Abstract:
An energy storage apparatus for a vehicle having a housing resiliently mounted in the vehicle, a first plurality of flywheels rotatable about a first axis within the housing, a second plurality of flywheels rotatable about a second axis within the housing, a third plurality of flywheels rotatable about a third axis within the housing, an energy input mechanism connected to at least one of the flywheels for initiating and maintaining rotational movement of the flywheels, and an output mechanism for converting the rotation of the flywheels into potential energy. Each of the flywheels of the first, second and third pairs are rotatable in opposite directions. Each of the axes are perpendicular to each other. A cradle is connected to the vehicle so as to receive the housing within the cradle. This flywheel system is designed to be safe, yet portable, as an electro-mechanical battery.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to kinetic energy storage systems for use in moving vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to energy storage systems utilizing an arrangement of three counter-rotating pairs of electro-mechanical flywheels for reducing and minimizing gyroscopic effects upon the moving vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to operating portable flywheel energy storage systems which includes an automatic braking capability, shock absorption and expansion containment to avoid or contain flywheels that “burst” during accidents. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     While flywheels are well known in the art, there has been very little application of flywheels in moving vehicles. Some flywheels have been used in automobile engines to smooth out the pulses of energy provided by the exploding gases in the cylinders and to provide energy for the compression stroke of the pistons. However, flywheels have seldom been used for storage of kinetic energy within the automobile. 
     The reason for the lack of usage of flywheels as kinetic energy storers in automobiles has been the gyroscopic effect of the flywheel upon the maneuverability of the vehicle. A spinning flywheel produces a strong gyroscopic effect; in other words, the flywheel strongly opposes the turning of the vehicle. This gyroscopic effect is magnified where the flywheel is either large or spinning at high speeds. 
     It is highly desirable to utilize flywheel systems to store kinetic energy in moving vehicles since they can be loaded and energy drawn many times. For example, a train equipped with a kinetic energy storing flywheel could conserve a significant portion of that energy which was lost upon stopping the train. Similarly, the energy wasted in stopping an automobile could also be conserved and applied to accelerating the automobile or supplying the automobile with electrical power. Such a kinetic energy storage system could have vast application in the field of electric automobiles or other electrically powered vehicles. 
     The gyroscopic effect of a single flywheel arrangement clearly prohibits its widespread use as a kinetic energy storer in vehicles. If a single flywheel system were used to store much of the kinetic energy lost during the stoppage of a train, then the gyroscopic effect of the spinning flywheel could cause a train to derail every time it would go around a curve. Thus, it would be desirable to use a flywheel kinetic energy storing system without having to endure the undesirable characteristics of the gyroscopic effect. 
     One significant effort to achieve these benefits was found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,015, which issued on Feb. 5, 1985, to the present inventor. This device was a flywheel device for a moving vehicle that comprised a plurality of flywheel systems connected in such a manner as to minimize the gyroscopic effects of the flywheels. These flywheels were arranged such that they spin in axes that are ninety degrees from each other. In one embodiment of the invention, this was accomplished by attaching each flywheel to a separate shaft extending through opposing sides of a closed container. One shaft extends from the top to the bottom, another from side to side along the length of the enclosure, and the third from side to side along the width of the enclosure. Each of the shafts is freely rotatable within a ball bearing arrangement mounted in each side of the enclosure. The shafts are geared into one another such that the equally sized flywheels will spin at the same rate. This patent further proposed an alternative embodiment in which each of the flywheels was the rotor in an electric motor. The flywheel-rotor included integrated windings, magnets, and stator cores. Additionally, other techniques can be used such as hydraulic motor generators or pneumatic motor generators. The axes of these motors are arranged so as to be ninety degrees from each other. The electric motors were rigidly attached at a central area between them. 
     Unfortunately, this arrangement of flywheels was often difficult to configure so that all of the gyroscopic effects were eliminated. After a great deal of experimentation, it was found that the rotational movement of the flywheel, along each of the axes, still contributed gyroscopic effects. As such, a solution needed to be found as to how the minimize the gyroscopic effects along each axis. 
     In U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 08/304,520, filed on Sep. 12, 1994, by the present inventor, and entitled “FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE APPARATUS”, presently pending, a system was described which minimizes gyroscopic effects from the rotational movement of the flywheels. In particular, this system is an energy storage apparatus that has a housing, a pair of flywheels rotatable about a first axis within the housing, a second pair of flywheels rotatable about a second axis within the housing, a third pair of flywheels rotatable about a third axis within the housing, and an energy input means connected to at least one of the flywheels for initiating and maintaining rotational movement of the flywheels. An output energy device serves to convert the rotation of the flywheels into potential energy. Each of the first pair of flywheels rotates in opposite directions. Each of the second pair of flywheels is rotatable in opposite directions. Finally, each of the third pair of flywheels is rotatable in opposite directions. Each of the axes of the flywheel pairs are perpendicular to each other. 
