Annular compression system and method of operating same

Abstract

Various embodiments of systems and methods for compressing air are provided herein. In at least some embodiments provided herein, a compressor device is provided having an annular chamber, at least one inlet port, at least one vane, at least one dynamic partition wall, and at least one outlet port, where when the at least one partition wall is in a closed position, the at least one vane is in a closed position. The at least one vane approaching the at least one partition wall compresses air, and wherein the at least one vane moves from a first side toward a second side of the at least one partition wall when the at least one partition wall is in an open position. The compressor device may include a gearbox train configured to move the at least one partition wall from a closed position to an open position when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described embodiments generally relate to a compression device and a corresponding method of operating the compression device, and in particular to a compression device that can be used to compress gas and / or fluid and a method of operating the compression device. Background Art

[0002] Compressor systems are typically used to compress gases (such as air), fluids, or a combination of the two. Compressor systems can be bulky; especially when combined with other equipment to process and / or filter gases and / or fluids, compressor systems become more complex.

[0003] One challenge in building a compressor system is the requirement that the compression system must have a physical chamber that receives the air and / or fluid to be compressed and that has a volume that decreases over time and in a continuously repeatable manner. This can lead to further increased complexity in the compressor design. It is desirable to provide a compact and simple compressor system. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect, a compressor device is provided, the compressor device having: an annular chamber having an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port located in the annular chamber, the annular chamber receiving air through the at least one inlet port, the at least one inlet port being configured to receive air into the annular chamber; at least one blade, the at least one blade communicating with the inner wall and being movable around the annular chamber, the at least one blade being configured to compress air received from the at least one inlet port; and at least one partition wall located between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one partition wall being movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the at least one partition wall is configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position, and the at least one partition wall is configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the open position. When the at least one partition wall is in the closed position, the at least one blade approaching the corresponding at least one partition wall compresses air to generate compressed air, and when the at least one partition wall is in the open position, the at least one blade moves from a first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall toward a second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall. The compressor device has at least one outlet port located within the annular chamber, the at least one outlet port being configured to release compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one blade moves to the second side of the corresponding at least one dividing wall.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the compressor device has at least three blades and at least three partition walls, which form at least three inner chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the at least one blade is configured to create a suction force between the at least one blade and the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall to draw air from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the at least one dividing wall forms a gas-tight seal between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the at least one partition wall is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position by a gear box system, wherein the gear box system is configured to open the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall and approaches the at least one partition wall, and wherein the gear box system is configured to close the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from the corresponding at least one partition wall and has passed the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the gearbox has: a hub gear connected to the at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade in the device; a motion conversion gear connected to the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear and convert the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall; and a speed amplification gear connected to the motion conversion gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear. The gearbox has: a reciprocating gear system connected to the speed amplification gear and configured to rotate when interacting with the speed amplification gear; a central spur gear connected to the reciprocating gear system and configured to rotate a predetermined degree in a first direction and a predetermined degree in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and at least one partition spur gear connected to the central reciprocating gear and configured to move the at least one partition wall. When the central spur gear moves in the first direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction, and when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction. When the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one partition wall moves from the closed position toward the open position, and when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one partition wall moves from the open position toward the closed position.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear, and the first reciprocating gear is configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear, and the second reciprocating gear is configured to rotate in the first direction.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central reciprocating gear to rotate the central reciprocating gear in a first direction, and the second reciprocating gear interacts with the central reciprocating gear to rotate the central reciprocating gear in a second direction.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the motion conversion gear has a first layer having a hexagonal shape and a second layer located above the first layer, the second layer having an involute curved profile.

[0013] In a second aspect, a method for compressing air by a compressor device includes receiving air through an inlet port of the compressor device, the compressor device having: an annular chamber, the annular chamber including an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port located in the annular chamber, the at least one inlet port being configured to allow air to flow into the annular chamber; at least one blade, the at least one blade being connected to the inner wall and capable of moving around the annular chamber, the at least one blade being configured to compress air received from the at least one inlet port; and at least one partition wall located between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one partition wall being capable of moving between a closed position and an open position, wherein the at least one partition wall is configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position, and the at least one partition wall is configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the open position; and at least one outlet port located in the annular chamber, the at least one outlet port being configured to release compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one blade moves to a second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall. The method also includes: moving the at least one blade in a continuous motion around the annular chamber; compressing air received in the annular chamber between the at least one blade and the at least one partition wall in a closed position; and outputting the compressed air through an outlet port of the compressor device when the at least one partition wall moves to an open position.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving the at least one dividing wall from a closed position to an open position to allow the at least one blade to move from a first side of the at least one dividing wall toward a second side of the at least one dividing wall.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving the at least one dividing wall from an open position to a closed position after the at least one blade has moved to the second side of the at least one dividing wall.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the compressor device comprises at least three blades and at least three partition walls, which form at least three inner chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a suction force is formed between the at least one blade and the second side of the at least one partition wall to draw the airflow from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving the at least one partition wall between a closed position and an open position via a gearbox system, wherein the gearbox system is configured to open the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall and approaches the at least one partition wall, and wherein the gearbox system is configured to close the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from the corresponding at least one partition wall and has passed the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the method includes: driving the at least one blade around the annular chamber through a hub gear of a gearbox system, the hub gear being connected to a motion conversion gear; converting the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear through the motion conversion gear; rotating a speed amplification gear through the motion conversion gear, the speed amplification gear being configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; and rotating a reciprocating gear system through the speed amplification gear. The method also includes: rotating a central spur gear through the reciprocating gear system, the central spur gear being configured to rotate a predetermined degree in a first direction and a predetermined degree in a second direction opposite to the first direction; rotating the at least one partition spur gear in the second direction when the central spur gear moves in the first direction; moving the at least one partition wall from a closed position toward an open position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction; rotating the at least one partition spur gear in the first direction when the central spur gear moves in the second direction; and moving the at least one partition wall from an open position toward a closed position when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade driven by the hub gear is located within a determined angular distance from the at least one partition wall.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in the first direction, wherein the first reciprocating gear rotates in the second direction when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined distance from the first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, and wherein the second reciprocating gear rotates in the first direction when the at least one blade moves to the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the second reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a first direction, and the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a second direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor device;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of an exemplary compressor arrangement;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of an exemplary compressor arrangement;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of an exemplary compressor arrangement;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of an exemplary compressor arrangement;

[0029] Figure 6 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a compressor device;

[0030] Figure 7 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a compressor device;

[0031] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor device;

[0032] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A side view of an exemplary compressor arrangement;

[0033] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor device;

[0034] Fig.11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train;

[0035] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A top view of an exemplary gearbox train;

[0036] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 A top view of two separate components of an exemplary gearbox train;

[0037] Fig.14 yes Fig.11 A top view of two separate components of an exemplary gearbox train;

[0038] Fig.15 yes Fig.11 A perspective view of an exemplary gearbox train;

[0039] Fig.16 yes Fig.11 A top view of three individual components of an exemplary gearbox train;

[0040] Fig.17 yes Fig.11 A top view of three individual components of an exemplary gearbox train;

[0041] Fig.18 yes Fig.11 A top view of a single layer of an exemplary gearbox train;

[0042] Fig.19 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train;

[0043] Fig. 20 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train;

[0044] Fig.21 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train;

[0045] Fig. 22 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an internal combustion engine; and

[0046] Fig.23 is a top view of an exemplary internal combustion engine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Various embodiments according to the teachings of this article will be described below to provide an example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. Any embodiment described herein does not limit any subject matter claimed. The claimed subject matter is not limited to a device, system or method having all the features of any one of the devices, systems or methods described below, or is not limited to the features common to multiple or all devices, systems or methods in the devices, systems or methods described herein. There may be embodiments in which the device, system or method described herein is not any subject matter claimed. Any subject matter described herein that is not claimed in this document may be another protective instrument, such as the subject matter of a continuing patent application, and one or more applicants, one or more inventors or one or more owners are not intended to abandon, deny or disclose such subject matter to the public by disclosing any such subject matter in this document.

[0048] It should be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in the accompanying drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements or steps. In addition, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known methods, processes, and components are not described in detail to avoid blurring the embodiments described herein. In addition, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0049] It should also be noted that the terms "coupled" or "coupled" as used herein may have a variety of different meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms "coupled" or "coupled" may have mechanical, chemical, or electrical meanings. For example, as used herein, the terms "coupled" or "coupled" may mean that two elements or devices may be directly connected to each other, or, depending on the specific context, two elements or devices may be connected to each other via electrical or magnetic signals, electrical connections, electrical elements, or mechanical elements through one or more intermediate elements or devices. In addition, the coupled electrical elements may send and / or receive data.

