Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN IMPULSE GENERATING APPARATUS FOR A LOCOMOTORY DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to locomotory devices. Particularly, the present disclosure is related to apparatuses, in respect of locomotory devices (apparatuses, for locomotory devices). More particularly, the present disclosure is related to: an impulse generating apparatus with a detachable rim and an angular position sensing member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Permanent magnet brushless DC impulse generating apparatus are known in the art. However, they suffer from at least the following drawbacks; flux weakening; inability to precisely control speed; torque ripple; and/or inability to precisely determine the angular position of a torque transmitting member.
There is, therefore, a need in the art, for: an impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, is disclosed herein. Said apparatus broadly comprises: a rotating mechanism; and a torque generating mechanism. The rotating mechanism broadly comprises a detachable rim.
The torque generating mechanism broadly comprises: an at least one magnetic member; an at least one torque transmitting member; an at least one angular position sensing member; a first plurality of winding members; a second plurality of winding members; a plurality of stator frame holes; a plurality of communication facilitating members; a plurality of yoking members; a detachable rim; an at least one twirling member; an at least one static member; a plurality of pivoting members; a plurality of shielding members; a plurality of sealing members; and a plurality of locking members.
The at least one twirling member is fabricated with a circular core. The at least one magnetic member is disposed on the periphery of the at least one twirling member. The at least one magnetic member interacts with the at least one static member to generate a magnetic field for the operation of the apparatus. Said at least one magnetic member produces a high flux density for achieving maximum torque.
The at least one static member is composed of stacked steel laminations to carry the second plurality of winding members. Each winding member, among the second plurality of winding members, is disposed in slots that are axially cut along the inner periphery of the at least one static member to form a star connection. An inner side of the at least one static member comprises the plurality of stator frame holes that aids in heat dissipation during rotation of the apparatus.
The plurality of pivoting members is associated with the at least one torque transmitting member on both sides of the detachable rim. Said plurality of pivoting members reduces friction and supports the at least one torque transmitting member for smooth and efficient rotation. Said plurality of shielding members is associated with a respective plurality of pivoting members to cover the internal components of the apparatus from dirt, dust, and moisture.
The plurality of sealing members is disposed on a respective plurality of shielding members, for example, at (or on) both ends of the detachable rim, to prevent spillage of lubricants and offers tight protection against solid ingress. The plurality of sealing members is associated with a respective plurality of locking members that enables fixing the apparatus (or mounting the apparatus, or associating the apparatus, or disposing the apparatus) with a swing arm of the locomotory device.
The at least one torque transmitting member is associated with the detachable rim. The at least one angular position sensing member is disposed on the periphery of the at least one torque transmitting member, and is communicatively associated with an at least one controlling member. Said angular position sensing member includes a first plurality of winding members and a second plurality of winding members. The plurality of secondary windings is mechanically displaced by about 90° to produce two output signals phase-shifted by about 90°
The at least one controlling member detects air gaps between the at least one twirling member and the at least one static member.
An at least one heat sensing member may be communicatively associated with the at least one controlling member, to protect the apparatus from overheating, ensuring that the apparatus operates within safe temperature limits.
In operation, output signals (cosine and sine signals) from the at least one angular position sensing member are converted into an angle by the at least one controlling member. Based on such angle, the at least one controlling member, in conjunction with the at least one angular position sensing member, enables efficient control of the speed and torque of the apparatus.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction; is cost-effective (costs about Rs.16,000); offers a high efficiency; and/or offers easy maintenance, when failures or damages occur.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates configuration of a torque generating mechanism, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a plurality of magnetic members of an impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a rotating mechanism and torque generating mechanism of an impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of an impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates input and output signals of a variable reluctance-based angular position sensing member of an impulse generating mechanism, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a graph representing excitation signals and output signals of an impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates a graph representing an efficiency map of an impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “comprise” and “include”, and variations, such as “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, and “including”, may imply the inclusion of an element (or elements) not specifically recited. Further, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied, in various other forms, as well.