     In this system, the energy input means was a motor-generator connected to each of the flywheels of the first, second and third pairs. Each of the flywheels has a shaft which extends centrally therefrom. The shaft is rotatable with the rotation of each of the flywheels. The motor-generator is connected to the shaft. In this system, the housing has a configuration of a sealed cube. Each of the flywheels is located adjacent a side of the cube. The housing has an interior which is maintained in a vacuum condition. 
     After experiments with the present invention, it was found that this invention strongly minimized the gyroscopic effects of the flywheels in the system. However, in actual use, there was the danger of injury caused by the flywheels spinning at a high speed. Under certain circumstances, in the event of an automobile accident or a collision when the flywheel disintegrates or bursts, pieces of the flywheel could come off of the spinning flywheel. The high speed at which the flywheel rotated created a dangerous condition whereby the flying pieces became the equivalent of flying shrapnel. As such, a need developed so as to create such an energy storage apparatus in which each of the flywheel components would automatically brake in the event of a collision. 
     It is further noted that with these prior systems, it is important to be able, under certain circumstances, to absorb the energy produced by such an apparatus. Adverse effects could be created by rigidly and fixedly mounting the housing of such an energy storage apparatus directly to a vehicle. The strong forces imparted by such a device could damage the structural integrity of the vehicle. Additionally, the flywheels housed in a cubic frame, when used in vehicles, are subject to possible disintegration or damage due to road shock and vibration. Such road shocks and vibrations must be absorbed in order to reduce any threat of damage to the flywheels, especially at higher vehicle and flywheel speeds. As such, a need developed so as to be able to reduce the shock and fatigue caused by the energy from road vibration and the shocks of bumps, holes and rocks as received by the vehicle during the normal driving movement of the vehicle. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy storage apparatus which reduces and minimizes gyroscopic effects. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a long life energy storage apparatus that can be utilized within vehicles without diminishing the maneuverability of the vehicle. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an energy storage apparatus that allows for the production of electrical energy, rather than mechanical energy. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a flywheel energy storage apparatus in which the system automatically brakes in the event of a compression or collision. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a flywheel energy storage apparatus which minimizes interior friction. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a flywheel energy storage apparatus which avoid the release of shrapnel from the interior of the device. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a flywheel energy storage device which maintains a vacuum condition on the interior of the device. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a flywheel energy storage apparatus which reduces the effect of road shock and vibration upon the flywheel system. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a flywheel system which operates with other flywheel systems, other batteries or other engines. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an energy storage apparatus that comprises a cubic or spherical housing, a first pair of flywheels rotatable about a first axis within the housing, a second pair of flywheels rotatable about a second axis within the housing, a third pair of flywheels rotatable about a third axis within the housing, an energy input means connected to at least one of the flywheels for initiating and maintaining rotational movement of the flywheels, and an output means for converting the rotation of the flywheels into potential energy. Each of the first pair of flywheels is rotatable in opposite directions. Each of the second pair of flywheels is rotatable in opposite directions. Each of the third pair of flywheels is rotatable in opposite directions. Each of the axes are perpendicular to each other. 
     The energy input means is a motor-generator connected to each of the flywheels of the first, second, and third pairs. Each of the flywheels has a shaft extending centrally therefrom. The shaft is rotatable with the rotation of each of the flywheels. The motor-generator is connected to the shaft. Specifically, the shaft has stampings extending outwardly therefrom. The housing has windings positioned in proximity to the stampings. The output means is connected to these windings. 
     The housing has a configuration of a sealed cube. Each of the flywheels is adjacent a side of the cube. Specifically, the housing has an interior maintained in a vacuum condition. 
     Each of the flywheels has a conicoid configuration. A wide end of each of these flywheels is adjacent to a wall of the housing. Each of the flywheels is rotatable at similar speeds as the other flywheels. Additionally, each of the flywheels is of a similar weight as the weight of the other flywheels. Each of the flywheels is formed of a laminated configuration of plastic and/or steel rings. A set of magnetic bearings serves to cause each of the flywheels to rotate about their respective shafts more freely without contacting an adjacent flywheel. In the event of a collision or a destruction of the housing of the flywheel configuration, the forces imparted on the flywheels will cause the center of the support system to yield to the forces to be overcome so that the respective flywheels will come into contact with one another at their smallest diameter so as to establish automatic braking of the system. The housing is designed so that in the event of a collision, and, consequently, in the event of a burst, the weaker side, such as the top and/or bottom of the housing, will open so that any flying debris will fly in a desired direction. The remaining housing portion will prevent any flying parts or expansion of the housing from being directed into the passenger compartment of a vehicle. 