[0050] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout this specification and the following claims, the term "comprise" and variations such as "including" and "comprising" are to be interpreted in an open, inclusive sense, ie, to mean "including, but not limited to."

[0051] It should be noted that the degree terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" when used in this article refer to a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term so that the end result will not be significantly changed. These degree terms should be interpreted as including the deviation of the modified term as long as such deviation does not negate the meaning of the modified term.

[0052] Additionally, as used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to mean inclusive-or. That is, "X and / or Y" is intended to mean X, or Y, or both. As a further example, "X, Y, and / or Z" is intended to mean X, or Y, or Z, or any combination thereof.

[0053] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "at least one embodiment," or "some embodiments" mean that one or more of the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, unless otherwise specified as not combinable or as an alternative option.

[0054] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally used in its broadest sense, that is, the term "or" means "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0055] The titles and abstracts of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0056] First refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an annular dynamic partitioning compressor 100 is shown. The compressor 100 can be used to compress air. The compressor 100 can also be used to compress fluids. Although the description herein refers to the compression of air, the same principles also apply to facilitate the compression of fluids.

[0057] As shown, the compressor 100 generally includes an annular chamber 102, an inlet port 104, at least one blade 106, at least one dividing wall 108, and an outlet port 110. In some embodiments, the compressor 100 may include a motor designed to facilitate movement of the at least one blade 106. In some embodiments, the compressor 100 may include a gearbox train 200 to facilitate movement of the at least one dividing wall 108.

[0058] The compressor 100 is designed to have a continuous annular hollow chamber 102. This allows the compressor 100 to have a compact design and have the smallest possible physical volume while still meeting the desired purpose. In some cases, the compressor 100 may be used for space or deep sea exploration, or for applications where the compressor 100 may need to be transported over long distances. Similarly, the compressor 100 may be used for applications where access to the compressor 100 may be limited (e.g., the compressor 100 may be placed in a small space, or may require a lot of time and / or resources to approach the compressor 100). The compressor 100 may also be used for applications where repair or maintenance of the compressor 100 may be limited, thereby requiring a lot of time and / or resources to facilitate maintenance of the compressor 100. In such applications, it becomes highly desirable to have a compressor 100 that is compact, simple in design and manufacture, and not too complicated in operation. For example, in one application, the compressor 100 may be used for space exploration to process the air of other planets so that it is more capable of being breathed by astronauts or humans as a whole. In another application, the compressor 100 can be used to compress air to a level higher than the standard atmospheric pressure to fill an oxygen tank. In another example, the compressor 100 can also be used as an internal combustion engine, as described below with reference to Fig. 22 and Fig.23 Discussed in detail.

[0059] The compressor 100 designed as shown in the drawings allows for additional air handling components to be added within the interior chamber 136 of the compressor 100. For example, a heater, filter, oxygen scrubber, or any other air handling component, or combination thereof, may be added within the interior chamber 136. As a result, a highly compact and vertically integrated air handling system is formed.

[0060] Refer again Figure 1 , the annular chamber 102 is contained within the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114. The annular chamber 102 can have any radial thickness, wherein the thickness can be wide or narrow as desired. For example, in certain applications in tight spaces, the annular chamber 102 may need to be very narrow, while in other applications, the annular chamber 102 may have an increased width to allow for a larger volume of air compression. For example, an air compressor for personal use may only require a narrower chamber 102 than an air compressor for commercial purposes or similar applications.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the annular chamber 102 includes three blades 106a to 106c, which are sized to close the space between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102. The three blades 106a to 106c are connected to each other via a ring 138 located on the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. Therefore, the blades 106a to 106c are arranged around the annular chamber 102 so that the blades 106a to 106c are generally equidistant from each other. The blades 106a to 106c are configured to rotate around the annular chamber 102 at the same time so that the blades 106a to 106c can continue to remain equidistant from each other.

[0062] The blades 106a to 106c may have a curved profile, such as Figure 1 In some embodiments, the blades 106a to 106c may have a straight profile. In the embodiment shown, the blades 106a to 106c extend along the entire height of the annular chamber 102. In some embodiments, the blades 106a to 106c may extend along a portion of the height of the annular chamber 102.

[0063] The blades 106a to 106c may have seals along the edges where they engage the inner and outer walls 112, 114 of the annular chamber. The seals may ensure that the space between the inner and outer walls 112, 114 remains airtight and thus does not allow air to leak out. This ensures an efficient compression system.

[0064] As shown, the annular chamber 102 comprises three partition walls 108a to 108c. The partition walls 108a to 108c are designed to have the same curvature and configuration as the curvature and configuration of the blades 106a to 106c. The partition walls 108a to 108c are positioned equidistant from each other in the annular chamber 102, and cover the distance between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102, thereby completely blocking the airflow in the annular chamber 102. The partition walls 108a to 108c extend along the entire height of the annular chamber 102. The space between two adjacent partition walls 108a to 108c provides a closed compression chamber 144. In the embodiment shown, the partition walls 108a to 108c divide the annular chamber 102 into three compression chambers 144 with the same arc length and volume.

[0065] The partition walls 108a to 108c can be in the closed position 116 (eg Figures 1 to 3 ) and the open position 118 (as shown in Figure 4 When in the closed position 116, the partition walls 108a to 108c form a compression chamber 144 in the annular chamber 102, thereby closing the distance between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102. The extension of the partition walls 108a to 108c along the entire height of the annular chamber 102 ensures that the compression chamber 144 is completely closed.

[0066] Similar to the vanes 106a to 106c, the partition walls 108a to 108c may have seals along the outer edges of the partition walls 108a to 108c where they engage the inner and outer walls 112, 114 of the annular chamber. When in the closed position 116, the seals of the partition walls 108a to 108c may ensure that the compression chamber 144 remains airtight and does not allow any air to leak out.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown in , the compressor 100 may include a compartment 124 for each partition wall 108a to 108c. The compartment 124 may be located along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102, and the compartment 124 may be designed to receive the partition walls 108a to 108c when the partition walls 108a to 108c move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118.

[0068] When the partition walls 108a-108c are in the open position 118, the partition walls 108a-108c can be moved from inside the annular chamber 102 into the partition chamber 124. This can open the distance between the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102, thereby allowing the blade 106 to pass through.

[0069] The compressor 100 may also include an outlet chamber 126. The outlet chamber 126 may be located along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102 and located next to the compartment 124. The outlet chamber 126 may be designed to receive air from within the annular chamber 102 and direct the airflow to the outside of the compressor 100. In some embodiments, the outlet chamber 126 may direct the airflow along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 104 to the base of the compressor 100. In this case, there are multiple outlet chambers 126 of the compressor. For example, in some embodiments, there may be as many outlet chambers 126 as there are compression chambers 144. The outlet chambers 126 may each direct the airflow to a single outlet in the compressor 110, which is in fluid communication with the surrounding environment. In some cases, the outlet chambers 126 may each direct the airflow to the base of the compressor 100 to a single outlet.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 112 includes an inlet port 104 located between each of the dividing walls 108a to 108c. The inlet port 104 is configured to bring air from the surrounding environment to each of the compression chambers 144 within the annular chamber 102.

[0071] In another example, the inlet port 104 may be located along the outer wall 114. In another example, the inlet port 104 may be located on the top wall 146 or the bottom wall 148 of the annular chamber 102 (eg, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ).

[0072] In various embodiments, the compressor 100 includes an outlet port 110 configured to release air from the annular chamber 102. In some cases, the outlet port 110 can be located between the partition chamber 124 and the outlet chamber 126. In some other cases, the outlet port 110 can be located along the outer wall 114 of the annular chamber 102. In another example, the outlet port 110 can be located along the inner wall 112. In other examples, the outlet port can be located on the top wall 146 or the bottom wall 148 of the annular chamber 102.

[0073] In some cases, the compressor 100 may have only one outlet port 110 . In some other cases, the compressor 100 may have more than one outlet port 110 .

[0074] The compressor 100 can be constructed of any metal or polymer that can maintain a rigid profile under stress with negligible deformation. In some embodiments, the compressor 100 can be constructed of metal parts, such as steel or aluminum. In some embodiments, the compressor 100 can be constructed of polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyetherimide.

[0075] Now refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 1 shows the compressor 100 in a first phase of a compression cycle, wherein the vanes 106a to 106c are located in the compression chamber of the annular chamber 102 and close to the partition walls 108a to 108c.

