Patent ID: 8560156

Claim:
A modular power assisting system for a vehicle comprising: a motor system configured to assist an engine of a vehicle, wherein the motor system comprises a motor, a motor transmission system for coupling the motor to the engine, and a mounting structure; a motor control system configured to provide at least one of speed control or torque control for the motor system; an energy storage system comprising an energy storage device including at least one battery, a battery charging system configured to charge the energy storage device using the motor, and a regenerative braking system that includes at least one solid state power device and is configured to utilize a reduction in kinetic energy of at least one of the vehicle or the engine to charge the energy storage device; and a sensor system configured to provide an interface between the motor control system and sensors within the vehicle, wherein the motor control system and the sensors are interfaced via isolators; wherein the motor control system is configured to control a current of the motor to operate the motor to selectively provide positive or negative torque to the engine based on signals from sensors within the vehicle that are used to predict power demand of the engine, and wherein the motor transmission system comprises either (a) a first pulley with a profiled groove coupled to a shaft of the motor, a second pulley coupled to a crank shaft of the engine, and a belt operably coupling the first pulley to the second pulley or (b) a universal coupling configured to couple a shaft of the motor directly to a crank shaft of the engine.