     In an alternative form of the present invention, the laminated or layered ring configuration of the flywheels is arranged such that the innermost rings are designed so as to break free and spin against other flywheels and/or stationary sections prior to the disintegration of the flywheel itself. As such, in the event of the destruction of the flywheels, in a burst, the frame will resist the explosion by expanding relative to the force. In another form of the present invention, a stainless steel mesh is provided or molded into plastic walls of the frame of the energy storage apparatus so as to “flex” or expand in the event of an explosion. In another form of the present invention, a cable is wrapped around the exterior of the walls of the energy storage device so as to provide expansion or stretch in the event of a disintegration of the flywheels. In another form of the present invention, the flywheel energy storage device is dipped in latex material so as to retain the vacuum condition on the interior of the energy storage device and provide a further expansion mechanism. 
     In order to isolate the energy storage apparatus and the associated flywheels from shocks and vibration caused by movement of a vehicle on a road, the present invention includes a cradle which is connected to the vehicle and which receives the housing therein. The cradle is mounted to the vehicle by a fastener with an elastomeric member interposed between the cradle and the vehicle. In a particular form of the present invention, the cradle has a rigid well formed on an exterior surface thereof so as to receive the elastomeric member therein. A spring extends from the cradle and engages the housing so as to suspend the housing within the cradle such that the walls of the housing do not contact the walls of the cradle. A shock absorbing container may be interposed between the wall of the housing and the wall of the cradle. 
     In a particular form of the present invention, the cradle will have a cubical configuration of a single flywheel arrangement with a frame formed of a rigid material. The cradle has walls affixed to the frame. These frames are of a flexible and generally impenetrable material. 
     To further isolate the energy storage apparatus from road shock and vibration, each of the flywheels is rotatably mounted on a magnetic bearing. The magnetic bearing is affixed within an elastomeric lining on a wall of the housing. A pin is positioned centrally of the magnetic bearing. The flywheel has a jewel positioned centrally thereof so as to ride in close proximity over and around the pin. The pin has an elastomeric frame extending therearound. The jewel is suspended in an elastomeric frame in the flywheel. Also, in the present invention, each of the flywheels can comprise a plurality of rings arranged concentrically with respect to each other. In the case of an accident, strong collision or blow, in conjunction with the braking mechanism, each of the rings can be slippable in rotation and lose energy with respect to an adjacent ring. Further these rings can spring out of the center of rotation and rub against the inside walls of the frame so as to further decelerate due to friction. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the energy storage apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a frontal cross-sectional view of the energy storage apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the energy storage apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of the energy storage apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view across one of the axes of the flywheel system of the present invention showing in particular, the internal construction of the flywheel system. 
     FIG. 6 is an exterior perspective view of the housing of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of how the automatic braking system of the present invention will function in the event of an accident. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention showing a stainless steel wire layered into a composite panel of the energy storage apparatus. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-section segmental view of the shock-absorbing techniques used to isolate the flywheels from road shocks to the vehicle. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-section interior view of the energy storage apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the pin-and-jewel connection of the flywheel to the housing. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the exterior of the housing of the energy storage apparatus of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown at  10  the energy storage apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the side walls  12 ,  14 , and  16  of the energy storage apparatus  10  are illustrated as clear. It can be seen that the walls  12 ,  14 , and  16 , along with those walls not illustrated, form the housing  18  for the energy storage apparatus  10  of the present invention. The housing  18  has the configuration of a sealed cube. It can be seen that each of the flywheels  20 ,  22 , and  24  are adjacent to sides  12 ,  14  and  16 , respectively, of the housing  18 . The interior of the housing  18  should be in a vacuum condition so as to minimize any friction through the rotation of the flywheels  20 ,  22 , and  24  within the interior of the housing  18 . This vacuum condition can be created by the use of a commercial vacuum pump acting on the interior of housing  18 . 
     The housing  18 , along with its associated components, is to be positioned within the interior of a vehicle. The energy storage apparatus  10  of the present invention is contemplated for use in conjunction with a bus. However, all vehicles or vessels can be included, including spacecraft. The energy storage apparatus  10  of the present invention would work best in space due to the vacuum condition of space itself. 