[0076] For exemplary purposes, vanes 106a-106c move in a counter-clockwise direction around annular chamber 102. To illustrate the method and compression of compressor 100, vane 106a will be tracked throughout the compression cycle.

[0077] In the first stage, air is admitted into the annular chamber 102 through the inlet port 104 of the compressor 100. Air enters each compression chamber 144 of the annular chamber 102 via the inlet port 104, thereby filling the space between the vane 106a and the dividing wall 108b. The dividing wall 108b is in the closed position 116, as shown.

[0078] The vane 106a moves in a continuous motion in a counterclockwise direction around the annular chamber 102 toward the dividing wall 108b, thereby compressing air from the inlet port 104 between the vane 106a and the dividing wall 108b.

[0079] Now refer to Figure 3 , the vane 106a has moved through the annular chamber 102 toward the first side 120 of the dividing wall 108b, which is held in the closed position 116. The vane 106a applies pressure to the air trapped between the vane 106a and the dividing wall 108b within the annular chamber 102. The compressed air is then pushed out of the annular chamber 102 out the outlet port 110.

[0080] As the blade 106a moves along the annular chamber 102, a suction force is formed between the blade 106a and the partition wall 108a because a space is formed between the blade 106a and the partition wall 108a. When the suction force is formed, fresh air from outside the compressor 100 is pulled through the inlet port 104 via the suction force and fills the space between the blade 106a and the partition wall 108a in the annular chamber 102. The air that has filled the space is then used for compression by the blade 106c in the second stage of the compression cycle.

[0081] When the vane 106a arrives within a predetermined degree and / or angular distance from the divider wall 108b, the divider wall 108b moves from the closed position 116 to the open position 118, thereby allowing the vane 106a to move from the first side 120 of the divider wall 108b toward the second side 122 of the divider wall 108b.

[0082] In some cases, the predetermined distance may be a 10 degree offset between the blade 106a and the partition wall 108b. In some other cases, the predetermined degree may be about 5 degrees. In some further cases, the predetermined degree may be less than 5 degrees.

[0083] The compression cycle ends when the partition walls 108a-108c move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118, thereby breaking the previously airtight seal in the annular chamber 102. When the partition walls 108a-108c move, the vanes 106a-106c are no longer able to compress the air within the annular chamber 102. Therefore, it is advantageous to make the predetermined degree or distance smaller to ensure a longer compression cycle and thus produce the most efficient compression.

[0084] Now refer to Figure 4 , the compression cycle is complete. The partition wall 108b has moved to the open position 118, and the vane 106a is in the process of moving from the first side 120 to the second side 122 of the partition wall 108b.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the dividing wall 108b has been moved from the annular chamber 102 into the dividing chamber 124 to allow the vanes 106a to transfer from the first side 120 of the dividing wall 108b to the second side 122 of the dividing wall 108b.

[0086] In some embodiments, the dividing wall 108b can transition from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 by vertical movement. The open position 118 of the dividing wall 108b can be a position that is vertically higher than the closed position 116. This can allow the blade 106a to move from the first side 120 of the dividing wall 108b to the second side 122 of the dividing wall 108b by moving under the raised dividing wall 108b.

[0087] Now refer to Figure 5 , the compression cycle restarts and the vanes 106a-106c continue to move around the annular chamber 102, thereby compressing the air from the inlet port 104. As shown, the vane 106a moves from the second side 122 of the dividing wall 108b to the first side of the dividing wall 108c.

[0088] Now refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of a compressor 100 having two vanes 106a-106b and two partition walls 108a-108b is shown in . The two partition walls 108a-108b form two compression chambers 144 when in the closed position 116, as shown.

[0089] Now refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7An exemplary embodiment of a compressor 100 having four vanes 106a to 106d and four partition walls 106a to 106d is shown in FIG. The four partition walls 108a to 108d form four compression chambers 144 within the annular chamber 102 when in the closed position 116, as shown.

[0090] The compressor 100 may be designed with any number of vanes 106, divider walls 108, and resulting compression chambers 144. However, the compressor 100 must have the same number of vanes 106, divider walls 108, inlet 104, and outlet 110 in each design.

[0091] Now refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a compressor 100 having a top module 128 and a bottom module 130. The top module 128 may be configured to process the air before the air reaches the annular chamber 102 of the compressor 100. The bottom module 130 may be configured to process the air after the air is compressed in the annular chamber 102 of the compressor 100.

[0092] Additional air handling components such as heaters, filters, oxygen scrubbers, etc. may be incorporated into the system within the top module 128 or the bottom module 130 .

[0093] The top module 128 may include a module inlet 140 that functions in the same manner as the inlet port 104 of the compressor 100, where air arriving from the ambient environment is drawn into the module inlet 140. Airflow may enter the module inlet 140 through the top module 128, which may process and / or filter the air, and then enter the compressor 100 for compression.

[0094] The bottom module 130 may include a module outlet 142 that functions in the same manner as the outlet port 110 of the compressor 100, wherein the output compressed air is directed out of the compressor 100 through the module outlet 142. Airflow may pass through the compressor 100, enter and pass through the bottom module 130, which may process and / or filter the air, and then exit the system.

[0095] Now refer to Fig. 9 , showing Figure 8 1 is a side view of a compressor 100, which is shown as having a top module 128 and a bottom module 130. In some embodiments, the compressor 100 only includes the top module 128. In some other embodiments, the compressor 100 only includes the bottom module 128.

[0096] In various cases, multiple top modules 128 and / or bottom modules 130 may be attached to the compressor 100 to accomplish desired air filtration and / or air treatment prior to or after compression. Any combination of top modules 128 and bottom modules 130 may be added. The airflow to the compressor is not affected by the addition of the top modules 128. In some embodiments, a motor with increased power may be used to create increased suction through the blades 106, thereby enabling air to be pulled through the top modules 128.

[0097] Now refer to Fig.10 , Fig.10 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a compressor 100 having additional components located within an interior chamber 136. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the additional components may include a filter 132 and a heater 134. In some embodiments, the additional components may include an oxygen scrubber. The additional components are sized and shaped to be received within the interior chamber 136 and are designed to accept radial airflow.

[0098] As described above, the inlet port 104 of the compressor 100 may be located along the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. Thus, air entering the annular chamber 102 may first reach the inner chamber 136 of the compressor 100 before moving radially outward into the annular chamber 102. The inclusion of additional components within the inner chamber 136 may allow the air to be processed before entering the compressor 100 through the inlet port 104. As shown, the air may be processed in a variety of ways (such as filtering by the filter 132 and heating by the heater 134) before entering the annular chamber to be compressed.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow will pass through the filter 132 , enter the heater 134 , and then enter the annular chamber 102 of the compressor 100 .

[0100] In some embodiments, the compressor 100 may include additional components within the interior chamber 136 as well as an added top module 128 and / or bottom module 130 .

[0101] Now refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , Fig.11 and Fig.122 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 200. The gearbox train 200 may be located along a bottom portion of the compressor 100. The gearbox train 200 may be configured to connect the movement of the vanes 106 with the movement of the partition walls 108 between the closed position 116 and the open position 118. In particular, when it is detected that the vanes 106 are within a predetermined distance from the corresponding partition walls 108, the gearbox train 200 controls the movement of the partition walls 108 between the closed position 116 and the open position 118. As described above, this allows the corresponding vanes to move from one side of the partition wall to the other side and resume compression operation.

[0102] In some embodiments, the movement of the partition wall 108 can be controlled using sensors and motors, wherein the sensors can sense the position of the blades, and the motors can trigger the opening and closing of the partition wall based on the sensed position. However, depending on the application of the compressor 100, the use of sensors may not be preferred. For example, if the compressor 100 is used in space or deep sea applications, or for applications where the accessibility of the compressor 100 is generally limited (this is because compressor maintenance or fixing of the compressor 100 may be challenging), the use of sensors may not be preferred. The use of gears can provide advantages in the durability and stability of the compressor system, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the partition wall.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox system 200 is connected to and provides a transmission for a motor designated to move the blades 106 of the compressor 100. The gearbox system 200 is designed to perform three sets of motions. One is to convert continuous rotary motion into intermittent rotary motion. The second is to increase the speed of intermittent rotary motion. The third is to convert high-speed intermittent rotary motion into reciprocating motion.

[0104] When the gear is rotated to a predetermined number of degrees, converting the continuous rotational motion to intermittent motion may require performing a partial rotation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, there are three blades 106 in the compressor 100. Therefore, a partial rotation can be performed every time the blade 106 rotates approximately 120 degrees. In other embodiments, a partial rotation can be performed when the blade 106 rotates any other degree. For example, if the compressor 100 includes four blades 106, a partial rotation can be performed every time the blade 106 rotates approximately 90 degrees. Typically, if the compressor 100 has "n" blades or partitions, the angular distance that the blades 106 must leave for intermittent motion is 360 / n degrees. In some cases, a partial rotation of the gear is triggered at a predetermined angular distance between the blade 106 and the partition wall 108.

