Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN IN-WHEEL 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 in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device (an impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Impulse generating apparatuses, in respect of locomotory devices, are known in the art. Such apparatuses experience issues such as magnet rubbing, position sensor malfunctions, and coil burning. Due to these problems, it becomes necessary to replace the whole apparatus. Several non-detachable rim-based in-wheel impulse generating apparatuses are known in the art. In such apparatuses, if there is any damage associated with either the impulse generating mechanism or the rim, the entire apparatus with the rim may have to be replaced. Also, such apparatuses complicate the process of fabrication and may lead to increased procurement costs.
There is, therefore, a need in the art, for: an in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, is disclosed. Said apparatus broadly comprises: a pirouetting mechanism; and an impulse generating mechanism. The pirouetting mechanism broadly comprises a detachable rim that is associated with an at least one fastening member.
The impulse generating mechanism broadly comprises: an at least one pirouetting member with a circular core; an at least one rooted member; an at least one impulse transmitting member; a plurality of supporting members; a plurality of bowering members; and a plurality of occluding members.
An at least one permanent magnet interacts with an at least one rooted member to generate a magnetic field. The at least one pirouetting member, the at least one rooted member, and the at least one impulse transmitting member are coaxially disposed with (or through) the plurality of supporting members.
The at least one impulse transmitting member is associated with a stationary inner ring of the plurality of supporting members. A rotatable outer ring of the plurality of supporting members is associated with a respective plurality of bowering members.
A first supporting member, among the plurality of supporting members, is associated with one end of the at least one impulse transmitting member. A second supporting member, among the plurality of supporting members, is associated with another end of the at least one impulse transmitting member.
The plurality of bowering members is associated with the detachable rim through respective fastening members.
The plurality of occluding members is associated with the respective plurality of bowering members. Another side of the plurality of occluding members is associated with a respective plurality of fixing members, with which, the apparatus is associated with a swing arm of a locomotory device.
In operation, an at least one controlling member translates output signals (sine and cosine signals) from an at least one position sensing member into an angle. Based on such angle, the at least one controlling member decides which of a plurality of meandering members gets energised to produce smooth rotation.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction; is cost-effective; offers a high efficiency; and offers easy maintenance of the apparatus, when failures or damages occur.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates configuration of a detachable rim and impulse generating mechanism, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a detachable rim of an in-wheel 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 pirouetting mechanism and impulse generating mechanism of an in-wheel 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 in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of an at least one supporting member for a detachable rim and associated components of an impulse generating mechanism, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an at least one supporting member, of an in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, in respect of a locomotory device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates orchestration of an at least one supporting member and its associated components, of an in-wheel 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 word “impulse”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “torque; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “orchestration”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “coordination of different elements to produce a desired technical effect”; or and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “impulse 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 “in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device” is to be construed as: “in-wheel hub motor, for a locomotory device; in-wheel hub motor, and associated components, for a locomotory device; in-wheel 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 word “rooted”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “stationary; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “pirouetting”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “rotating; revolving; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “meandering member”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “a member that follows a winding course; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “fastening”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “securing; coupling; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “fixing”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “locking; joining; associating; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “occluding”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “sealing; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “bowering”, 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 in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device (also referred to as “apparatus”), having a detachable rim, is disclosed herein.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, said apparatus broadly comprises: a pirouetting mechanism and an impulse generating mechanism. Figure 1 illustrates a configuration that allows for dissociation of the pirouetting mechanism and the impulse generating mechanism without dismantling the entire apparatus.
The pirouetting mechanism broadly comprises a detachable rim (10) and an at least one fastening member (11). As illustrated, in Figure 1 and Figure 2, said detachable rim (10) is configured to be associated with the at least one fastening member (11; for example, a detachable bolt).
The impulse generating mechanism broadly comprises: an at least one pirouetting member (12; for example, a rotor); an at least one rooted member (13; for example, a stator); a plurality of communication facilitating members (14, 15, and 16; for example, wires); an at least one impulse transmitting member (17; for example, a shaft); a plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B; for example, ball bearings); a plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B; for example, a motor cover); a plurality of occluding members (20A, 20B; for example, rubber seals); and a plurality of fixing members (21A, 21B; for example, is lock plates).
The at least one pirouetting member (12) of the impulse generating mechanism is fabricated with a circular core. An at least one permanent magnet (for example, neodymium-type magnets or neodymium magnets) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the periphery of the at least one pirouetting member (12). The at least one permanent magnet interacts with the at least one rooted member (13) to generate a magnetic field for the operation of the apparatus.
In another embodiment, the at least one pirouetting member (12) comprises thirty pole pairs with alternate south and north poles.
The at least one rooted member (13) may comprise a plurality of meandering member (24; for example, coils or windings). Each meandering member (24), among the plurality of meandering members, is a three - phase winding. Said each meandering member (24) may be disposed on (or may be disposed at, or may be associated with) the at least one rooted member (13), at an outer boundary (or an outer periphery, or an outer circumference) of the at least one rooted member (13).
The apparatus may communicate (for example, by means of signals), with other components of the locomotory device, through the plurality of communication facilitating members (14, 15, and 16). For example, the plurality of communication facilitating members (14, 15, and 16) includes: an input positive communication facilitating member (14); an input negative communication facilitating member (15); and an I/O communication facilitating member (16). For example, 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).
As illustrated, in Figure 3, the at least one pirouetting member (12), the at least one rooted member (13), and the impulse generating mechanism are axially disposed (or are axially mounted, or are axially associated). The at least one fastening member (11) enables the coupling or integration of the impulse generating mechanism to the detachable rim (10).
The mechanical parameters of the apparatus are given in below table.
Sl. No. Electrical Parameter Value/Range Unit
1. Rated Voltage 72V dc
2. Operating Voltage 60V–120V dc
3. Rated Torque 50 Nm
4. Rated Power 7 KW
5 Phase-To-Phase Stator Coil Winding Resistance 45–50 mO
6. Pole Pairs 30
7. No of Coils 54
8. Rated Top Speed 1200 RPM
9. Temperature Sensor Model NTC
10. Rim Dimension 17 inch
11. Apparatus Dimension 285x462 mm
12. Apparatus Weight 23 kg

