Patent Publication Number: US-2010116567-A1

Title: Apparatus for assisting motion of vehicles

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/607,538 filed on Oct. 28, 2009, entitled “A Power Module for Assisting Motion of Vehicles” by Yadon Arad, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/208,291 filed on Sep. 10, 2008, entitled “A Power Module for Assisting Motion of Vehicles” by Yadon Arad, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The technology generally relates to decreasing the environmental impacts of vehicles. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus that can use electrical motors to assist the motion of vehicles to improve environmental friendliness. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles based on internal-combustion-engines are ubiquitous in present day transportation. However, the same engines are culprits of a large percentage of the increased carbon-dioxide emissions and the increasing green-house effect. The limited supply of oil and natural gas, and world politics have resulted in increased price of oil and natural gas placing a severe financial burden on the average citizen of the planet. 
     The vehicle industry based on internal-combustion engines has been mature and is capable of manufacturing low cost vehicles, whereas vehicles based on electricity and other energy sources have not yet become conveniently available to the average person on the planet. Furthermore, there are millions of inefficient cars that are already in use and those cars will remain inefficient and will use oil for fuel until the owners manage to afford new fuel-efficient vehicles based on alternative energy sources. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a diagrammatic view of a system of a composite vehicle having vehicle coupled to an apparatus that assists motion of the vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an example block diagram the apparatus for motion assistance. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates another diagrammatic view of a vehicle coupled to an apparatus that is equipped with a power cable. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process for assisting the motion of vehicles. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of a wheel of the motion assistance apparatus. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an example configuration of springs attached to the wheel  505  for reorientation. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a vertical connector and a horizontal connector on the handle connecting the apparatus with the vehicle. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an electromotor physically attached to the wheel in the motion assistance apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a display unit and a lighting system of the motion assistance apparatus. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a flow chart illustrating another example process for assisting the motion of vehicles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. 
     Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. 
     The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way. 
     Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. 
     Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control. 
     As an alternative to oil and natural gas, electrical energy can be obtained from various renewable sources including but not limited to: wind, sun, geothermal sources. It can also be obtained from hydroelectric power plans which do not emit carbon-dioxide. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method and apparatus that uses electrical energy to move a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) that otherwise uses an internal-combustion-engine. The electrical energy can be obtained from various sources including renewable sources to reduce fuel usage and to reduce carbon dioxide and/or other harmful emissions. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus is coupled to a vehicle and provides at least a part of the force used to move the vehicle. The apparatus may be coupled to any part of the vehicle although generally to the rear. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus includes, a wheel, an electromotor, an energy-storage device, and/or a handle operatively configured to couple the apparatus to the vehicle for motion assistance. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a diagrammatic view of a system of a composite vehicle  107  having vehicle  101  coupled to an apparatus  104  (e.g., a motion assistance apparatus) that assists motion of the vehicle  101 , according to one embodiment. 
     The vehicle  101  is typically powered by internal-combustion and/or any other means including but not limited to, solar, electrical, and any combination of the above. The vehicle  101  typically has a wheel  102  and is configured to move on a road  103 . 
     In some instances, the apparatus  104  is able to move relative to the vehicle  101  when attached (e.g., move towards and/or away from the vehicle), for example, using an interlocking gear system which can cause relative motion to be actuated manually (e.g., using a lever) or electrically (e.g., using an electrical engine). Although one wheel  105  is illustrated for the apparatus  104 , additional wheels may be included as well. The wheel  105  of the apparatus  104  generally rotates about an axis in a plane. In some instances, the wheel  105  is able to rotate off the axis, as shown in the example of  FIG. 5 . 
     The apparatus  104  for assisting the motion of (e.g., assist acceleration or deceleration) the vehicle  101  can be coupled to the vehicle  101 , for example, using a handle  106 . The handle  106  may be implemented via any known or convenient manner, including but not limited to, a hook means, a magnetic means, a latch means, a lock means, etc. One embodiment of the handle  106  includes one or more connectors (e.g., a vertical connector and/or a horizontal connector), as shown in the example of  FIG. 6 . One embodiment of the apparatus  104  includes a wheel connected to the handle  106  which is foldable to facilitate easy maneuvering of the apparatus  104 . The foldable wheel is illustrated with further reference to the example of  FIG. 6 . 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  104  comprises a wheel  105 , an electromotor (illustrated with further reference in the example of  FIG. 2 ), and/or an energy-storage unit (also illustrated with further reference to the example of  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, the apparatus  104  may have two or more wheels as suitable for the vehicle  101  or for the particular conditions of the road  103 . 