[0105] Increasing the rotational speed of the intermittent rotary motion may involve including gears of different sizes to achieve the increase in speed.

[0106] The high speed intermittent motion is converted to reciprocating motion so that the gear rotates in a first direction and then rotates the gear in an opposite second direction. In some cases, the reciprocating motion may be about 90 degrees in the first direction and about 90 degrees in the second direction. In some cases, the reciprocating motion may be about 30 degrees in the first direction and about 30 degrees in the second direction. In other cases, the reciprocating motion may be any degree in the first direction and in the second direction.

[0107] The gearbox train 200 is designed to allow the divider wall 108 to move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 when the vane 106 is located at a predetermined angular distance from the divider wall 108 .

[0108] The dividing wall 108 may be designed to move at a greater speed than the rotational speed of the vanes 106. For example, if the predetermined angular distance of the vanes 106 from the dividing wall 108 is determined to be 5 degrees, the dividing wall 108 must be able to move from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 and back to the closed position 116 while the vanes 106 move a total of 10 degrees around the annular chamber. The comparison of the speed of movement of the dividing wall 108 to the speed of movement of the vanes 106 may be taken care of by the gearbox train 200. In order to ensure that the speed of movement of the dividing wall 108 is appropriate and achieved within the required time, the gearbox train 200 is used to connect the movement of the vanes 106 to the movement of the dividing wall 108.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox 200 includes a hub gear 202. The hub gear 202 may be a portion of the same circumference of the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 202 is connected to the blades 106 of the compressor 100 and is designed to drive the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 202 rotates around the gearbox 200 at the same angular velocity as the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102.

[0110] The hub gear 202 is connected to the motion conversion gear 204. The motion conversion gear 204 is designed to be connected to the hub gear 202 when the blade 106 is located within a predetermined degree and / or angular distance from the partition wall 108.

[0111] Now refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 A separate view of the hub gear 202 and the motion conversion gear 204 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub gear 202 includes sets of two teeth 218. The hub gear 202 includes two teeth 218 corresponding to each blade 106 of the compressor 100. For example, the illustrated embodiment shows that the hub gear 202 has three sets of two teeth 218 corresponding to Figure 1An embodiment of a compressor 100 having three blades 106a to 106c is shown in FIG. The groups of teeth 218 are positioned equidistantly.

[0112] The set of teeth 218 of the hub gear 202 can interact with the motion conversion gear 204. The motion conversion gear 204 is designed to have two layers, namely a hexagonal lower layer 220 and a profiled upper layer 222.

[0113] The hexagonal lower layer 220 of the motion conversion gear 204 can have a curved arc instead of the outer edge of the hexagon. The curved arc can match the curvature of the hub gear 202. Therefore, when the hub gear 202 rotates, as shown, the motion conversion gear 204 will not rotate without the set of teeth 218 contacting the motion conversion gear 204.

[0114] The profiled upper layer 222 may have a modified involute curve. The involute curve of the profiled upper layer 222 may be conjugate with the curve of the set of teeth 218 of the hub gear 202.

[0115] The motion conversion gear 204 can be made to any size, thereby allowing the thickness of the compressor 100 and the annular chamber 102 to be varied.

[0116] In some embodiments, a Geneva gear or a modified Geneva gear may be used in place of the motion conversion gear 204 to convert the continuous rotation of the hub gear 202 into intermittent rotation. However, a potential disadvantage of these embodiments may be the set size of the Geneva mechanism. In addition, the Geneva mechanism uses a pin structure, which may be a failure point in the system if the compressor 100 is used in a high stress environment. In such an embodiment, a stronger material may be used to compensate for the failure point.

[0117] The motion conversion gear 204 can be designed to provide intermittent motion in increased gear ratios and high stress environments. The involute curve of the motion conversion gear 204 replaces the pins of a typical Geneva mechanism, allowing the gear to operate in a high stress environment without fear of failure.

[0118] Now refer to Fig.14 , the hub gear 202 is shown to have been rotated such that one set of teeth in the set of teeth 218 is in contact with the profiled upper layer 222 of the motion conversion gear 204 .

[0119] The interaction of the hub gear 202 with the motion conversion gear 204 occurs only when the set of teeth 218 contacts the profiled upper layer 222 of the motion conversion gear 204. At all other points of rotation of the hub gear, the motion conversion gear 204 can remain stationary. Therefore, the continuous motion of the hub gear 202 is converted into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 204.

[0120] In some embodiments, the hub gear 202 may include a notch below each set of teeth 218 to allow the hexagonal lower layer 220 of the motion conversion gear 204 to rotate unimpeded.

[0121] Converting the continuous motion of the hub gear 202 to the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 204 may also include increasing the rotation speed. Since the motion conversion gear 204 has a smaller size than the hub gear 202, the motion conversion gear 204 may rotate at a speed corresponding to the size difference. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the size of the motion conversion gear 204 is 1 / 3 of the size of the hub gear 202. The rotation speed of the motion conversion gear 204 may be 3 times the rotation speed of the hub gear 202.

[0122] The increased rotational speed of the motion conversion gear 204 may help increase the rotational speed of the remaining gears in the gearbox train 200 , which in turn increases the rotational speed of the partition wall 108 of the compressor 100 .

[0123] In some embodiments, the motion conversion gear 204 may have a conventional spur gear located directly below the motion conversion gear 204 for connection with other gears in the gearbox train 200 .

[0124] Return to reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the motion conversion gear 204 is connected to the speed amplification gear 206. The speed amplification gear 206 may be implemented to increase the rotation speed of the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 204.

[0125] The speed amplification gear 206 may be in contact with a conventional spur gear located below the motion conversion gear 204 .

[0126] The speed amplifying gear 206 may include two spur gears, namely a top spur gear 224 having a smaller circumference connected to a bottom spur gear 226 having a larger circumference. The motion conversion gear 204 may be connected to the top spur gear 224. When the motion conversion gear 204 contacts the top spur gear 224 and rotates the top spur gear 224, the bottom spur gear 226 rotates synchronously with the top spur gear 224.

[0127] Using conventional spur gears below the motion conversion gear 204 and using top spur gear 224 and bottom spur gear 226 in the speed amplification gear 206 has the effect of increasing the speed of the motion conversion gear 204 by a certain multiple. For example, such a gear assembly can increase the speed of the motion conversion gear 204 by a factor of 2.

[0128] In some embodiments, two or more gears may be used instead of a single speed amplifying gear 206 to increase the speed of the intermittent motion.

[0129] Next, the speed amplifying gear 206 is connected to a reciprocating gear system 208. As shown, the reciprocating gear system 208 includes two gears: a first reciprocating gear 210 and a second reciprocating gear 212.

[0130] Now refer to Fig.15 , Fig.15 An exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 200 is shown in FIG. As shown, a first reciprocating gear 210 is connected to the speed amplifying gear 206, and a second reciprocating gear 212 is connected to the first reciprocating gear 210. The first reciprocating gear 210 and the second reciprocating gear 212 are configured to rotate in opposite directions.

[0131] For example, the speed amplifying gear 206 may rotate in a first direction. When the speed amplifying gear 206 contacts the first reciprocating gear 210, the first reciprocating gear 210 may rotate in a second direction. Then, the first reciprocating gear 210 may contact the second reciprocating gear 212, thereby causing the second reciprocating gear 212 to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of the first reciprocating gear 210, that is, in the first direction.

[0132] In some embodiments, when the speed amplification gear 206 transmits motion to the first reciprocating gear 210, the first reciprocating gear 210 can rotate 90 degrees in the first direction. In the embodiment described, when the first reciprocating gear 210 transmits motion to the second reciprocating gear 212, the second reciprocating gear 212 will rotate 90 degrees in the second direction.

[0133] The first reciprocating gear 210 and the second reciprocating gear 212 are each connected to a central spur gear 214 .

[0134] In some embodiments, the reciprocating gear system 208 disclosed herein can be replaced by a standard reciprocating gear system, such as a fast-acting Geneva gear or a reciprocating Geneva gear. The reciprocating motion produced by the standard reciprocating gear system can directly contact the central spur gear 214.

[0135] Now refer to Fig.16 , a view of the reciprocating gear system 208 connected to the central spur gear 214 is shown.

