Patent ID: 6461266
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,F16H,Y02T,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A differential engine with a variable torque output, said differential engine comprising:(a) a motor for driving an output shaft at a rotational speed and applying an input rotational torque to said output shaft; (b) a torque conversion stage coupled to said motor for converting said input rotational torque into a rotational torque at an output drive shaft for coupling to a load; (c) said torque conversion stage including a first differential stage, said first differential stage having an input shaft coupled to the output shaft of said motor, and said first differential stage having a gear mechanism for translating the rotational torque from said input shaft to first and second output shafts and said gear mechanism driving each of said output shafts at the same speed and in opposing rotational directions; (d) said torque conversion stage including a second differential stage, said second differential stage having a first input shaft coupled to the first output shaft of said first differential stage, and a second input shaft coupled to the second output shaft of said first differential stage, and including a gear mechanism for applying a rotational torque to said output drive shaft when a difference occurs between the rotational speeds of the first and second input shafts for the second differential stage; (e) a loading mechanism, said loading mechanism being coupled to one of said input shafts on said second differential stage, said loading mechanism being responsive to a control input for loading said input shaft to vary the rotational speed of the associated input shaft.