Stackable Motor

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a plurality of motors operatively connected with one another. The vehicle is powered with the plurality of motors individually and in combination with one another to primarily operate each of the plurality of motors within a predetermine efficiency range.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for powering a vehicle comprising:
 a primary motor and a secondary motor operatively connected with one another to drive the vehicle through an operable connection to the secondary motor,   wherein the primary motor and the secondary motor are selectively engageable to operate within a predetermined efficiency range   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the primary motor and secondary motor are coupled together indirectly. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the primary motor and secondary motor are coupled together using a serpentine belt. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the primary motor and secondary motor are substantially the same capacity. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a third motor and a fourth motor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the secondary motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are configured to be engaged incrementally, independent of one another. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the primary motor, the secondary motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together indirectly. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the primary motor, the secondary motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together using a serpentine belt. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the primary motor, the secondary motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together directly. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the primary motor, the secondary motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together using direct shaft connections. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the primary motor, the secondary motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together using a series of clutches. 
     
     
         12 . A system for powering a vehicle, comprising:
 a first motor and a second motor that are operatively connected with one another to power the vehicle individually or in combination with one another such that each motor operates in a predetermined efficiency range;   wherein the second motor is configured as a primary motor and operably couple to drive the vehicle; and   wherein the first motor provides an auxiliary power source to the second motor and is configured to selectively engage the second motor when an operating load exceeding a capacity of the second motor is placed on the second motor, wherein the primary motor status alternates between the first and second motors.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 . wherein the first motor and second motor are coupled together indirectly. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the first motor and second motor are coupled together using a serpentine belt. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the first motor and second motor are substantially the same capacity. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12  further comprising a third motor and a fourth motor. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the first motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are configured to be engaged incrementally, independent of one another. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the first motor, the second motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together indirectly. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the first motor, the second motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together using a serpentine belt. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the first motor, the second motor, the third motor, and fourth motor are coupled together directly.