[0136] Each of the first reciprocating gear 210 and the second reciprocating gear 210 may include a main portion 228a to 228b, a top portion 230a to 230b, and a bottom portion 232a to 232b. The bottom portion 232a of the first reciprocating gear 210 may contact the bottom spur gear 226 of the speed amplifying gear 206. The top portions 230a to 230b of each of the first reciprocating gear 210 and the second reciprocating gear may contact each other to convert the rotation of the first reciprocating gear 210 in a first direction into the rotation of the second reciprocating gear 212 in the opposite direction.

[0137] The main portion 228a-228b of each of the first reciprocating gear 210 and the second reciprocating gear 210 may have two exaggerated gear teeth, such as Fig.16 As shown in . Each main part 228a to 228b may include a cutout shape on the opposite side of the gear teeth to allow the opposite reciprocating gear to rotate unimpeded. The gear teeth of the main parts 228a to 228b are designed to rotate the central spur gear 214.

[0138] like Fig.16 As shown in , the rotation of the main portion 228b of the second reciprocating gear 212 in the clockwise direction may cause the gear teeth of the main portion 228b to contact the central spur gear 214, thereby causing the central spur gear 214 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The movement of the central spur gear 214 may be limited to about 30 degrees in the second direction because the gear teeth of the second reciprocating gear 212 may no longer contact the central spur gear 214 after the central spur gear 214 completes this degree of rotation.

[0139] After the central spur gear 214 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the first reciprocating gear 210 may contact the central spur gear 214 to cause rotation in the clockwise direction. Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the gear teeth of the main portion 228a of the first reciprocating gear 210 are in contact with the central spur gear 214, so that the central spur gear 214 rotates in a clockwise direction. The movement of the central spur gear 214 may be limited to about 30 degrees in this direction because the gear teeth of the first reciprocating gear 210 may no longer be in contact with the central spur gear 214 after the central spur gear 214 completes this degree of rotation.

[0140] The connection between the reciprocating gear system 208 and the central spur gear 214 may allow the central spur gear 214 to rotate a predetermined number of degrees, such as approximately 30 degrees, in one direction and then rotate a predetermined number of degrees, such as approximately 30 degrees, in the opposite direction.

[0141] like Fig.16 and 17As shown, the central spur gear 214 may have an engagement surface 234 located on the central spur gear 214 and configured to contact the reciprocating gear system 208 .

[0142] Now refer to Fig.18 , the central spur gear 214 is shown connected to three partition spur gears 216a to 216c. The partition spur gears 216a to 216c are configured to move the partition walls 108a to 108c of the compressor 100 between an open position and a closed position.

[0143] As with the dividing walls 108 of the compressor 100, the gearbox train 200 may include fewer or more dividing spur gears 216 than shown. The number of dividing spur gears 216 of the gearbox train 200 must equal the number of dividing walls 208 and blades 206 of the compressor 100.

[0144] Each of the divided spur gears 216 is in contact with the central spur gear 214. The central spur gear 214 can rotate in a first direction by a predetermined degree and in an opposite second direction by a predetermined degree.

[0145] For example, when the central spur gear 214 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the partition spur gear 216 rotates in a clockwise direction. This rotation of the partition spur gear 216 in the clockwise direction moves the partition wall 108 from the closed position 116 toward the open position 118.

[0146] When the central spur gear 214 completes a predetermined number of degrees of rotation in the counterclockwise direction, the central spur gear 214 rotates in the clockwise direction. The rotation of the central spur gear 214 in the clockwise direction causes the partition spur gear 216 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The rotation of the partition spur gear 216 in the counterclockwise direction causes the partition wall 108 to move from the open position 118 toward the closed position 116.

[0147] In some embodiments, the separator spur gear 216 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees in the first direction and the second direction.

[0148] Now refer to Fig.19 , Fig.19 Another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 300 that may be implemented to move the partition wall 108 from the closed position 116 to the open position 118 and back to the closed position 116 is shown in FIG.

[0149] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox 300 includes a hub gear 302. The hub gear 302 may be a portion of the same circumference of the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 302 may be connected to the blades 106 of the compressor 100 and may be designed to drive the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 302 rotates around the gearbox 300 at the same angular velocity as the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102.

[0150] The hub gear 302 is connected to the motion conversion gear 304. The motion conversion gear 304 is designed to be connected to the hub gear 302 when the blade 106 is located within a predetermined degree and / or angular distance from the partition wall 108.

[0151] In the illustrated embodiment, the motion conversion gear 304 of the gearbox train 300 is a three-groove Geneva gear. Therefore, the motion conversion gear 304 converts the continuous motion of the hub gear 302 into intermittent motion.

[0152] The motion conversion gear 304 is connected to a speed amplification gear 306. The speed amplification gear 306 is implemented to increase the rotation speed of the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 304.

[0153] The speed amplifying gear 306 is connected to the central spur gear 314. The central spur gear 314 is configured to transmit the high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplifying gear 306 to the reciprocating gear system 308.

[0154] As shown, the gearbox system 300 can include a plurality of reciprocating gear systems 308a to 308c. In the embodiment shown, there are three reciprocating gear systems 308a to 308c, corresponding to Figure 1 In some embodiments, there are fewer or more reciprocating gear systems 308 than shown. The number of reciprocating gear systems 308 may correspond to the number of dividing walls 108 of the compressor.

[0155] The reciprocating gear system 308 includes a first reciprocating gear 310, a second reciprocating gear 312, and a third reciprocating gear 316. In some embodiments, the reciprocating gear system 308 can include three conventional spur gears.

[0156] The central spur gear 314 is configured to contact the first reciprocating gear 310, thereby rotating the first reciprocating gear 310 in a first direction. Then, the first reciprocating gear 310 contacts the second reciprocating gear 312, thereby rotating the second reciprocating gear 312 in a second direction.

[0157] The first reciprocating gear 310 and the second reciprocating gear 312 are both in contact with the third reciprocating gear 316. The rotation of the first reciprocating gear 310 in the first direction causes the third reciprocating gear 316 to rotate in the second direction. The rotation of the third reciprocating gear 316 in the second direction can cause the partition wall 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the closed position 116 toward the open position 118.

[0158] For example, when the central spur gear 314 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the central spur gear 314 triggers the first reciprocating gear 310 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of the first reciprocating gear 310 causes the third reciprocating gear 316 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The counterclockwise rotation of the third reciprocating gear 316 causes the partition wall 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the closed position 116 toward the open position 118.

[0159] Rotation of the second reciprocating gear 312 in the second direction may cause the third reciprocating gear 316 to rotate in the first direction. Rotation of the third reciprocating gear 316 in the first direction may in turn cause the partition wall 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the open position 118 toward the closed position 116.

[0160] For example, when the central spur gear 314 rotates in a clockwise direction, the central spur gear 314 causes the second reciprocating gear 312 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. This causes the third reciprocating gear 316 to rotate in a clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of the third reciprocating gear 316 causes the partition wall 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the open position 118 toward the closed position 116.

[0161] The third reciprocating gear 316 first contacts the first reciprocating gear 310 to move the partition wall 108 to the open position 118. When the partition wall 108 has moved to the open position 118, the second reciprocating gear 312 contacts the third reciprocating gear 316 to move the partition wall 108 to the closed position 116. For example, the third reciprocating gear 316 is initially connected to the first reciprocating gear 310, and only after the third reciprocating gear 316 has completed a predetermined angle of rotation to move the partition wall 108 to the open position 118, the third reciprocating gear 316 interacts with the second reciprocating gear 312.

[0162] Now refer to Fig.21 , Fig.21 Another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 400 is shown in . In this embodiment, the gearbox train 400 includes a complete set of gears for each dividing wall in addition to the gears for rotating the blades.

[0163] In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox train 400 includes a hub gear 402. The hub gear 402 may be a portion of the same circumference of the inner wall 112 of the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 402 may be connected to the blades 106 of the compressor 100 and is designed to drive the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102. The hub gear 402 rotates around the gearbox train 400 at the same angular velocity as the blades 106 around the annular chamber 102.

[0164] The hub gear 402 is connected to the motion conversion gear 404. The motion conversion gear 404 is designed to be connected to the hub gear 402 when the blade 106 is located within a predetermined degree and / or angular distance from the partition wall 108.