     The electromotor typically facilitates the movement of the vehicle  101  and the energy-storage unit can provide the energy/power required to do so. The energy-storage unit can also recharge based on internal energy generation means or via coupling to external sources. The energy storage unit may include a fuel cell comprised of H 2  and/or CH 4 . For example, Instead of, or in addition to traditional energy storage systems, apparatus  104  may be powered by one or more fuel cells which derives the electrical energy from either H2 or CH4. H2 or CH4 in turn, are stored in storage tanks included in apparatus  104 . 
     One embodiment includes a communication bus  108  though which the vehicle  101  and the apparatus  104  communicate. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  104  switches off when the car brakes are applied. For example, the electromotor in the apparatus  104  may be switched off. The energy-storage unit can be charged by a regenerative braking system. In some instances, the apparatus  104  and vehicle  101  communicate wirelessly, for example, through the wireless module  150 . The apparatus  104  and/or the vehicle  101  can include a wireless module  150 . In one embodiment, the apparatus  104  can be controlled by a remote control  125 . 
     For example, the apparatus  104  can be turned on/engaged to push the vehicle  101  based on receiving a wireless signal (e.g., the signal may indicate that the vehicle  101  is in neutral gear or otherwise is operating without pressure on the brakes). The apparatus  104  can also be turned off/disengaged from pushing the vehicle  101  based on a wireless signal (e.g., a signal that is triggered when the brakes of the vehicle  101  are applied). The wireless signals could be emitted from a portable control (e.g., a remote control  125 ) and manually controller by the driver of the vehicle or another user. 
     Furthermore, the apparatus  104  may include a display or screen  110  visible from external entities such as pedestrians or other cars driving on the road  103 . The display or screen  110  may be used to display images and/or videos including but not limited to banners, advertisements or other promotional content, movies, pictures, and the like. The apparatus  104  may also include lighting  112  as brake lights and/or turning lights. As the vehicle  101  moves on the road  103  using fossil fuel, the apparatus  104  uses electrical energy. In one embodiment, the movement of the composite vehicle  107  is powered partially or wholly by the apparatus  104 . 
     In some instances, the vehicle  101  includes peddles (e.g., peddles actuated by passenger&#39;s feet) which are coupled to a dynamo mechanism for recharging the battery of the apparatus  104 . Any number of peddles may be used in the front or rear passenger seats. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an example block diagram the apparatus  200  for motion assistance, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     One embodiment of the apparatus  200  includes a wheel  204 , an electromotor module  205 , an energy storage unit  203 , and/or a housing  201 . Additional or less components may be included without deviating from the novel art of the disclosure. It is appreciated that some components may be partially or wholly integrated with one or more of the other components although the functions represented therein may be similar and are considered to be within the novel art of the disclosure. 
     One embodiment further includes a shaft apparatus  207 , around which the wheel  204  can rotate. The wheel  204  is configured to rotate around the shaft apparatus  207  and relative to the housing  201 . Additional wheels  204  and shaft apparatuses  207  may be included and is considered to be within the novel art of the disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, the electromotor  205  converts electrical power to mechanical power. In alternate embodiments, the electromotor  205  can be any device or module that is able to convert electrical power or any other type of power to mechanical power. Since the electromotor module  205  is coupled to the shaft apparatus  207 , the wheel or set of wheels  204  can rotate (or be accelerated) when the electromotor module  205  is in operation. The electromotor module  205  and/or the shaft apparatus  207  may further be mechanically coupled to the housing  201 . 
     In one embodiment, the wheel  204  is physically attached to an electromotor (e.g., the electromotor  205  or another electromotor) which directly supplies rotational energy/power to the wheel  204 , this example is illustrated with further reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  200  includes a handle  202 . The handle  202  can be configured to couple the housing  201  to a vehicle to which motion assistance is provided. The vehicle may be powered by internal combustion or other means, or a combination of means. 
     One embodiment includes optionally, a controller module  206  which can communicate with the vehicle via a communication bus  208 . The controller module  206  can control the power flow between the energy-storage unit  203  and the electromotor module  205 , for example, via power lines  210 . The controller module  206  may be preprogrammed with a predetermine set of settings that determine the amount of energy to be stored in the energy-storage unit  203 . In addition, the controller module  206  may be reconfigurable by a user (e.g., vehicle driver) or may be adaptable to usage conditions, environmental conditions in real-time or near real-time. In one embodiment, the energy-storage unit  203  includes fuel cells with H 2  and/or CH 4 . 
