Crazy idea
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 7
From: Upper midwest
Crazy idea
This idea may seem crazy now, but I challenge YOU. Yes You to come up with a possible solution for every problem you mention! 
What if someone came out with an electric hub motor for 2-wheel drive trucks & vans?
One that would bolt-on in place of the spindle and brakes. This would serve 2 purposes.
#1 It would provide front-wheel assist at low speeds. Much like 2-wheel drive tractors can have front-wheel hydraulic assist. It provides a substantial amount of help when it is needed. Like when it's stuck in the mud, snow, old bras, emotional baggage. You know. The usual.
#2 Turning braking resistance into usable power. Just like in regular electric vehicles. This would charge a battery bank for any number of use. Like acting in a 1/2 hybrid role by providing power to the front wheels.
I know there are a lot of problems to overcome. But try to respond with a possible fix for any issues you bring up.
Let's see what comes of this crazy idea!
What if someone came out with an electric hub motor for 2-wheel drive trucks & vans?
One that would bolt-on in place of the spindle and brakes. This would serve 2 purposes.
#1 It would provide front-wheel assist at low speeds. Much like 2-wheel drive tractors can have front-wheel hydraulic assist. It provides a substantial amount of help when it is needed. Like when it's stuck in the mud, snow, old bras, emotional baggage. You know. The usual.
#2 Turning braking resistance into usable power. Just like in regular electric vehicles. This would charge a battery bank for any number of use. Like acting in a 1/2 hybrid role by providing power to the front wheels.
I know there are a lot of problems to overcome. But try to respond with a possible fix for any issues you bring up.
Let's see what comes of this crazy idea!
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
replace the front spindle... add motor .
or replace brake rotor with a rotor with a ring gear... like a flywheel/starter setup.
I think you could have a market.. the price point will be an issue..
as the aftermarket overdrive add-on box is still being made..
I also see a few.. changing a 2 wheel drive truck to 4 wheel using used factory parts.
or replace brake rotor with a rotor with a ring gear... like a flywheel/starter setup.
I think you could have a market.. the price point will be an issue..
as the aftermarket overdrive add-on box is still being made..
I also see a few.. changing a 2 wheel drive truck to 4 wheel using used factory parts.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 7
From: Upper midwest
Nice.
I really like your point about a ring gear & starter type solution! Some little geared down version could give one the low speed assist when needed w/o the weight of a factory 4x4 front end.
Nice input!
Nice input!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
I keep coming back to 2 large and heavy motors that have to turn and bounce as you travel about. Unsprung weight is not good.
The only way that I can see the ring gear setup avoiding that is if it would only work when the wheels were straight. Even then the motors would have to move vertically.
Not being any kind of mechanical genius ( or even a mechanical average ), I can only see one way out. Put a motor in the center and use it like a normal 4wd setup with axles and CV joints.
Porsche and some other high buck aompanies have some 'hybrid' autos that use the electric to increase power output. But, from the little that I could find, they just run the electric motor output through the normal drivetrain.
Not trying to be a downer -- be happy to be proven wrong,
hj
The only way that I can see the ring gear setup avoiding that is if it would only work when the wheels were straight. Even then the motors would have to move vertically.
Not being any kind of mechanical genius ( or even a mechanical average ), I can only see one way out. Put a motor in the center and use it like a normal 4wd setup with axles and CV joints.
Porsche and some other high buck aompanies have some 'hybrid' autos that use the electric to increase power output. But, from the little that I could find, they just run the electric motor output through the normal drivetrain.
Not trying to be a downer -- be happy to be proven wrong,
hj
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
as for the added weight at the wheels..
has anyone weighted a 17 inch wheel/tire.. and the 20 plus sizes... heavier..
the starter/gear at the rotor.. would rotate/angle just like the brake caliper.. so steering has no affect ..or bumps..
price and demand is the issue. but adding a few hundred pounds to a 7,000 pound plus truck is minimum
if you go with my idea... just add my name to it
has anyone weighted a 17 inch wheel/tire.. and the 20 plus sizes... heavier..
the starter/gear at the rotor.. would rotate/angle just like the brake caliper.. so steering has no affect ..or bumps..
price and demand is the issue. but adding a few hundred pounds to a 7,000 pound plus truck is minimum
if you go with my idea... just add my name to it
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Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
120 years ago....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohner-Porsche
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_hub_motor
Considerable development, no hub motor:
S-AWC | Innovation | MITSUBISHI MOTORS
As a retrofit, yes, it's a crazy idea.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohner-Porsche
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_hub_motor
Considerable development, no hub motor:
S-AWC | Innovation | MITSUBISHI MOTORS
As a retrofit, yes, it's a crazy idea.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
as for crazy ideas..
early Honda Goldwings... someone made an sold a reverse setup.. electric motor and a rubber wheel.. cable and bracket..
pulling lever had motor/wheel pivot up and rubber wheel to rear wheel of bike.. it moved backwards...
sold many for years...
in 1988 Honda redesigned the Goldwing.. and used the transmission/engine starter with a computer to control speed.. as standard equipment...
early Honda Goldwings... someone made an sold a reverse setup.. electric motor and a rubber wheel.. cable and bracket..
pulling lever had motor/wheel pivot up and rubber wheel to rear wheel of bike.. it moved backwards...
sold many for years...
in 1988 Honda redesigned the Goldwing.. and used the transmission/engine starter with a computer to control speed.. as standard equipment...
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 7
From: Upper midwest
Some got it. Others didn't.
The trouble with the internet is short sighted & narrow minded people.
Then there are some who can see passed what is out there. Envisioning a possibility ywt to be recognized.
It is nice to know there are still others who are open minded.
Thank you for your input. Maybe we'll see such a system rolling down the road one day and be glad we didn't close our minds.
Then there are some who can see passed what is out there. Envisioning a possibility ywt to be recognized.
It is nice to know there are still others who are open minded.
Thank you for your input. Maybe we'll see such a system rolling down the road one day and be glad we didn't close our minds.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
Are you referring to me as short sighted and narrow minded?
I didn't find this yesterday, but it's exactly what you are talking about.
Overview | Protean Electric
I didn't find this yesterday, but it's exactly what you are talking about.
Overview | Protean Electric
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