[0165] As shown, the gearbox train 400 includes a plurality of motion conversion gears 404. Each motion conversion gear 404 forms a gear train configured to move a single partition wall 108. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three motion conversion gears 404a to 404c and three gear trains. In some embodiments, there are fewer or more gear trains than those shown. In this embodiment, the number of gear trains of the gearbox train 400 corresponds to the number of partition walls 108 of the compressor.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the motion conversion gear 404 of the gearbox train 400 is substantially similar to the motion conversion gear 204 of the gearbox train 200. However, as shown, the lower layer 420 of the motion conversion gear 404 has a circular shape compared to the hexagonal lower layer 220 of the motion conversion gear 204. The motion conversion gear 404 is configured to convert the continuous motion of the hub gear 402 into intermittent motion. In some embodiments, the motion conversion gear 404 can be the same as the motion conversion gear 204. This embodiment is Fig.21 It is shown in Fig.21 Another exemplary embodiment of a gearbox train 500 is shown.

[0167] The motion conversion gear 404 is connected to a speed amplification gear 406. The speed amplification gear 406 is implemented to increase the rotation speed of the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear 404.

[0168] The speed amplifying gear 306 is connected to a reciprocating gear system 308. In some embodiments, the reciprocating gear system 308 may be a double reciprocating Geneva mechanism.

[0169] As shown, the reciprocating gear system 408 includes a first reciprocating gear 410 , a second reciprocating gear 412 , and a third reciprocating gear 414 .

[0170] The speed amplifying gear 406 is configured to contact the first reciprocating gear 410 so that the first reciprocating gear 410 rotates in a first direction. After the first reciprocating gear 410 rotates predetermined, the first reciprocating gear 410 engages with the second reciprocating gear 412 so that the second reciprocating gear 412 rotates in a second direction.

[0171] The first reciprocating gear 410 and the second reciprocating gear 412 are both in contact with the third reciprocating gear 414. The rotation of the first reciprocating gear 410 in the first direction causes the third reciprocating gear 414 to rotate in the second direction. The rotation of the third reciprocating gear 414 in the second direction in turn causes the partition wall 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the closed position 116 toward the open position 118.

[0172] The rotation of the second reciprocating gear 412 in the second direction causes the third reciprocating gear 414 to rotate in the first direction. The rotation of the third reciprocating gear 414 in the first direction in turn causes the dividing wall 108 of the compressor 100 to move from the open position 118 toward the closed position 116.

[0173] Now refer to Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , Fig. 22 An exemplary embodiment of an internal combustion engine 600 is shown in FIG. 33 . The internal combustion engine 600 is an illustration of an application of the compressor discussed in this application. Any of the embodiments of the compressor 100 discussed herein can be used in the application of the internal combustion engine 600 .

[0174] In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 600 includes three annular chambers 602, at least one inlet port 604, three vanes 606, three dividing walls 608, and three combustion chambers 626. Figure 1 The compressor implementation is similar.

[0175] By a method similar to that of compressor 100, air enters an annular chamber 602 of engine 600 through inlet port 604, wherein vanes 606 continuously move around annular chamber 602. Vanes 606 compress air between vanes 606 and partition wall 608 within annular chamber 602. Annular chamber 602 may also be referred to as a compression chamber.

[0176] The combustion chamber 626 has an airflow port 614 that fluidly connects the combustion chamber 626 to the annular chamber 602. The airflow port 614 may have a mechanism that can close the port and seal the combustion chamber. For example, the airflow port 614 may include a door, a valve, etc., or include any other closing mechanism.

[0177] The compressed air is pushed from the airflow port 614 of the annular chamber 602 into the combustion chamber 626. The airflow port 614 can then close the combustion chamber 626, thereby sealing the compressed air.

[0178] The combustion chamber 626 may also include a spray mechanism and a spark plug, the spray mechanism being configured to spray the combustion chamber 626 with a fuel spray. Thus, when the compressed air has been sealed within the combustion chamber 626, the combustion chamber 626 may be sprayed with a fuel spray, thereby forming a combustible mixture of the compressed air and the fuel spray. The spark plug may then ignite the mixture of the compressed air and the fuel spray, thereby forcing the expanded gas to leave the combustion chamber 626 and enter the annular chamber 602. The expanded gas is output into the annular chamber 602 through the passage 612 (e.g., Fig. 22 ).

[0179] The expanding gas that is forced back into the annular chamber 602 through the passage 612 may push the vanes 606 around the annular chamber 602 .

[0180] As the expanding gases are brought back into the annular chamber 602, the vanes 606 may push the exhaust gases from the annular chamber 602 through the outlet port 610 of the annular chamber 602. The movement of the vanes 606 through the annular chamber 602 may create a suction force, thereby bringing air into the annular chamber 602 through the inlet port 604.

[0181] Movement of the dividing wall 608 of the engine 600 may be facilitated using any of the methods disclosed above with respect to the gearbox trains 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 .

[0182] Refer again Fig. 22 , Fig. 22 6 shows the engine 600 in a first stage of a combustion cycle, wherein the vanes 606a to 606c are located within the annular chamber 602, adjacent to the partition walls 608a to 608c.

[0183] For exemplary purposes, vanes 606a-606c move in a counter-clockwise direction around annular chamber 602. To illustrate the method and compression of engine 600, vane 606a will be tracked throughout the compression cycle.

[0184] In the first stage, air passes through the inlet port 604 of the engine 600 (eg, Fig.23 608b) is received into the annular chamber 602. Air enters the annular chamber 602 via the inlet port 604, thereby filling the space between the vane 606a and the partition wall 608b. The partition wall 608b is in a closed position, as shown.

[0185] The vane 606a moves in a continuous motion in a counterclockwise direction around the annular chamber 602 toward the dividing wall 608b, thereby compressing air from the inlet port 604 between the vane 606a and the first side 620 of the dividing wall 608b.

[0186] Now refer to Fig.23 , the vane 606a has moved through the annular chamber 602 toward the dividing wall 608b, which is still in the closed position. The vane 606a exerts pressure within the annular chamber 602 on the air trapped between the vane 606a and the dividing wall 608b.

[0187] Subsequently, the partition wall 608b moves from the closed position to the open position, thereby opening the airflow port 614. When the vane 606a moves from the first side 620 of the partition wall 608b to the second side 622 of the partition wall 608b, the compressed air moves through the airflow port 614 into the combustion chamber 626.

[0188] The vane 606a continues to move in a counterclockwise direction along the annular chamber 602 toward the partition wall 608c, thereby compressing the air brought in through the inlet port 604. At the same time, in the combustion chamber 626, the compressed air is injected together with the fuel spray, thereby forming a combustible mixture.

[0189] Then, the partition wall 608c moves from the closed position to the open position, thereby allowing the vane 606a to move from the first side 620 of the partition wall 608c toward the second side 622. As the vane 606a passes the partition wall 608c, the spark plug in the combustion chamber 626 ignites the combustible mixture, thereby expanding the air in the combustion chamber 626. This air expansion forces the expanded air to leave the combustion chamber 626, pass through the passage 612 (such as Fig. 22 ) and returns to the annular chamber 602.

[0190] The expanding air is forced through passage 612 into annular chamber 602 between vanes 606a and second side 622 of respective partition wall 608c, outside combustion chamber 626. The expanding air forces vanes 606a to continue their rotational motion through annular chamber 602.

[0191] Then, as the vane 606a completes a full rotation around the annular chamber 602 by approaching the first side 620 of the dividing wall 608a, the exhaust gas moves through the annular chamber 602 and is pushed by the vane 606a out of the outlet port 610. As the vane 606a pushes the exhaust gas out of the outlet port 610, the suction force created between the vane 606a and the second side of the dividing wall 608c draws fresh air in through the inlet port 604, thereby restarting the combustion cycle.

[0192] Although the above description provides examples of embodiments, it is understood that some features and / or functions of the embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and operating principles of the embodiments. Therefore, the above description is intended to illustrate the present invention rather than to limit the present invention, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire description.

[0193] Terms

[0194] Item 1: A compressor device, the compressor device comprising: an annular chamber, the annular chamber comprising an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port located in the annular chamber, the annular chamber receiving air through the at least one inlet port, the at least one inlet port being configured to receive air into the annular chamber; at least one blade, the at least one blade being connected to the inner wall and being able to move around the annular chamber, the at least one blade being configured to compress the air received from the at least one inlet port; at least one partition wall located between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one partition wall being able to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the at least one partition wall is configured to separate the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position. The space between the annular chamber is closed, and the at least one dividing wall is configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when it is in the open position; wherein, when the at least one dividing wall is in the closed position, the at least one blade approaching the corresponding at least one dividing wall compresses air to produce compressed air; wherein, when the at least one dividing wall is in the open position, the at least one blade moves from the first side of the corresponding at least one dividing wall toward the second side of the corresponding at least one dividing wall; and at least one outlet port located in the annular chamber, the at least one outlet port being configured to release the compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one blade moves to the second side of the corresponding at least one dividing wall.

