Integral generator/pinion assembly for axle power generation
US7102245B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/081
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicular axle assembly includes an electrical generator for generating electricity to supply power to one or more electrical components therein during operation. The axle assembly includes a hollow housing that rotatably supports a differential mechanism therein. An input shaft is rotatably supported in the axle housing and terminates in a pinion gear. The pinion gear meshes with the differential mechanism that, in turn, rotatably drives a pair of output shafts that extend to respective driven wheels of the vehicle. A stator is supported within the axle housing about the input shaft, while a rotor is supported on the input shaft. When the input shaft is rotated, the rotor generates electrical power that may be used to operate the electrical component, such as a piezo-based device supported on a driveshaft assembly connected to the input shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.