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “apparatus” is to be construed as: “a set of technical components (also referred to as “members”) that are communicatively and/or operably associated with each other, and function together, as part of a mechanism, to achieve a desired technical result”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “communication”, “couple”, and their variations (such as communicatively), is to be construed as being inclusive of: one-way communication (or coupling); and two-way communication (or coupling), as the case may be, irrespective of the directions of arrows, in the drawings.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least” is to be construed in association with the suffix “one” i.e. it is to be read along with the suffix “one”, as “at least one”, which is used in the meaning of “one or more”. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the phrase “at least one” is a standard term that is used, in Patent Specifications, to denote any component of a disclosure, which may be present (or disposed) in a single quantity, or more than a single quantity.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least one” is to be construed in association with a succeeding component name.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “plurality” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “at least one”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “torque generating member”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “hub motor; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “locomotory device”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “electric vehicles; hybrid vehicles; and/or the like” For example, the electric vehicle is a two wheeled electric vehicle, for example, an electric motorcycle.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “an impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device” is to be construed as: “a hub motor, for a locomotory device; a hub motor and associated components, for a locomotory device; a hub motor, for a locomotory device, with an integrated propelling member; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “propelling member”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “powertrain; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “momentum”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “speed; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “angular position sensing member”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “a member that measures (or sensors) rotational angle of an object, such as a shaft or drum or axle; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “pivoting”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “rolling; rotating; spinning; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “static”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “stationary; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “twirling”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “rotating; revolving; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “winding member”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “a member that follows a meandering/curving course; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “yoking”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “securing; fastening; coupling; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “locking”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “fixing; joining; associating; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “shielding”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “enclosing; covering; protecting; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the words “the” and “said” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the word “sensor” and the phrase “sensing member” are used interchangeably. The disclosed sensing members may be of any suitable type known in the art.
Throughout this specification, the phrases “at least a”, “at least an”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the disclosure of a range is to be construed as being inclusive of: the lower limit of the range; and the upper limit of the range.
Also, it is to be noted that embodiments may be described as a method. Although the operations, in a method, are described as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A method may be terminated, when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps.
An impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device (also referred to as “apparatus”), having a detachable rim and an angular position sensing member, is disclosed herein. Said apparatus broadly comprises: a rotating mechanism and a torque generating mechanism. Figure 3 illustrates a configuration that allows for dissociation of the rotating mechanism and the torque generating mechanism without dismantling the entire apparatus. The rotating mechanism broadly comprises a detachable rim (21).
The torque generating mechanism broadly comprises: an at least one magnetic member (10; for example, a neodymium magnet); an at least one torque transmitting member (11; for example, a shaft); an at least one angular position sensing member (12; for example a resolver); a first plurality of winding members (13; for example, resolver windings); a second plurality of winding members (14; for example, stator windings); a plurality of stator frame holes (15); a plurality of communication facilitating members (17, 18, and 19; for example, wires); a plurality of yoking members (20, for example, screws); an at least one twirling member (22; for example, a rotor); an at least one static member (23; for example, a stator); a plurality of pivoting members (24A, 24B; for example, ball bearings); a plurality of shielding members (25A, 25B; for example, motor covers); a plurality of sealing members (26A, 26B; for example, rubber seals); and a plurality of locking members (27A, 27B; for example, lock plates), as illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3.
The torque generating mechanism may also comprise an at least one heat sensing member (16; for example, a temperature sensor).