[0195] Item 2: The compressor device according to Item 1, further comprising at least two blades and at least two partition walls, wherein the at least two partition walls form at least two inner chambers of the annular chamber when in a closed position.

[0196] Item 3: The compressor device according to Item 1 or 2, further comprising at least three blades and at least three partition walls, wherein the at least three partition walls form at least three inner chambers of the annular chamber when in a closed position.

[0197] Item 4: The compressor device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, further comprising at least four blades and at least four partition walls, wherein the at least four partition walls form at least four inner chambers of the annular chamber when in a closed position.

[0198] Item 5: The compressor device according to Item 1, wherein the at least one blade is configured to form a suction force between the at least one blade and the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, thereby drawing air from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0199] Item 6: The compressor device of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the at least one dividing wall forms a gas-tight seal between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0200] Item 7: A compressor device according to Item 6, wherein the at least one partition wall is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position through a gear box system, wherein the gear box system is configured to open the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall and approaches the at least one partition wall, and wherein the gear box system is configured to close the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from the corresponding at least one partition wall and has passed the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0201] Item 8: A compressor device according to Item 7, wherein the gearbox system includes: a hub gear connected to the at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade in the device; a motion conversion gear connected to the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall, wherein the motion conversion gear converts the continuous motion of the hub gear into the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear connected to the motion conversion gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; a reciprocating gear system connected to the speed amplification gear and configured to rotate when interacting with the speed amplification gear; a central spur gear. a wheel, the central spur gear being connected to the reciprocating gear system and being configured to rotate a predetermined degree in a first direction and a predetermined degree in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and at least one separating spur gear being connected to the central reciprocating gear and being configured to move the at least one dividing wall; wherein, when the central spur gear moves in the first direction, the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the second direction, and wherein, when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the first direction; wherein, when the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one dividing wall moves from a closed position toward an open position; and wherein, when the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one dividing wall moves from an open position toward a closed position.

[0202] Item 9: A compressor device according to Item 8, wherein the reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in a first direction; and a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in a second direction.

[0203] Item 10: The compressor device of Item 9, wherein the second reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central reciprocating gear in a first direction, and the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central reciprocating gear to rotate the central reciprocating gear in a second direction.

[0204] Item 11: The compressor device of any one of Items 8 to 10, wherein the motion conversion gear has a first layer of a hexagonal shape and a second layer located above the first layer, the second layer having an involute curve profile.

[0205] Item 12: A method for compressing air in a compressor device, the method comprising: receiving air through an inlet port of the compressor device, the compressor device comprising: an annular chamber, the annular chamber comprising an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port located in the annular chamber, the at least one inlet port being configured to allow air to flow into the annular chamber; at least one blade, the at least one blade being connected to the inner wall and capable of moving around the annular chamber, the at least one blade being configured to compress the airflow from the at least one inlet port; at least one partition wall located between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one partition wall being capable of moving between a closed position and an open position, wherein the At least one partition wall is configured to close the space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in a closed position, and the at least one partition wall is configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in an open position; and at least one outlet port is located in the annular chamber, and the at least one outlet port is configured to release compressed air from the annular chamber; move the at least one blade around the annular chamber in a continuous motion; compress the air received in the annular chamber between the at least one blade and the at least one partition wall in the closed position; and when the at least one partition wall moves to the open position, the compressed air is output through the outlet port of the compressor device.

[0206] Item 13: The method of Item 12, further comprising moving the at least one partition wall from a closed position to an open position to allow the at least one blade to move from a first side of the at least one partition wall toward a second side of the at least one partition wall.

[0207] Item 14: The method of Item 13, further comprising: moving the at least one partition wall from an open position to a closed position after the at least one blade has moved to the second side of the at least one partition wall.

[0208] Item 15: The method according to Item 14, wherein the compressor device includes at least two blades and at least two partition walls, and the at least two partition walls form at least two inner chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0209] Item 16: The method according to Item 15, wherein the compressor device includes at least three blades and at least three partition walls, and the at least three partition walls form at least three inner chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0210] Item 17: The method according to Item 16, wherein the compressor device includes at least four blades and at least four partition walls, and the at least four partition walls form at least four inner chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0211] Item 18: The method according to any one of Items 12 to 17, further comprising: forming a suction force between the at least one blade and the second side of the at least one partition wall to draw the airflow from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

[0212] Item 19: The method of any one of Items 12 to 18, wherein the at least one dividing wall forms an airtight seal between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

[0213] Item 20: According to the method described in Item 19, the method also includes moving the at least one partition wall between a closed position and an open position through a gearbox system, wherein the gearbox system is configured to open the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall and approaches the at least one partition wall, and wherein the gearbox system is configured to close the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from the corresponding at least one partition wall and has passed the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0214] Item 21: According to the method described in Item 20, the method also includes: driving the at least one blade around the annular chamber through a hub gear of a gearbox system, the hub gear being connected to a motion conversion gear; converting the continuous movement of the hub gear into the intermittent movement of the motion conversion gear through the motion conversion gear; rotating the speed amplification gear through the motion conversion gear, the speed amplification gear being configured to convert the intermittent movement of the motion conversion gear into the high-speed intermittent movement of the speed amplification gear; rotating the reciprocating gear system through the speed amplification gear; rotating the central spur gear through the reciprocating gear system, the central spur gear being configured to rotate a predetermined degree in a first direction and a predetermined degree in a second direction opposite to the first direction; when the central spur gear moves in the first direction, rotating at least one partition spur gear in the second direction; when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction, moving the at least one partition wall from a closed position toward an open position; when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, rotating the at least one partition spur gear in the first direction; and when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction, moving the at least one partition wall from an open position toward a closed position.

[0215] Item 22: The method according to Item 21, wherein the motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade driven by the hub gear is located within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall.

[0216] Item 23: A method according to Item 21 or 22, wherein the reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in the first direction; wherein, when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined distance from the first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the first reciprocating gear rotates in the second direction; and wherein, when the at least one blade has moved to the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the second reciprocating gear rotates in the first direction.

[0217] Item 24: The method of Item 23, wherein the second reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a first direction, and the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a second direction.

[0218] Item 25: A control mechanism for moving a partition wall, the control mechanism comprising: a gear box system connected to at least one blade of a device and at least one partition wall, wherein the gear box system is configured to open the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall and approaches the at least one partition wall, and wherein the gear box system is configured to close the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from the corresponding at least one partition wall and has passed the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0219] Item 26: A control mechanism according to Item 25, wherein the gearbox system includes: a hub gear, which is connected to the at least one blade and is configured to continuously drive the at least one blade in the device; a motion conversion gear, which is connected to the hub gear and is configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall, wherein the motion conversion gear converts the continuous movement of the hub gear into the intermittent movement of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear, which is connected to the motion conversion gear and is configured to convert the intermittent movement of the motion conversion gear into the high-speed intermittent movement of the speed amplification gear; a central spur gear, which is connected to the speed amplification gear and is configured to transmit the high-speed intermittent movement of the speed amplification gear to at least one reciprocating gear system; and the at least one reciprocating gear system, which is connected to the central spur gear and is configured to rotate when interacting with the central spur gear; wherein the at least one reciprocating gear system is configured to control the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0220] Item 27: A control mechanism according to Item 26, wherein the at least one reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in a first direction when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined distance from the first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall; a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and is configured to rotate in a second direction when the at least one blade moves to the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall; and a third reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the second reciprocating gear, wherein the third reciprocating gear is configured to rotate a predetermined degree in the second direction when connected to the first reciprocating gear, and the third reciprocating gear is configured to rotate a predetermined degree in the first direction when connected to the second reciprocating gear; wherein when the third reciprocating gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one partition wall moves from a closed position toward an open position; and wherein when the third reciprocating gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one partition wall moves from an open position toward a closed position.

[0221] Item 28: The control mechanism of Item 27, wherein rotation of the first reciprocating gear in the first direction moves the third reciprocating gear in the second direction, and rotation of the second reciprocating gear in the second direction moves the third reciprocating gear in the first direction.

[0222] Item 29: A control mechanism according to any one of items 25 to 28, wherein the number of reciprocating gear systems corresponds to the number of blades and dividing walls of the device.

[0223] Item 30: A control mechanism according to any one of items 25 to 29, wherein the motion conversion gear is a three-groove Geneva gear.

