Toyota patents electric supercharger design with focus on durability
Toyota's US patent filing reveals a new electric supercharger design using a coil spring, aiming for easier assembly and improved high-speed performance.
Toyota has filed a patent in the United States for an electric supercharger featuring a coil spring bearing assembly, aiming to improve both durability and manufacturability. The patent, originally filed in May 2015 and published by the US Patent and Trademark Office in March 2017, outlines a system designed to deliver more consistent pressure and withstand high-speed operation.
The patent describes an electric supercharger that replaces traditional plate springs with a coil spring in the bearing assembly. This change is intended to simplify production and enhance the reliability of the supercharger, particularly under the high rotational speeds required for forced induction. Toyota’s documentation suggests the company is exploring ways to make electric superchargers more suitable for mass production by reducing complexity and improving performance longevity.
Potential applications and industry context
While the patent does not specify a production model, speculation has centred on whether the technology could appear in future Toyota performance cars. The timing of the patent’s publication coincided with ongoing rumours about the next-generation Supra and Toyota’s broader interest in electrified performance. However, no official link between the patent and a specific vehicle has been confirmed.
Toyota is not alone in exploring electrically driven forced induction. Audi, for example, has already introduced an electric supercharger on its SQ7 TDI, using the technology to eliminate lag and boost low-end torque. The move by Toyota signals continued interest among major manufacturers in electric boosting as a route to enhanced performance without the drawbacks of conventional turbocharging.
What the patent means for production
The patent’s focus on durability and ease of assembly suggests Toyota is considering electric superchargers for more than just experimental use. If the technology proves viable in production, it could offer performance gains and improved reliability for future forced-induction engines. At the time of the patent’s publication, Toyota had not announced any production plans for the design.