The at least one twirling member (22) is fabricated with a circular core. As illustrated in Figure 2, the at least one magnetic member (10) is disposed on the periphery of the at least one twirling member (22). The at least one magnetic member (10) interacts with the at least one static member (23) to generate a magnetic field for the operation of the apparatus. Said at least one magnetic member (10) produces a high flux density for achieving maximum torque.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one twirling member (22) comprises thirty pole pairs with alternate south and north poles.
As illustrated in Figure 3, the at least one twirling member (22), the at least one static member (23), and the at least one torque transmitting member (12) are axially disposed (or are axially mounted, or are axially associated) with twelve yoking members (20).
The at least one static member (23) is composed of stacked steel laminations to carry the second plurality of winding members (14). In Figure 1, each winding member, among the second plurality of winding members (14), is disposed in slots that are axially cut along the inner periphery of the at least one static member (23) to form a star connection. An inner side of the at least one static member (23) comprises the plurality of stator frame holes (15) that aids in heat dissipation during rotation of the apparatus.
The at least one heat sensing member (16) is communicatively associated with an at least one controlling member (for example, a microcontroller, a vehicle control unit, an electronic control unit, and/or the like), to protect the apparatus from overheating, ensuring that the apparatus operates within safe temperature limits. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the temperature limits may depend on various factors. Said at least one heat sensing member (16) communicates real-time temperature data to the at least one controlling member through the plurality of communication facilitating members (17, 18, 19). For example, the plurality of communication facilitating members (17, 18, and 19) includes: an input positive communication facilitating member (17); an input negative communication facilitating member (18); and an I/O communication facilitating member (19).
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the at least one torque transmitting member (11) and associated components disposed on the detachable rim (21).
The at least one torque transmitting member (11) is associated with the plurality of pivoting members (24A, 24B) at both ends of the detachable rim (21). Said plurality of pivoting members (24A, 24B) reduces friction and supports the at least one torque transmitting member (11) for smooth and efficient rotation.
The plurality of pivoting members (24A, 24B) is associated with a respective plurality of shielding members (25A, 25B) at both ends of the detachable rim (21). The plurality of shielding members (25A, 25B) covers internal components from dirt, dust, and moisture at both sides (left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides), respectively.
The plurality of sealing members (26A, 26B) is disposed on the respective plurality of shielding members (25A, 25B), for example, at (or on) both ends of the detachable rim (21), for preventing spillage of lubricants, and offers tight protection against solid ingress from the external environment. Both sides of the plurality of sealing members (26A, 26B) are associated with a respective plurality of locking members (27A, 27B) that enables fixing the apparatus (or mounting the apparatus, or associating the apparatus, or disposing the apparatus) with a swing arm of the locomotory device.
The at least one angular position sensing member (12) is disposed on the periphery of the at least one torque transmitting member (11), and is communicatively associated with the at least one controlling member.
Said at least one angular position sensing member (12) broadly comprises the first plurality of winding members (13). The first plurality of winding members (13) further comprises a plurality of primary windings (R1, R2) that is energised; and a plurality of secondary windings (S1, S2, S3, S4). For example, the secondary windings S1 and S3 produce a sine output, while the secondary windings S2 and S4 produce a cosine output.
The at least one angular position sensing member (12) measures (or senses) angular position of the at least one torque transmitting member (11), in real-time, depending on amount of magnetic coupling between the plurality of primary windings (R1, R2) and the plurality of secondary windings (S1, S2, S3, S4), and an attenuation factor known as resolver transformation ratio.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of secondary windings (S1, S2, S3, S4) is mechanically displaced by about 90° and produces two output signals that are also phase-shifted by about 90°. This allows the at least one angular position sensing member (12) to provide angular position information.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the first plurality of winding members (13) is insulated with varnish and waterproof glue to enhance durability and performance.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus receives inputs (for example, of about 72 V), from an at least a power supplying member (for example, the locomotory device’s rechargeable battery).
In yet another embodiment, the at least one controlling member is associated with a throttle, the at least one power supplying member and/or a mode changer through signal wires. The speed control of the apparatus is based on the throttle voltage, which can vary from about 0.8 V to about 5 V.
The electrical parameters of the apparatus are given in below table.
Electrical Parameter Typical Range Unit
Rated Voltage 72V Vdc
Operating Voltage 60V–120V Vdc
Rated Torque 50 Nm
Rated Power 7 KW
Phase to Phase Winding Resistance of Second Plurality of Winding Members 45–50 mO
Pole Pairs 30
No of Winding Members 54
Rated Top Speed 1200 RPM
Heat Sensing Member Model NTC