     In the present invention, a six-sided cube of flywheels is contemplated. As such, it can be seen that each of the flywheels  20 ,  22  and  24  face in directions perpendicular to each other. Each of the flywheels  20 ,  22  and  24  rotate about axes which are perpendicular to each other. In the concept of the present invention, flywheels can also face the other sides of the housing  18 . In other words, another flywheel will face the back side  26  of housing  18  opposite the flywheel  20 . A flywheel will face the side  28  opposite flywheel  22 . Another flywheel will face the bottom  30  of the housing  18  opposite flywheel  24 . The flywheel  20  and the flywheel at the back  26  will rotate about the same axis but will rotate in opposite directions. The flywheel  22 , and the flywheel at the side  28 , will rotate about the same axis but will rotate in opposite directions. Finally, the flywheel  24 , and the flywheel at the bottom  30 , will rotate about the same axis but in opposite directions. These flywheels, opposite each other on the same axis, turn in the opposite direction so as to the gyro-neutral characteristics obtained in a three-dimensional configuration. Counter-rotating flywheels are known to neutralize certain gyroscopic effects on the same plane. The energy storage apparatus  10  serves to make gyro-neutral all movement aspects of the entire assembly. The gyro-effects are transferred to the enclosure, to the bearings, and to the shafts of each plane of flywheel axis. As a result, a vehicle connected to the energy storage apparatus  10  will be free of gyro-limitations. 
     FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the energy storage apparatus  10  of the present invention. Importantly, it can be seen that the flywheel  24  extends so as to be adjacent to the top side  16  of the housing  18 . Another flywheel  32  is positioned adjacent to the sidewall  28  of housing  18 . A flywheel  34  is directed toward the bottom wall  30  of the housing  18 . Finally, flywheel  22  is positioned adjacent to the side wall  14  of housing  18 . Each of the flywheels  22 ,  24 ,  32 , and  34  have a conicoid configuration. By “conicoid” configuration, it is meant that the flywheels have a bow-shaped, half-rounded, or conical configuration. The wide end of this configuration is adjacent to the respective side walls. It is believed that this conicoid configuration of the flywheels maximizes the kinetic energy storage ability of each of the flywheels within the housing  18 . Additionally, the conicoid configuration allows six flywheels to be received within the cube-shaped housing  18 . 
     In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the flywheels  22  and  32  are co-axial, but rotate in opposite directions. Similarly, it can be seen that the flywheels  24  and  34  are co-axial, but rotate in opposite directions. 
     The flywheel  22  is mounted on a shaft  38 . The shaft  38  extends into the side wall  14  of the housing  18 . Similarly, in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the flywheel  34  is mounted on a shaft  40 . Shaft  40  extends into the bottom wall  30  of the housing  18 . The flywheels  22  and  32  are mounted in a similar fashion. Although the flywheels  22  and  32  are in a co-axial arrangement, they are not connected to the same shaft. Similarly, the flywheels  24  and  34  are not connected to the same shaft. 
     FIG. 3 is an illustration of the energy storage apparatus  10  of the present invention that is viewed at the side wall  14 . It can be seen that the flywheel  22  is positioned rotatably at the side wall. It is further illustrated that the flywheel  20  rotates in one direction and another flywheel at the back wall  26  rotates in the opposite direction. Similarly, it is illustrated in FIG. 3, that the flywheel  24 , at the top side  16 , rotates in an opposite direction than the flywheel located at the bottom side  30 . 
     FIG. 4 shows the present invention as viewed at the top side  16 . In this view of the present invention, the flywheel  28  is rotatably arranged adjacent to the top side  16 . The flywheel at the front wall  12  rotates in an opposite direction of the flywheel at the back wall  26 . Similarly, the flywheels on sides  14  and  18  rotate in opposite directions. 
     FIG. 5 shows the interior configuration of the flywheel system  50  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It should be noted that the flywheel system illustrated in FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view across one of the axes of the flywheel system. However, the same illustration would be appropriate as taken across the other axes of the flywheel system of the present invention. As such, the description of each of the flywheels and associated components is applicable to the system as a whole. Initially, the flywheel system  50  has a housing  52  which surrounds the individual flywheels  54 ,  56 ,  58  and  60  on the interior of the housing  52 . The housing is, ideally, made of a stainless steel mesh or composite material having a thickness of approximately ½ of an inch. The housing  52  is assembled with expandable riveting side  62  at its ends to sides  64  and  66 . Similarly, side  64  is assembled with expandable riveting its ends to sides  68  and to side  62 . Side  66  is assembled with expandable riveting its ends to the ends of side  62  and side  68 . Finally, side  68  is assembled with expandable riveting its ends to the ends of sides  64  and  66 . The riveting of these ends together is illustrated, with particularity, in FIG.  5 . The rivets are formed of a stainless steel alloy material so as to be able to expand under extreme pressures without breaking. 
