FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the field of regenerative clutch systems for motor vehicles. The present invention in particular relates to regenerative clutch in light motor vehicles by replacing the clutch by a dynamo/alternator/generator between gearbox and engine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART:
Electromagnetic clutches are made to operate electrically and transmit torque mechanically. The electromagnetic clutch is most suitable for remote operation, since it does not require linkages to control its engagement. However, because energy dissipates as heat in the electromagnetic actuator every time the clutch is engaged, there is a chance of clutch being overheated. Most commonly brakes use friction to convert kinetic energy into heat, though other methods of energy conversion may be used. This work is based on regenerative braking which converts much of the energy to electrical energy, which may be stored for later use. Regenerative braking is a small, but still a very important step towards our gradual independence from fossil fuels. These technique allow batteries to be used for longer periods of time without plugging into an external charger. A model was developed by Sanjulal T S et al for utilizing the energy during clutch operation in four wheelers or two wheelers. Electrical power is generated through clutch system while clutch is in disengaged position. By this arrangement we can generate excess electrical power which can be used to function additional electrical accessories fitted to vehicles in the recent days. In this work a small conceptual model is created and a motor is used as a substitute of an IC engine for delivering power. This project made up of the following parts; dynamo, battery, wheel, Alternating Current motor and electromagnetic clutch [Sanjulal T S, Ajith Kurian Baby, Vishnu V S, Shan Kumar; International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) Volume: 03 Issue: 07; July-2016].

Indian Patent No 241502 relates to a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine transmitting power through a clutch connected to a transmission system; an electric unit for driving a wheel of the vehicle; a controller connected to the electric unit and to a battery pack; a charge port to which the battery pack is connected; a throttle for regulating fuel supply to the engine through a carburetor, the throttle also being connected to the controller through a potentiometer; an ignition switch for operating a spark plug; a mode switch for connecting the throttle to the controller, such that when the mode switch is ON and the ignition switch is OFF, the engine is non-operative and the signal from throttle runs the electric unit through the controller, the power for the electric unit being derived from the battery pack through the controller; and such that when the mode switch is OFF and the ignition switch is ON, the engine is started with the aid of a cranking mechanism, when the clutch automatically disconnects the engine from the transmission system; the speed of the engine increasing, gradually coupling the clutch to the wheel through the transmission system and such that when both the mode switch and the ignition switch are on, the throttle operates the engine through carburetor and electric unit through the controller whereby both the power from, the electric unit and the power from the engine through the transmission system reach the wheel.

Indian Application No 201717034888 relates to continuously variable transmission device with at least two dynamos/motors and the continuously variable transmission device is at the exterior of the dynamos/motors making it difficult to reduce the thickness in the central shaft direction and preventing a reduction in size. In the invention a space is formed in a section surrounded by a rotor that rotates in the clockwise direction together with either a drive disk or a drive gear a rotor that rotates in the counter clockwise direction together with either a drive disk or a drive gear and the radially inward side of a stator in which field magnets have been installed in the shape of a ring. When a traction roller or a traction gear through which a drive shaft has been passed is inserted into the formed space the traction roller contacts the drive disks and is rotated by the couple therewith or the traction gear contacts the drive gears and is rotated by the couple therewith thereby enabling output to the drive shaft passing through the traction roller or the traction gear. It is thus possible to reduce the overall size including that of the speed converter.

Indian Application No 201717016182 relates to a dynamoelectric unit integrally equipped with: a motor unit provided with a stator having a coil and affixed to a casing of an internal combustion engine and further provided with a rotor facing the stator and affixed to a rotating drive shaft of the internal combustion engine and a control unit for controlling the conduction of power to the stator. Therein at least part of the control unit is positioned inside a cooling ventilation channel of the internal combustion engine.

Indian Application No 201641035880 relates to shock absorber, rack & pinion arrangement and dynamo. This is specially planned to design and fabricate the conversion unit for utilizing the available unconventional energy source. As shock absorber effect formed, spring is compressed and linear movement of rack is converted in rotary motion due to pinion moves as the rack is meshed with pinion. And the pinion is mounted on the shaft which is connected to shaft of dynamo.

Indian Application No 201631003584 relates to a system for power generation in which the string of induction motor will generate electric power that will convert into mechanical and this mechanical power will convert in to power energy with the help of our technology electromagnetism. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a system for power generation which has the beneficial effects of having saving manpower cost, reducing labor intensity, and having safety and reliability.

Indian Application No 4098/KOLNP/2012 relates to a device for controlling a power generator which is driven by the motive force of an engine. Said device comprises a brake operation amount detector for detecting the amount of operation of a brake, and a power generation amount setting unit for setting a reduced amount of power generation by the power generator when vehicle acceleration is anticipated, according to the amount of brake operation.