Rim Dimension 17 Inch
Apparatus Dimension 285x462 Mm
Apparatus weight 23 Kg

As illustrated in Figure 5, the plurality of primary windings (R1, R2) is directly connected to an Alternating Current (AC) signal. Said plurality of primary windings (R1, R2) gets energised and produces a rotating magnetic field. This field induces voltages in the plurality of secondary windings (sine (S1, S3) and cosine (S2, S4)) based on the angular position of the at least one torque transmitting member (11), as illustrated in Figure 6. The sine signal has maximum amplitudes at about 90° and about 270° and the cosine signal has maximum amplitudes at about 0° and about 180°.
The at least one controlling member translates output signals (sine and cosine signals) from the at least one angular position sensing member (12) into an angle. A resolver-to-digital converter (RDC) acts as an interface between the at least one angular position sensing member (12) and the at least one controlling member, and decodes the output signals to digital information.
The relationships between the input and output voltages of the at least one angular position sensing member (12) are given below.
If a reference voltage V (R1–R2) is defined as VR, then the voltages, on the secondaries, are as follows:
R1-R2= E0sin ?t (input signal)
S3-S1=T x E0 sin?t x sin? (sine output signal)
S2-S4=T x E0 sin ?t x cos? (cosine output signal)
where:
? is the at least one torque transmitting member’s (11) angle;
? is the excitation signal’s frequency;
E0 is the excitation signal’s amplitude;
T is the resolver transformation ratio.

The electrical parameters of the at least one angular position sensing member (12) are given in the below table.

Electrical Parameter Range Unit
Input Voltage 3-7 V rms
Input Frequency 50–20,000 Hz
Transformation Ratio 0.2–1.0 V/V
Input Impedance 100–500 O
Pole Pairs 12
No of First Plurality of Winding Members 24
Transmission Ratio 1:1

For example, throttle voltage-speed relationship is as follows;
Mode Direction of Rotation Throttle Voltage Speed
Reverse Reverse 0.800 V to 4.999 V 0 kmph to 4 kmph
Practice Forward 0.800 V to 4.999 V 0 kmph to 60 kmph
Drive Forward 0.800 V to 4.999 V 0 kmph to 90 kmph
Sports Forward 0.800 V to 4.999 V 0 kmph to 123 kmph

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) switches energise the appropriate winding members of the apparatus. Said at least one controlling member, in conjunction with the at least one angular position sensing member (12), enables efficient control of the speed and torque of the apparatus.
The apparatus speed versus torque test result is given in the table below.

Sl. No. Speed (rpm) Torque (Nm)
1 50 205
2 100 205
3 150 205
4 200 205
5 250 205
6 300 205
7 350 205
8 400 205
9 450 205
10 500 205
11 550 205
12 600 205
13 650 200
14 700 190
15 750 180
16 800 175
17 850 170
18 900 165
19 950 160
20 1000 150
21 1050 145
22 1100 140
23 1150 130
24 1200 125

As shown in the above table, the apparatus provides high torque that is favourable for handling heavy loads.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one controlling member utilises the value of angle sensed by the at least one angular position sensing member (12) to detect air gaps (between the at least one twirling member (22) and the at least one static member (23)). Said angle sensed by the at least one angular position sensing member (12) not only aids in identifying potential issues such as magnet rubbing but also enhances overall operational reliability of the apparatus.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the air gap and flux data, the at least one controlling member detects air gap errors and flux weak errors through forward and backward angles. If an air gap error is detected, the at least one controlling member issues a magnet rubbing alert. The identification of such air gaps helps to protect the second plurality of winding members (14) and the at least one magnetic member (10) from damages due to rubbing.
Flux and air gap error limits are given in the below table.
Sl. No. Forward Angle Backward Angle Result
1 130 150 No error
2 Above 130 Above 150 Air gap error
3 Below 130 Below 150 Air gap error
4 Below 130 Above 150 Flux weak error
5 Above 130 150 Flux weak error
6 130 Above 150 Flux weak error
7 Below 130 150 Flux weak error
8 130 Below 150 Flux weak error