     In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the walls  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68  are surrounded by a latex material  69 . The housing  52  is dipped in latex following the assembling of the walls  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 . As such, the latex will enhance the “vacuum conditions” on the interior of the housing  52  and also serve as an expansion device. A stainless steel mesh  71  surrounds the latex layer  69  around the walls  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68  of housing  52 . The stainless steel mesh serves to retain the components on the interior of the housing  52  in the event of a disintegration of the flywheels therein. This stainless steel cable or wire mesh will tend to flex and slowly expand in the event of an explosion. As such, the release of shrapnel from the interior of the housing  52  is effectively avoided. The stainless steel cable or wire mesh can be incorporated or replaced with the composites (glass fibers, carbon fibers, or plastic fibers). The same principle will apply in which the proper composite materials so as to form a rigid, yet expandable, frame can be engineered to slowly expand so as to disperse explosion forces and to retain all of the shrapnel within the interior of the housing  52 . 
     As can be seen in FIG. 5, the flywheel  54  has a conicoid configuration. The forward edge  70  of the flywheel  54  has a magnetic component  72  having an indentation  74 . A magnetic bearing  76  is located in the central portion of the housing  52 . The magnetic bearing  76  has a projection  78  which is received within the indentation  74  of the magnetic portion  72 . Under normal circumstances, the forward end  70  of the magnetic component  72  will have a similar pole as the end  80  of the magnetic bearing. As such, the forward edge of the magnetic component  72  will tend to repel the outward edge of the magnetic bearing  80 . Small bearings  82  are positioned adjacent to the indentation  74  so as to allow easy rotation of the indentation  74  of the magnetic component  72  around the projection  78  of the magnetic bearing  76 . As such, the flywheel  72  is able to achieve relatively friction-free rotation on the interior of the housing  52 . 
     A similar orientation of magnetic bearings and flywheels will occur with the second flywheel  84 , the third flywheel  86  and the fourth flywheel  88 . For example, flywheel  84  is supported by magnetic bearing  89 . Flywheel  86  is supported by magnetic bearing  90 . Flywheel  88  is supported by magnetic bearing  92 . In view of the relative orientations of the magnetic components of each of the flywheels  84 ,  86  and  88  with respect to the magnetic bearings  89 ,  90  and  92 , relatively friction-free rotation is achieved. 
     Flywheel  72  is connected by shaft  94  to motor  96 . Suitable bearings can serve to support the shaft  94  relative to the motor  96 . These bearings can be ball bearings, or other types of bearings, such as soft metal bearings, air bearings, magnetic bearings, and similar devices. The motor  96  has stampings  98  which are affixed to the shaft  94  so as to rotate with the rotation of the flywheel  72 . Windings  100  are affixed within the housing  52  so as to be in proximity to the stampings  60 . As such, the flywheel system  50  can act as an electric motor/generator. The electric motor/generator of the flywheel system serves as the kinetic energy input means for the present invention. Each of the flywheels  72 ,  84 ,  86  and  88  within the energy storage apparatus  50  has this arrangement of windings  100  and stampings  98 . 
     As can be seen in FIG. 5, the flywheel  72  is formed of a laminated assemblage of plastic and steel rings. The plastic rings  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  extend circumferentially around the steel ring  110 . The plastic ring  108  surrounds the magnetic component  72 . This assemblage of plastic rings  102 ,  104 ,  106 , along with the steel ring  110 , serves to prevent injury and damage from flying shrapnel as the result of a collision. Each of the plastic composite or steel rings  102 ,  104  and  106  serve to isolate the steel ring  110  from the exterior environment. As such, in the event of a collision, the plastic rings  102 ,  104  and  106  will serve to help brake the system and serve to avoid the release of shrapnel from the interior of housing  52 . 
     The plastic rings  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  can be particularly configured so as to enhance the safety of the present invention. In particular, innermost rings  108  and  110  can be formed of a more easily disintegratable material. As such, in the event of contact between the flywheels and the walls of the enclosure  52 , the innermost rings will disintegrate before the outermost rings. As such, the outward release of shrapnel is effectively prevented. When the innermost rings collapse first, the outermost rings will tend to compress upon the collapsed innermost rings rather than be released with an explosive outwardly directed force. 