     For example, Instead of, or in addition to traditional energy storage systems, apparatus  104  may be powered by one or more fuel cells which derives the electrical energy from either H2 or CH4. H2 or CH4 in turn, are stored in storage tanks included in apparatus  104 . The electromotor module  205  may not be needed when the energy storage unit  203  uses fuel cell power sources. 
     One embodiment of the apparatus  200  includes a switch  209 . The switch  209  can be coupled with the electromotor  205  and the energy-storage unit  203  to switch the power to the apparatus  200  on or off. For example, the switch  209  can switch off the electromotor  205  if the connected vehicle is detected to be in gear. In addition, the switch  209  can disconnect the power obtained from the energy-storage unit  203  if the connected vehicle is detected to be in motion. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  200  includes a detector  211  coupled to the bus  208 . The detector  211  detects the gear in which the connected vehicle is operating. The switch  209  which may be coupled to the detector  211  can switch the electromotor  205  and/or the storage unit  203  based on the operating gear of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is in a moving gear or in breaking mode, the switch  209  can disconnect the electromotor  205  and/or the storage unit  203  to power off the apparatus  200 . If the vehicle is in a non-moving gear (e.g., a neutral gear), the switch  209  can then connect the electro motor  205  and/or the storage unit  203  to power on the apparatus  200 . 
     The communication bus  208  can be used to manage communications between the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle of the example in  FIG. 1 ) and the apparatus  200 . The information communicated between the vehicle and the apparatus  200  can include by way of example but not limitation, driving information, road conditions, gas mileage, gas level, rpm, wind strength, average speed, gear settings, gear shift, acceleration, deceleration, braking, cruising, etc. This information can be used by the apparatus  200  to determine the power and speed provided by the electromotor module  205  to assist the motion of the coupled vehicle. 
     Although a wired bus is illustrated in  FIG. 1-2 , in some embodiments, the vehicle and the apparatus  200  may communicate wirelessly. For example, the information can be wirelessly transmitted to the apparatus  200  for the apparatus  200  do set operation parameters. In some instances, the power and speed provided by the apparatus  200  can be controlled wirelessly, for example, using a remote control (e.g., the remote control  125  in the example of  FIG. 1 ). The user can set the desired for acceleration on the apparatus  200 . This may also be automatically determined based on the operation mode of the attached vehicle. 
     One embodiment of the apparatus  200  includes a gear  212  coupled to the wheel  204 . In one embodiment, the apparatus  200  is used to accelerate the vehicle by pushing the vehicle. This can occur when the electromotor module  205  is powered by electricity (e.g., the electricity stored in the energy-storage unit  203 ) or by electricity obtained elsewhere. In another embodiment, the apparatus  200  is used to slow down the vehicle and charge the energy-storage unit  203  during deceleration. 
     Note that although embodiments in the present example are described with specific reference to motion assistance in vehicles, it is appreciated the apparatus  200  can be used for motion assistance of other objects and entities, for similar or dissimilar purposes, without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another diagrammatic view of a vehicle coupled to an apparatus  304  that is equipped with a power cable  310 , according to one embodiment 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  304  is further equipped with a power cable  310 . The power cable can be used to replenish the charge or energy stored in the energy-storage unit (e.g., the energy storage unit  203  in the example of  FIG. 2 ) in the apparatus  304  by plugging the power cable  310  into a power outlet  312 . 
     The power plug  311  can be inserted into a power output such as a power outlet  312 , common to many households and industry as a source of electrical power. It may also be plugged into a  220  Volt power outlet or to more sophisticate charging apparatuses which allows charging in as little as ten minutes. When the power plug  311  is inserted into the power outlet  312  (the receptacle  312 ) the energy-storage unit in the power module  304  is being charged. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus  304  includes at least one solar cell. The solar cell can be used to obtain and energy from solar sources. In one embodiment, the solar cell is coupled to the energy-storage unit of the apparatus  304  to provide some or most of the energy to replenish the energy-storage unit. 
     In yet another embodiment, the vehicle coupled to the apparatus  304  includes at least one solar cell, the solar cell providing energy to replenish the energy-storage unit in the apparatus  304 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process for assisting the motion of vehicles, according to one embodiment. 
     In process  402 , the electrical energy is stored and transferred to a motor. In process  404 , mechanical power is generated from electrical energy. In process  406 , the mechanical power is coupled to generate rotational motion of the wheels of a vehicle. In process  408 , the rotational motion is transferred to the vehicle for motion assistance of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of a wheel  505  of the motion assistance apparatus. 