Up to about 600 rpm, the apparatus delivers a steady torque of about 205 Nm.
Figure 7 illustrates an efficiency of about 84% for the apparatus based on position and speed control by the at least one angular position sensing member (12), based on torque vs. speed data.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction; is cost-effective (costs about Rs.16,000); offers a high efficiency; and/or offers easy maintenance, when failures or damages occur.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the apparatus, and its various components, may be made of any suitable materials known in the art. Likewise, a person skilled in the art will also appreciate the fact that the configurations of the apparatus, and its various components, may be varied, based on requirements.
The above description pertains to an electric motorcycle. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the apparatus may be adapted to (or may be configured for) other types of electric vehicles, as well.
Implementation of the disclosure can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Further, according to actual instrumentation of the disclosure, several selected tasks could be implemented, by hardware, by software, by firmware, or by a combination thereof, using an operating system.
For example, as software, selected tasks according to the disclosure could be implemented, as a plurality of software instructions being executed, by a computing device, using any suitable operating system.
In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, one or more tasks, according to embodiments of the disclosure, is (or are) performed, by a data processor, such as a computing platform, for executing a plurality of instructions. Further, the data processor includes a processor, and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium, for storing instructions and/or data, and/or a non-volatile storage, for storing instructions and/or data. A network connection, a display, and/or a user input device, such as a keyboard (or mouse), are also provided.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements, without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure, may be made, by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements, should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 – At Least One Magnetic Member
11 - At Least One Torque Transmitting Member
12 - At Least One Angular Position Sensing Member
13 - First Plurality of Winding Members
14 - Second Plurality of Winding Members
15 - Plurality of Stator Frame Holes
16 - At Least One Heat Sensing Member
17, 18, and 19 - Plurality of Communication Facilitating Members
20.- Plurality of Yoking Members
21 - Detachable Rim
22 - At Least One Twirling Member
23 - At Least One Static Member
24A, 24B - Plurality of Pivoting Members
25A, 25B - Plurality of Shielding Members
26A, 26B - Plurality of Sealing Members
27A, 27B - Plurality of Locking Members
R1, R2 – Plurality of Primary Windings
S1, S2, S3, S4 – Plurality of Secondary Windings
, Claims:1. An impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, comprising:
a rotating mechanism that comprises a detachable rim (21) that is associated with a plurality of yoking members (20);
a torque generating mechanism that comprises:
an at least one magnetic member (10) that interacts with an at least one static member (23) to generate a magnetic field, with an at least one twirling member (22), with the at least one twirling member (22), the at least one static member (23), and an at least one torque transmitting member (11) being coaxially disposed on the detachable rim (21);
a plurality of pivoting members (24A, 24B) that is associated with the at least one torque transmitting member (11) on both sides of the detachable rim (21);
a plurality of shielding members (25A, 25B) that is associated with a respective plurality of pivoting members (24A, 24B);
a plurality of sealing members (26A, 26B) that is disposed on a respective plurality of shielding members (25A, 25B), at both ends of the detachable rim (21), the plurality of sealing members (26A, 26B) being associated with a respective plurality of locking members (27A, 27B) that enables fixing the apparatus with a swing arm of the locomotory device;
the at least one static member (23) that carries a second plurality of winding members (14) in a star connection, with an inner side of the at least one static member (23) comprising a plurality of stator frame holes (15); and
an at least one angular position sensing member (12) that is disposed on the periphery of the at least one torque transmitting member (11), said at least one angular position sensing member (12) broadly comprising: a first plurality of winding members (13) that comprises: a plurality of primary windings (R1, R2); and a plurality of secondary windings (S1, S2, S3, S4), where the plurality of secondary windings (S1, S2, S3, S4) is mechanically displaced by 90° to produce two output signals phase-shifted by 90°; and
an at least one controlling member that detects air gaps between the at least one twirling member (22) and the at least one static member (23).

2. The impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of communication facilitating members (17, 18, 19).

3. The impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque generating mechanism comprises an at least one heat sensing member (16) that is communicatively associated with the at least one controlling member.