     A balancing element  112  is provided around the periphery of the flywheel  72  so as to allow for minor adjustments to be made in the balance of each of the flywheels. It is important to note that each of the flywheels  84 ,  86  and  88  has a similar configuration as flywheel  54 . 
     Importantly, each of the motors  96 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  is surrounded by an aluminum and steel cable and carbon fiber/resin wrap  120 . As such, each of the motors  96 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  is rigidly supported on the interior of the housing  52 . 
     A water coolant line  122  provides for the circulation of water around the system so as to appropriately cool the flywheels as they rotate on the interior of housing  52 . A vacuum line  124  also extends into the interior of the housing  52 , also shown in FIG. 8, so as to appropriately maintain cooling to the bearings, magnetic and motors in a vacuum condition. 
     In the present invention, the flywheel system  50  has an ability to flex in the event of a collision. In particular, the enclosure is appropriately flexible so that, in the event of a collision, adjacent flywheels will contact each other so as to create a braking effect by the contact of flywheel against flywheel indicating contact at its smallest diameter (also made with braking materials). 
     An exterior view of the flywheel system  50  is shown in FIG.  6 . It can be seen that the housing  52  includes a plurality of sides which are appropriately rivetted together. An exterior system of steel and carbon fiber resins  130  surrounds each of the sides of the flywheel system  50  so as to prevent the release of fragments in the event of a collision. The flexing characteristics serve to bring the flywheels to a quick stop by making contact between the sides of the flywheels. As such, even though the flywheels are spinning at a very high speed, they can be quickly stopped by surface-to-surface contact. The heat and destruction that occurs within the flywheel system of the present invention is unimportant. Each of the flywheels can be easily replaced. The importance of the design of the housing  52  of the present invention assures that the components will not “fly apart” in the event of a collision. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, the cubic design of the housing  52  is particularly configured so that the top  140  and the bottom  142  will fold inwardly and open in the event of a collision in which a side force  144  will contact one of the sides  146 ,  148 ,  150  and  152  of the housing  52 . It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the force  144  strikes on side  146 . This will cause the sides to fold inwardly on each other. When this occurs, the flywheels on the interior of housing  52  will come into contact with one another and come to a quick stop. Also, the top  140  and the bottom  142  will open so that any particles that are released will be delivered vertically upwardly or vertically downwardly. In such an arrangement, these shrapnel-like particles will not affect any persons on the interior of the vehicle employing the flywheel system  50  of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 shows an alternative form of the present invention. In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the housing  200  of the flywheel energy storage device is formed with wire or cable  202 . Wire mesh  202  reinforced on all sides of the housing  200 . As such, in the event of a destruction of the flywheels on the interior of the housing  200 , the wire mesh  202  will tend to stretch so as to keep the enclosure  200  from blowing apart. As such, all of the components will be effectively retained within the enclosure  200  with controlled expansion to prevent its release into a passenger compartment of a vehicle. As such, this form of the invention effectively prevents the release of shrapnel from the interior of the housing  200 . 
     The present invention provides the maximum neutralization of the gyroscopic phenomenon. The cube form of the three-dimensional flywheel assembly can serve as an energy storage apparatus. It is also possible that various twelve-sided forms (instead of cubes) could also be used so as to achieve the same neutralization of the gyroscopic phenomenon. The spinning of the flywheels in opposite directions on the same axis serves to neutralize all gyroscopic effects on that axis. The speed of each flywheel should be in synchronism and the weight of each flywheel should be the same. Since the gyroscopic effect is neutralized per plane-axis, then this three-dimensional arrangement adds gyroscopic neutralization to the entire cube. As such, all possible movements of a moving vehicle or vessel are covered. 
     The entire unit of the present invention results in a cube-shaped housing having six flywheels. One or more cubes can be interconnected electrically so as to operate like an electro-mechanical battery. Such a battery can be charged and recharged in an unlimited fashion. This electro-mechanical battery permits regenerative braking, and other leading opportunities, to occur during the operation of the motor vehicle. 