Indian Application No 3807/KOLNP/2010 relates to a motor and/or dynamo, a vehicle or wind turbine provided with such a motor and/or dynamo. The motor/dynamo comprises a device for generating power, comprising: a rotor; a stator; at least two permanent magnets arranged in a mutually opposed orientation on one of the rotor and the stator; and at least two coils on the other of the rotor and the stator, characterized in that the coils are disposed in an axial orientation and the magnets in radial orientation.

Indian Application No 3606/DELNP/2010 relates to a hybrid drive unit, wherein an assist prime mover is connected tlirough a transmission to an output member, to which a torque outputted by a main prime mover is transmitted. The control device comprises a first torque correcting means for correcting the torque to be transmitted from the main prime mover to the output member during a gear shift by the transmission.

Indian Application No 2255/MUM/2007 relates to vehicle controller connected to start switch and the motor controller(s) connected to pre-charge circuit, electronic accelerator and forward/reverse switch; PMDC motor is coupled directly to the IC engine for series hybrid; Shunts/hall sensor devices are connected to the vehicle controller to detect all the voltages, current and power; Vehicle/throttle controller is provided to control the rpm of the engine and thus the voltage generated by the motor coupled to it by varying the linear actuator/stepper/servo motor.

Patent No US9627951 relates to power system with regeneration may include an electric power storage element, an electric motor in electrical communication with the electric power storage element, a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the electric motor for rotation by the electric motor and adapted to provide rotational energy to a power take-off device, and a regeneration component operably coupled to the rotatable shaft and adapted for converting rotational energy of the shaft to electrical energy, the regeneration component being in electrical communication with the electric power storage element and adapted to recharge the electric power storage element.

Patent No US9340098 relates to transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft arranged to receive torque of an engine, a first motor/generator operable as a motor or a generator, a second motor/generator operable as a motor or a generator and directly connected to an output gear, and a planetary gear set having a first rotation element directly connected to the first motor/generator and selectively connected to the input shaft, a second rotation element directly connected to the input shaft, and a third rotation element selectively connected to the output gear.

Patent No US7093512 relates to electric motor is inserted between clutch shafts of a twin-clutch type automatic transmission are controlled for the torque and speed of the electric motor, establishing a smooth and efficient gear shifting control as well for a creep control, idling stop starting control, and R-to-D, D-to-R selecting control being controlled. The pre-stage gear is released after the torque transfer is completed with the electric motor, and the clutch is exchanged after synchronizing the motor speed with the electric motor. As a single transmission can realize multiple functions, there is such an effect that the overall cost can be reduced relatively.

Present invention aims to provide regenerative clutch in light motor vehicles by replacing the clutch by a dynamo between gearbox and engine. In the present invention, electricity is being produced by relative motion of armature and casing of dynamo that is used as a clutch system unlike the heat energy that is generated by the frequent engagement and disengagement of clutch plate in conventional clutch system.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
The principle object of the present invention is to provide regenerative clutch in light motor vehicles.

Another objective of the present invention is to convert the slippage of clutch to electricity insisted of heat energy in friction clutches & to provide regeneration while braking by converting the momentum of the .vehicle to electrical energy.

Still another objective of the present invention is to increase efficiency by providing power to wheels for moving the vehicle

Yet another objective of the present invention is to reduce the fuel consumption, reduce of wear and tear and provide smoother drive

Still another objective of the present invention is to rearrange the powertrain of the light motor vehicle and to eliminate the use of gearbox as well as differential to decrease the overall losses due to gears.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to regenerative clutch in light motor vehicles. In this system the conventional friction clutch is being replaced by a dynamo/alternator/generator between gearbox and engine. The placement of dynamo/alternator/generator is in such a way that input shaft of dynamo/alternator/generator (armature) is connected to the output shaft or crankshaft of the engine and the casing of dynamo/alternator/generator is connected to the input shaft of the gearbox hence further connected to wheels of the vehicle.

The input shaft of the dynamo/alternator/generator is having permanent magnets while the casing is having winding coil (it should be noted that placement of coil and magnets can be reversed as needed). At the time of acceleration from the rest and congestive traffic conditions when clutch pedal is not fully released the armature of dynamo/alternator/generator which consist of permanent magnets rotates with the crankshaft and as it rotates between the coils mounted on casing ,electric current is induced in the winding but also a back emf is generated (due to Lenz Law) which opposes the motion of armature but as the casing of dynamo/alternator/generator is connected to wheels the back emf will cause the casing to rotate with armature but not at the same speed and will transfer required power to wheels hence causing clutch like effect.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
Figure 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 shows constructional overview of regenerative clutch system according to the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention provides a regenerative clutch in light motor vehicles. Figure 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 shows constructional overview of regenerative clutch system. The system comprises prime mover (engine) 1, regenerative clutch 2,differential mechanism of vehicle 3, slip rings 4, wheels of the vehicle 5, energy storage 6, control unit 7, and clutch pedal (for manual vehicles)8 wherein slip rings 4 to receive current from rotating clutch 2, shaft connecting dynamo/alternator/generator casing to wheels 2, shaft connecting armature to engine3, casing of dynamo/alternator/generator which consist coil windings4 armature of dynamo/alternator/generator which consist of permanent magnets, windings of dynamo/alternator/generator in which current is induced while relative motion, and wires connecting armature winding to slip rings 7 (figure 1A, 1B, 1C)

In this system the conventional friction clutch is being replaced by a dynamo/alternator/generator between gearbox and engine. The placement of dynamo/alternator/generator is in such a way that input shaft of dynamo/alternator/generator (armature) is connected to the output shaft or crankshaft of the engine and the casing of dynamo/alternator/generator is connected to the input shaft of the gearbox hence further connected to wheels of the vehicle.

