US 11,691,627 B2
Counter-rotating electric motor system for high efficiency operation of a hybrid or electric vehicle
Randell J. Wishart, Reno, NV (US)
Assigned to CR FLIGHT L.L.C., Carmichael, CA (US)
Filed by CR FLIGHT, LLC, Carmichael, CA (US)
Filed on Jul. 10, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/925,821.
Application 16/925,821 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2019/014593, filed on Jan. 22, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/709,610, filed on Jan. 23, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2021/0001852 A1, Jan. 7, 2021
Int. Cl. B60W 30/188 (2012.01); B60K 1/00 (2006.01); B60K 17/02 (2006.01); B60K 17/16 (2006.01); B60K 17/356 (2006.01); B60L 15/20 (2006.01); B60W 10/08 (2006.01); B60W 10/14 (2012.01); B60W 30/182 (2020.01)
CPC B60W 30/188 (2013.01) [B60K 1/00 (2013.01); B60K 17/02 (2013.01); B60K 17/16 (2013.01); B60K 17/356 (2013.01); B60L 15/2009 (2013.01); B60W 10/08 (2013.01); B60W 10/14 (2013.01); B60W 30/182 (2013.01); B60K 2001/001 (2013.01); B60L 2220/50 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/91 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/92 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A vehicle that utilizes a counter-rotating (CR) electric motor that automatically switches between a high efficiency CR motor mode of operation at lower vehicle speeds to a less efficiency traditional motor mode of operation at higher vehicle speeds to generate at least a portion of its propulsive force, comprising:
(a) the vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel;
(b) a CR motor mounted to the vehicle, wherein said CR motor comprises:
(i) a first rotational member rotating in a first rotational direction about a central axis;
(ii) a second rotational member rotating in a second rotational direction about said central axis;
(iii) a first drive shaft attached to and extending from said first rotational member and rotating in said first rotational direction;
(iv) a second drive shaft attached to and extending from said second rotational member and rotating in said second rotational direction;
(v) at least one set of electromagnets associated with one of said first and second rotational members; and
(vi) electrical input means for powering and controlling said set of electromagnets;
(c) a first means for coupling said first drive shaft to said front wheel;
(d) a second means for coupling said second drive shaft to said rear wheel;
(e) means for matching said first drive shaft rotational direction with said second drive shaft rotational direction to produce a common rotational direction for said front and rear wheels;
(f) a first means for reversibly stopping the rotation of one of said first and second rotational members while permitting said first and second drive shafts to rotate;
(g) a power source linked to said CR motor for providing electricity; and
(h) a programmable controller in communication with said CR motor and said first reversible stopping means that controls both the speed of the vehicle and said first stopping means to switch between a first operational mode in which both rotational members are rotating for slower vehicle speeds and a second operational mode in which one of said rotational members is stopped by said stopping means, thereby creating a traditional electric motor for higher vehicle speeds, thereby increasing the overall electrical efficiency for operating the vehicle.