of the ring gear transmits rotational motion to the first pinion gear and rotational motion of the first pinion gear operates the pump; a motor connected with the support frame and in fluid communication with the one or more fluid lines such that movement of the fluid in the one or more fluid lines operates the motor; and a second pinion gear operatively associated with the motor and engaged with the ring gear for transmitting rotational motion thereto, wherein operation of the motor causes the rotation of the second pinion gear, wherein movement of fluid in the fluid lines is at least partially responsive to a selected mode of operation and the mode of operation includes: a braking mode, wherein a fluid in the one or more fluid storage tanks is pressurized by the rotational motion of the circular rim in association with the ring gear, the first pinion gear and the operation of the pump; an idle mode, wherein pressure of the fluid in the one or more fluid storage tanks is maintained at a substantially constant value independent of the rotational motion of the circular rim; and and an accelerating mode, wherein the rotational motion of the circular rim is responsive to the depressurization of the pressurized fluid in the fluid storage tanks in association with the ring gear, the second pinion gear and the operation of the motor, the second pinion gear and the ring gear.