     It is possible, within the concept of the present invention, that the arrangement of the flywheels could be expanded into a ball-shaped configuration. This can occur when the electrical system can be integrated into the flywheels or into the enclosure. The use of a ball over a cube configuration can lend itself for possible placement inside a pipe. The tubular space inside the pipe can be better used to receive a ball than a cube. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a shock absorbing system  300  designed so as to receive the housing  302  of the flywheel generator apparatus  304  therein. As can be seen in FIG. 9, a cradle  306  is affixed to the vehicle  308  through the use of a fastener  310 . In particular, the fastener  310  can be a bolt or a screw which attaches the frame  312  of cradle  306  directly to the vehicle  308 . The frame  312  of the cradle  306  is formed of a rigid member, such as steel or aluminum. Frame  312  includes a well area  314  facing toward the vehicle  308 . An elastomeric member  316  is fitted within the well  314  and around the fastener  310 . The elastomeric member  316  can be a rubber washer which creates a resilient contact between the frame  312  and the surface of the vehicle  308 . As can be seen in FIG. 9, the thickness of the elastomeric member  316  is greater than the depth of the well  314  so that the frame  312  is effectively isolated from the vehicle  308 . 
     The cradle  306  has a generally cubical configuration with a wall  318  affixed to the frame  312 . So as to facilitate the shock-absorbing capability, the wall  318  can be formed of a flexible and generally impenetrable material, such as KEVLAR (TM) or a cloth bag coated with latex or rubber. Alternatively, the wall  318  can be formed of steel mesh, plastic or other metals and reinforced with KEVLAR (TM) or the cloth bag coated with latex or rubber. 
     A shock-absorbing container  320  is affixed to the wall  306  and extends so as to face the wall  322  of the housing  312 . This container can be interposed between each of the walls of the cradle  306  and the walls of the housing  322 . The shock-absorbing container  320  can be a bag, balloon or bladder which is filled with oil, any other thick fluid, rubber or rubber powder, or any combination thereof. The shock-absorbing container  320  serves to further isolate the wall  302  of housing  322  from the cradle  306 . 
     A spring  324  is connected to a corner of the housing  322  and is also connected to the frame  302  of the cradle  306 . This spring will extend downwardly at the corners of the cradle and toward the corners of the housing  322  so as to suspend the housing  322  within the cradle  306 . 
     Another shock-absorbing feature of the present invention is the manner in which the flywheel  326  is connected to the wall  328  of the housing  322 . As can be seen, a magnetic bearing  330  is secured within an elastomeric frame  332  within the wall  328  of the housing  322 . Additionally, a pin member  334  is secured within another elastomeric frame  336  in the center of the wall  328 . Pin  334  will have a pointed end which extends toward the flywheel  326 . The flywheel  326  also has a jewel  338  mounted in an elastomeric frame  340  centrally thereof. The jewel  338  will ride adjacent to and around the pin  334 . Magnetic bearings  342  will interact with the magnet bearings  330  so as to provide a contact-free rotational movement by the flywheel  326  upon shaft  344 . 
     The flywheel  326  includes a plurality of rings  346 ,  348  and  350  that are concentrically mounted around the shaft  344 . Each of the rings has a convex exterior surface  350  and a concave interior surface  352 . As can be seen, that the concave inner surface will engage the convex surface of an adjacent ring. The design of the present invention is that, under extreme forces, each of the rings  346 ,  348  and  350  will be slippable with respect to an adjacent ring. 
     As used in the present invention, the flywheels  326  can be made of rings which are of different materials and densities. As such, certain of the rings can act as springs. The rings can be formed in layers of “half-moon” shapes so that in and impact or blow of low intensity, the flywheels will have some “give” in a spring type of absorption. Under normal centrifugal force, the rings will be rigid and remain in place. 
     Additionally, the flywheel  326  can be hollow or be mercury-filled, or filled with some other liquid. The liquid will allow absorption to an impact force or a strike. If the flywheel does disintegrate, the liquid will allow for a containment of the pieces of the flywheel. A liquid-filled or hollow flywheel will also offer inherent balancing and weight advantages for higher energy storage at given speeds. 
     In the present invention, the first shock absorbing system is the mounting of the cradle as soft-supported between rubber parts attached to the rigid parts of a vehicle. The cradle carries the housing of the energy storage apparatus. This system, through the rubber supports in an elastomeric manner to the vehicle. The fitting well associated with the frame of the cradle serves to house the rubber doughnut therein so as to prevent undue distortion of the elastomeric member  316  under extreme forces. The cradle is formed of aluminum and steel in a stronger than required semi-flexible frame with expandable panels made of steel mesh, plastic or other materials and reinforced with a strong expandable KEVLAR (TM) or similar material, such as a cloth bag coated with latex or rubber. The cradle is designed to absorb road shock and is also a secondary containment system in the case of a disintegration of the energy storage device  304 . 
     The present invention also uses a hanging system where the housing is supported in the cradle through the use of the spring  324 . The bottom, top and sides of the cradle have shock-absorbing containers  320  attached thereto. These containers  320  serve to absorb any and all shocks and vibrations which were not absorbed by the previously described system or by the suspension system. 