The input shaft of the dynamo/alternator/generator is having permanent magnets while the casing is having winding coil (it should be noted that placement of coil and magnets can be reversed as needed). At the time of acceleration from the rest and congestive traffic conditions when clutch pedal is not fully released the armature of dynamo/alternator/generator which consist of permanent magnets rotates with the crankshaft and as it rotates between the coils mounted on casing ,electric current is induced in the winding but also a back emf is generated (due to Lenz Law) which opposes the motion of armature but as the casing of dynamo/alternator/generator is connected to wheels the back emf will cause the casing to rotate with armature but not at the same speed and will transfer required power to wheels hence causing clutch like effect.

Also the relative motion between armature and casing will cause the additional power from the engine to convert into electricity which can be stored. When one fully releases the clutch pedal, the armature can be directly linked to the casing eliminating all the loss and there is no relative motion between casing and crankshaft thereby transmitting all the power coming from the engine to the wheels.

The amount of mechanical power transmitted by this clutch can be controlled by controlling the current drawn from coils by using suitable electrical equipment, as the back EMF is directly proportional to generated EMF.

In regenerative clutch system, the electricity is being produced by relative motion of armature and casing of dynamo/alternator/generator that is used as a clutch system unlike the heat energy that is generated due to slippage by the frequent engagement and disengagement of clutch plate in conventional clutch system. Also due to consequent engagement and disengagement of the friction clutch it wears out and due to that the clutch slips and the torque which the engine is providing is not being fully transmitted to the gearbox then to the wheels which lead to huge amount of power loss which is not in the case of regenerative clutch system.

This system can also be used as an alternative to conventional hydraulic coupling or torque convertor, which is being used in automatic transmission.

While braking due to momentum of the vehicle, the relative motion of the wheels and engine will cause relative motion between armature and casing hence it regenerates the electrical energy while braking.

Each wheel of the vehicle can be replaced with the regenerative clutch in such a way that the input shaft of dynamo/alternator/generator will be connected to engine while the casing of dynamo/alternator/generator will be in contact with road hence, each wheel can be treated as regenerative clutch and amount of engine power to be delivered on road can be separately controlled for each wheel.

Hence the proposed clutch system can transfer the required power from engine to wheel and convert additional power from the engine to electricity without using any kind of friction or hydraulic coupling.

Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

WE CLAIM:
1. A regenerative clutch comprises prime mover (engine) 1, regenerative clutch 2,differential mechanism of vehicle 3, slip rings 4, wheels of the vehicle 5, energy storage 6, control unit 7, and clutch pedal (for manual vehicles)8 wherein slip rings 4 to receive current from rotating clutch 2, shaft connecting dynamo/alternator/generator casing to wheels 2, shaft connecting armature to engine3, casing of dynamo/alternator/generator which consist coil windings4 armature of dynamo/alternator/generator which consist of permanent magnets, windings of dynamo/alternator/generator in which current is induced while relative motion, and wires connecting armature winding to slip rings 7
2. The regenerative clutch, as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the time of acceleration from the rest and congestive traffic conditions when clutch pedal is not fully released the armature of dynamo/alternator/generator which consist of permanent magnets rotates with the crankshaft and as it rotates between the coils mounted on casing ,electric current is induced in the winding but also a back emf is generated (due to Lenz Law) which opposes the motion of armature but as the casing of dynamo/alternator/generator is connected to wheels the back emf will cause the casing to rotate with armature but not at the same speed and will transfer required power to wheels hence causing clutch like effect.
3. The regenerative clutch, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integration of clutch can be done as one of the two parts (magnets or coils) is connected to power source such as internal combution engine while the other part can be directly or indirectly connected to wheels.
4. The regenerative clutch, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the required power is transmitted to the wheels while the additional power is converted into a power storage unit like a battery.
5. The regenerative clutch, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clutch can be integrated in LMVs in such a way that each wheel can be treated as regenerative clutch and amount of engine power to be delivered on road can be separately controlled for each wheel.
6. The regenerative clutch, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regenerative clutch can be integrated in LMVs in such a way that each wheel can be treated as regenerative clutch which eliminates the use of gearbox as well as differential which will decrease the overall losses due to gears.
7. The regenerative clutch, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of power transmitted to wheels can be controlled by controlling the electrical load on the induction clutch or the area of coil in contact with magnetic field.