     In some instances, the wheel  505  may be able to rotate off the axis  503  such that it rotates out of a vertical plane. Such rotational freedom allows the connected motion assistance apparatus to move about in conjunction with the motion assisted vehicle with more flexibility. In one embodiment, the wheel rotates out of the plane up to an angle  504  of approximately 30 degrees. The wheel  505  may be able to swing 15 degrees out of each side of the plane of rotation. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an example configuration of springs  502  attached to the wheel  505  for reorientation. 
     One embodiment of the motion assistance apparatus includes a spring  502  coupled to the wheel  505 . The spring  502  can pulls the wheel  505  back to rotate in the plane about the axis  503 . One embodiment of the apparatus includes two springs  502 . Any number of springs  502  may be connected to the wheel  505 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a vertical connector  604  and/or a horizontal connector  606  on the handle connecting the apparatus with the vehicle. 
     Note that although both the vertical connector  604  and the horizontal connectors  606  are illustrated, either or both connectors are used optionally. The vertical connector  604 , in one embodiment, includes multiple vertical connection locations. The different locations can be used to adjust how the vehicle connects to the motion assistance apparatus. Similarly, the horizontal connector  604  can include multiple horizontal connection locations. One embodiment further optionally includes a foldable wheel  602  which may be folded during installation of the apparatus to the vehicle. The wheel  602  may be in folded or unfolded position during operation (e.g., while assisting the motion of an attached vehicle). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an electromotor  702  physically attached to the wheel  705  in the motion assistance apparatus e.g., “hub motor”). The electromotor  702  can directly power the wheel  705  for rotational motion, either in addition to or in lieu of the electromotor (e.g., the electromotor  204  shown in the example of  FIG. 2 ). 
     For example, the electromotor  702  attached to the wheel  705  can be a tire-engine combo such that the tire is directly powered by the electromotor  702 . Another electromotor may not be needed. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a display unit  802  and a lighting system  804  and  806  of the motion assistance apparatus. 
     In general, the display unit  802  is positioned on the motion assistance apparatus to be visible from an opposite side of the motor vehicle coupled to the motion assistance apparatus. For example, the display unit  802  may be positioned on a rear end of the apparatus such that it is visible to a person driving a vehicle or pedestrian behind the attached vehicle. 
     The display unit  802  can depict lights such as brake lights and/or turn lights. The lighting system can also include brake lights  804  and/or turn lights  806 . In addition, the display unit  802  can display alert and/or warning messages for other vehicles and/or pedestrians. In one embodiment, the display unit  802  also displays promotional content such as advertisements. In one embodiment, the lights displayed on the display unit  802  are wirelessly controlled, for example, by the vehicle or through a remote control. 
     One embodiment of the motion assistance apparatus includes one or more cameras. For example, the cameras  808  can be mounted on the display unit  802 . In one embodiment, the cameras are positioned on the motion assistance apparatus to capture a view from the opposite of the motor vehicle that is attached to the apparatus. The cameras can be used as a supplement to or in lieu of rear view minors and/or side mirrors. For example, the view can be continuously transmitted to the motor vehicle such that the driver can see the rear view of the vehicle. Images captured by the cameras can be wirelessly transmitted, for example, to the driver of the attached vehicle. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a flow chart illustrating another example process for assisting the motion of vehicles. 
     In process  902 , mechanical power is generated from electrical energy. The mechanical power can be generated from an electromotor. The electromotor can obtain electrical energy from various sources including but not limited to an attached energy storage unit (e.g., a battery), solar power, wind power, an electrical plug, etc. 
     In process  904 , the gear in which the vehicle is operating is detected. By detecting the gear, it can be determined whether the vehicle is in motion (e.g., whether the vehicle is being powered by internal transmission and engine). In process  906 , it is determined whether the vehicle is in a moving gear. If not, the mechanical power is coupled to generate rotational motion of the wheels of the motion assistance apparatus in process  908 . In process  910 , the rotational motion is transferred to the motor vehicle for motion assistance of the motor vehicle. 
     If the vehicle is in a moving gear or in breaking mode then the mechanical power can be decoupled from the wheels in process  914 . To decouple the mechanical power, the electromotor may be switched off by disconnecting or switching off the source of electrical power (e.g., battery, solar, electrical plug, etc.). 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. 
     The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges. 
     The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. 
     These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims. 
     While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”.) Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.