     The shafts and shaft supports within the energy storage apparatus  304  must be strong enough to never jump the bearings  330  and  342  or bend out of center. This is achieved by the raw strength of the materials and the maximum allowed weight of the flywheel and the speed of rotation. Each flywheel and shaft is provided with shock and vibration absorption at the bearings. To accomplish this, the pin and jewel are mounted in rubber. This is combined with the magnetic suspension between the two supports on each side of the flywheel shaft. The pin and jewel is a touchdown support with a tolerance of between 0.001 to 0.002 inches. This permits the flywheel assembly to ride almost friction free in a “no vibration” moment. The pin and jewel elastomeric mounts are expanded to yield about {fraction (1/64)}th of an inch so as to be the gap between the turning flywheels and the flexibility of the permanent magnets mounted on the shaft and the static electro-magnet mounted in the cubic housing. Both the mount of the pin and jewel on both sides of the shaft supporting the rotors and the magnetic bearings are encased in a strong rubber frame encased in steel or ceramic blocks. These are capable of yielding under pressure, inwardly or outwardly, or laterally. 
     FIG. 10 is an interior view of the flywheel apparatus  300 . In particular, it can be seen that flywheels  400 ,  402 ,  404  and  406  reside within the interior of housing  408 . Each of the flywheels  400 ,  402 ,  404  and  406  is formed of a plurality of rings which can “flex” and move laterally in a spring-type action in the event of a burst or a disintegration of the flywheel apparatus  300 . It can be seen that each of the flywheels  400 ,  402 ,  404  and  406  includes suitable windings so as to provide the means for transmitting energy from the flywheel apparatus  300  or providing energy for the rotation of each of the flywheels. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that electromagnets  408  are positioned adjacent to shaft  410  associated with the flywheel  406 . The same arrangement exists for the other flywheels  400 ,  402 , and  404 . Magnets  412  provide the magnetic bearing support for the shaft  410 . A suitable pin  414  interacts with jewel  416  so as to provide the point of rotation of the flywheel  406  about the shaft  410 . 
     In FIG. 10, it can be seen that there is a malleable center core  416  and a bearing support that can yield under the pressure of a blow or strike to the housing  408 . This malleable center core  416  will cause the respective flywheels  400 ,  402 ,  404  and  406  to “jam” together, to make contact, and to decelerate. This contact will first occur at the smallest diameter of the respective flywheels. 
     FIG. 10 further shows that coolant lines  420  pass cooling fluid from the interior of the windings associated with each of the flywheels. Coolant lines  422  illustrate that the cooling fluid is delivered into the interior of such windings. 
     FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of an individual pin-and-jewel arrangement  500 . Initially, it can be seen that the jewel  502  is supported on a shaft  504  within a rubber shock-absorbing material  506 . The jewel  502  is aluminum or an oxide-like ceramic material. The pin  508  includes a pointed end  510  which is received within the open end of the jewel  502 . The angle α between the pin  508  and the jewel  502  would be set so as to optimize the performance of the flywheels. The pin  508  is formed of a steel material which will bend but not fracture. A cooling duct  512  extends around the pin  508  so as to act as a heat exchange medium. A lid  514  is fitted into the end of the pin  508 . An allen-wrench hole  516  is formed at the end of the lid  514  so as to allow the lid to be inserted into the pin  508 . An O-ring seal  518  is interposed between the lid  514  and the pin  508 . The lid  514  can retain grease within the pin. 
     FIG. 12 shows an exterior view of the housing  408 . As can be seen, the housing  408  includes cooling lines  420  which serve to deliver the cooling fluid from the windings of the respective flywheel. The cooling lines  422  extend outwardly from the side  440  so as to allow for the passage of cooling fluid into the housing  408 . It can be seen that these cooling lines appear on each of the sides of the housing  408 . Each of the sides of the housing  408  is connected to an adjacent housing through the use of expandable rivets  442  (described herein previously). A stainless steel cable safety winding  444  extends around the housing  408  so as to prevent the explosion of the housing  408  in the event of a collision or a burst. 
     The present invention also includes another form of shock absorption by manufacturing the flywheels to distort and to absorb a certain amount of change in angular momentum before disintegrating. The flywheels are formed in rings in which different materials with high strength fiber strands are wound. The rings, upon sufficient rotational force, may slip between themselves. The shaping of the outer diameter of the rings in a channel or circular cupping form allows a small rotation of the outer ring and return to the original shape in a bending yield without damaging themselves or adjacent rings. 
     The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.