As illustrated, in Figure 4, the at least one rooted member (13), the at least one pirouetting member (12), and the at least one impulse transmitting member (17) are coaxially disposed (or are coaxially mounted, or are coaxially associated) with the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B). The at least one impulse transmitting member (17) is associated with an inner ring (A2; Figure 7) of the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B) at both ends of the detachable rim (10).
An outer ring (A1; Figure 7) of the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B) is associated with a respective plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B; for example; a motor cover) at the both ends of the detachable rim (10). The plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B) may be composed of stacked steel laminations that shield the impulse generating mechanism at both the sides (left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides), respectively.
The plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B) is fixed to the detachable rim (10) with a respective plurality of fastening members. Each of the supporting members (18A, 18B) accommodates both radial and axial loads and typically includes a single row of balls, providing a balance between load capacity and friction reduction.
The plurality of occluding members (20A, 20B) is associated with the respective plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B), for example, at (or on) one side of the plurality of occluding members (20A, 20B). The plurality of occluding members (20A, 20B) may be IP67 rated enclosures that offer tight protection against solid ingress from external environment. Another side of the plurality of occluding members (20A, 20B) is associated with a respective plurality of fixing members (21A, 21B) 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.
Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B). A first supporting member (18A), among the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B), is associated with one end of the at least one impulse transmitting member (17). A second supporting member (18B), among the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B), is associated with another end of the at least one impulse transmitting member (17).
The plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B) broadly comprise the inner ring (A2), the outer ring (A1), a cage (A3), and a plurality of balls (A4). The outer ring (A1) surrounds the inner ring (A2) and the plurality of balls (A4). The outer ring (A1) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the detachable rim (10) and the inner ring (A2) is associated with the at least one impulse transmitting member (17). The outer ring (A1) is rotatable whereas the inner ring (A2) is stationary.
Figure 7 and the below table show dimensions of the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B).
Sl. No. Symbol Dimension Size
1. D Bore Diameter 40 mm
2. D1 Outside Diameter 68 mm
3. B1 Width 15 mm
4. d1 Shoulder Diameter 49.25 mm
5. D2 Recess Diameter 61.1 mm
6. r1,2 Chamfer Dimension min.1 mm

Abutment dimensions of the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B) are provided in the table below.
Symbol Abutment Dimension Size
da Diameter of Shaft Abutment min.44.6 mm
Da Diameter of Housing Abutment max.63.4 mm
ra Radius of Shaft or Housing Fillet max.1 mm

The performance parameters of the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B) are shown in the below table.

Sl. No Performance Parameters Unit Value
1. Basic Dynamic Load Rating C1 17.8 kN
2. Basic Static Load Rating C0 11 kN
3. Fatigue Load Limit Pu 0.49 kN
4. Reference Speed 22,000 r/min
5. Limiting Speed 14,000 r/min
6. Minimum Load Factor kr 0.025
7. Calculation Factor f0 14.7

In operation:
If a reference voltage V (R1–R2) is defined as VR, then the voltages, on the secondaries, are as follows:

? denotes shaft angle, VR denotes the reference voltage, VS denotes a secondary winding sin voltage, and VC denotes a secondary winding cos voltage.
Implicit arc tangent calculations (equation 3) are performed, on the at least one angle of rotation sensing member’s signals, by forcing a counter to track the position of the at least one angle of rotation sensing member. The Implicit arc tangent calculations are based on trigonometric identity.

Equation 4 says that the sine of the difference between two angles can be calculated, by cross multiplying the sine and cosine of the two angles and subtracting the results
When the plurality of meandering members receives power supply from a source, the plurality of meandering members becomes electromagnets and produces a uniform field in an air gap between the at least one pirouetting member (12) and the at least one rooted member (13). Although the source of supply is DC, switching generates an AC voltage waveform, with a trapezoidal shape.
Due to interactions between plurality of meandering members and the permanent magnet on the at least one pirouetting member (12), the at least one pirouetting member (12) rotates. Further, the apparatus is equipped with an at least a position sensing member (for example, a Hall sensor). The plurality of meandering members is communicatively associated with an at least one marshalling member (or an at least one controlling member (for example, a microcontroller or a vehicle control unit).
The at least one controlling member may be of any suitable type that is known in the art. For example, the at least one controlling member is a microcontroller, a vehicle control unit, an electronic control unit, and/or the like.
The at least one controlling member translates output signals (sine and cosine signals) from the at least one position sensing member into an angle. Based on such angle, the at least one controlling member decides which of the plurality of meandering members gets energised to produce smooth rotation. For example, if the angle indicates that the at least one pirouetting member (12) is in a specific segment of its cycle, the at least one controlling member energises the corresponding plurality of meandering members to continue the operations of the apparatus. Such determination of angle is well-known to a person skilled in the art.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction; is cost-effective; offers a high efficiency; and offers easy maintenance of the apparatus, 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 - Rim/Detachable Rim
11 - At Least One Fastening Member
12 - At Least One Pirouetting Member
13 - At Least One Rooted Member
14, 15, and 16 - Plurality of Communication Facilitating Members
17 - At Least One Impulse Transmitting Member
18A, 18B – Plurality of Supporting Members
19A, 19B - Plurality of Bowering Members
20A, 20B - Plurality of Occluding Members
21A, 21B - Plurality of Fixing Members
A1 - Outer Ring
A2 - Inner Ring
A3 - Cage
A4 - Plurality of Balls
, Claims:1. An in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, comprising:
a pirouetting mechanism that comprises a detachable rim (10) that is associated with an at least one fastening member (11);
an impulse generating mechanism that comprises:
an at least one pirouetting member (12) with a circular core;
an at least one permanent magnet that interacts with an at least one rooted member (13) to generate a magnetic field, with the at least one pirouetting member (12), the at least one rooted member (13), and an at least one impulse transmitting member (17) being coaxially disposed with a plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B);
the at least one impulse transmitting member (17) that is associated with a stationary inner ring (A2) of the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B), with a rotatable outer ring (A1) of the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B) being associated with a respective plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B);
the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B), with: a first supporting member (18A), among the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B), being associated with one end of the at least one impulse transmitting member (17); and a second supporting member (18B), among the plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B), being associated with another end of the at least one impulse transmitting member (17);
the plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B) that is associated with the detachable rim (10) through respective fastening members;
a plurality of occluding members (20A, 20B) that is associated with the respective plurality of bowering members (19A, 19B), with another side of the plurality of occluding members (20A, 20B) being associated with a respective plurality of fixing members (21A, 21B); and
the plurality of fixing members (21A, 21B), with which, the apparatus is associated with a swing arm of a locomotory device; and
an at least a position sensing member that is communicatively associated with an at least a controlling member.
2. The in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said plurality of supporting members (18A, 18B) comprises a cage (A3) and a plurality of balls (A4).
3. The in-wheel impulse generating apparatus, for a locomotory device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said apparatus comprises a plurality of communication facilitating members (14,15, and 16).