[0224] Item 31: A control mechanism according to Item 25, wherein the gearbox system includes: a hub gear connected to the at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the device; at least one motion conversion gear connected to the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall, wherein the at least one motion conversion gear converts the continuous motion of the hub gear into the intermittent motion of the at least one motion conversion gear; at least one speed amplification gear connected to the at least one motion conversion gear and configured to increase the rotational speed; and at least one reciprocating gear system connected to the at least one speed amplification gear and configured to rotate when interacting with the at least one speed amplification gear; wherein the at least one reciprocating gear system is configured to control the corresponding at least one partition wall.

[0225] Item 32: A control mechanism according to Item 31, wherein the at least one reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the at least one speed amplification gear and is configured to rotate in a first direction when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall; and a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and is configured to rotate in a second direction when the at least one blade moves to the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall; a third reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the second reciprocating gear, wherein the third reciprocating gear is configured to rotate a predetermined degree in the second direction when connected to the first reciprocating gear, and the third reciprocating gear is configured to rotate a predetermined degree in the first direction when connected to the second reciprocating gear; wherein when the third reciprocating gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one partition wall moves from a closed position toward an open position; and wherein when the third reciprocating gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one partition wall moves from an open position toward a closed position.

[0226] Item 33: A control mechanism according to Item 32, wherein the at least one reciprocating gear system is a double reciprocating Geneva mechanism.

[0227] Item 34: A control mechanism according to any one of items 32 or 33, wherein rotation of the first reciprocating gear in the first direction moves the third reciprocating gear in the second direction, and rotation of the second reciprocating gear in the second direction moves the third reciprocating gear in the first direction.

[0228] Item 35: A control mechanism according to any one of items 31 to 34, wherein the number of motion conversion gears, speed amplification gears and reciprocating gear systems corresponds to the number of blades and corresponding dividing walls of the device.

[0229] Item 36: A control mechanism according to Item 25, wherein the gearbox system includes: a hub gear connected to the at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade in the device; a motion conversion gear connected to the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one partition wall, wherein the motion conversion gear converts the continuous motion of the hub gear into the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear connected to the motion conversion gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplification gear; a reciprocating gear system connected to the speed amplification gear and configured to rotate when interacting with the speed amplification gear; a central spur gear. a wheel, the central spur gear being connected to the reciprocating gear system and being configured to rotate a predetermined degree in a first direction and a predetermined degree in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and at least one separating spur gear being connected to the central reciprocating gear and being configured to move the at least one dividing wall; wherein, when the central spur gear moves in the first direction, the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the second direction, and wherein, when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the first direction; wherein, when the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one dividing wall moves from a closed position toward an open position; and wherein, when the at least one separating spur gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one dividing wall moves from an open position toward a closed position.

[0230] Item 37: A control mechanism according to Item 36, wherein the reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in the first direction; wherein, when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined distance from the first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the first reciprocating gear rotates in the second direction; and wherein, when the at least one blade has moved to the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the second reciprocating gear rotates in the first direction.

[0231] Item 38: A control mechanism according to Item 37, wherein the second reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a first direction, and the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a second direction.

[0232] Item 39: A control mechanism according to any one of items 35 to 37, wherein the number of dividing spur gears corresponds to the number of blades and corresponding dividing walls of the device.

[0233] Item 40: The control mechanism of any one of Items 35 to 38, wherein the motion conversion gear has a first layer of a hexagonal shape and a second layer located above the first layer, the second layer having an involute curve profile.

[0234] Item 41: A control mechanism according to any one of Items 25 to 40, wherein the device is an air compressor.

[0235] Item 42: A control mechanism according to any one of Items 25 to 40, wherein the device is an internal combustion engine.

[0236] Item 43: A method for controlling the movement of at least one partition wall of a device using a control mechanism, the method comprising: at least one blade of the device approaches the at least one partition wall, wherein when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall, a hub gear connected to the at least one blade and configured to continuously move the at least one blade within the device interacts with a motion conversion gear; the continuous movement of the hub gear is converted into intermittent movement of the motion conversion gear through the motion conversion gear; a speed amplification gear is rotated through the motion conversion gear, the speed amplification gear being configured to convert the intermittent movement of the motion conversion gear into high-speed intermittent movement of the speed amplification gear; The speed amplifying gear rotates the reciprocating gear system; the reciprocating gear system rotates the central spur gear, which is configured to rotate a predetermined degree in a first direction and a predetermined degree in a second direction opposite to the first direction; when the central spur gear moves in the first direction, the at least one partitioning spur gear rotates in the second direction; when the at least one partitioning spur gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one partitioning wall moves from a closed position toward an open position; when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one partitioning spur gear rotates in the first direction; and when the at least one partitioning spur gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one partitioning wall moves from an open position toward a closed position.

[0237] Item 44: The method of Item 43, wherein the motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade driven by the hub gear is within a determined angular distance from the at least one dividing wall.

[0238] Item 45: A method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the reciprocating gear system includes: a first reciprocating gear, which is connected to the speed amplification gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in a second direction; and a second reciprocating gear, which is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear and is configured to rotate in the first direction; wherein, when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the first reciprocating gear rotates in the second direction; and wherein, when the at least one blade has moved to the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the second reciprocating gear rotates in the first direction.

[0239] Item 46: The method of claim 45, wherein the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a first direction, and the second reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in a second direction.

Claims

1. A compressor device, comprising: an annular chamber, the annular chamber comprising an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port located within the annular chamber, the annular chamber receiving air through the at least one inlet port, the inlet port being configured to receive air into the annular chamber; at least one vane connected to the inner wall and movable about the annular chamber, the at least one vane being configured to compress air received from at least one of the inlet ports; at least one partition wall between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one partition wall being movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the at least one partition wall is configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position, and the at least one partition wall is configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the open position; wherein, when the at least one partition wall is in the closed position, the at least one blade approaching the corresponding at least one partition wall compresses air to generate compressed air; wherein, when the at least one partition wall is in the open position, the at least one blade moves from a first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall toward a second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall; and At least one outlet port is located within the annular chamber, the at least one outlet port being configured to release the compressed air from the annular chamber after the at least one vane moves to the second side of the corresponding at least one dividing wall.

2. The compressor device according to claim 1, further comprising at least three blades and at least three partition walls, wherein the at least three partition walls form at least three inner chambers of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

3. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one blade is configured to create a suction force between the at least one blade and the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall to draw air from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

4. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one dividing wall forms a gas-tight seal between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

5. The compressor device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one partition wall is capable of moving between the closed position and the open position by a gear box system, wherein the gear box system is configured to open the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall and approaches the at least one partition wall, and wherein the gear box system is configured to close the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is located within a second predetermined distance from the corresponding at least one partition wall and has passed the corresponding at least one partition wall.

6. The compressor device according to claim 5, wherein: The gearbox system comprises: a hub gear connected to the at least one blade and configured to continuously drive the at least one blade within the device; a motion conversion gear connected to the hub gear and configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade is within a predetermined angular distance from the at least one dividing wall, wherein the motion conversion gear converts continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear; a speed amplifying gear connected to the motion converting gear and configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion converting gear into a high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplifying gear; a reciprocating gear system connected to the speed amplifying gear and configured to rotate upon interaction with the speed amplifying gear; a central spur gear connected to the reciprocating gear system and configured to rotate a predetermined number of degrees in a first direction and a predetermined number of degrees in a second direction opposite the first direction; and at least one divider spur gear connected to the central reciprocating gear and configured to move the at least one divider wall; wherein when the central spur gear moves in the first direction, the at least one spacer spur gear rotates in the second direction, and wherein when the central spur gear moves in the second direction, the at least one spacer spur gear rotates in the first direction; wherein when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the second direction, the at least one partition wall moves from a closed position toward an open position; and Wherein, when the at least one partition spur gear rotates in the first direction, the at least one partition wall moves from the open position toward the closed position.

7. The compressor device according to claim 6, wherein: The reciprocating gear system comprises: a first reciprocating gear connected to the speed amplifying gear and the central spur gear and configured to rotate in the first direction; and A second reciprocating gear is connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear, and the second reciprocating gear is configured to rotate in the second direction.

8. The compressor device according to claim 7, wherein: The second reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in the first direction, and the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central reciprocating gear to rotate the central spur gear in the second direction.

9. The compressor device according to claim 6, wherein: The motion conversion gear has a first layer having a hexagonal shape and a second layer located above the first layer, the second layer having an involute curve profile.

10. A method of compressing air in a compressor device, the method comprising: Air is received through an inlet port of the compressor device, the compressor device comprising: an annular chamber, the annular chamber comprising an inner wall and an outer wall; at least one inlet port located within the annular chamber, at least one of the inlet ports being configured to allow air to flow into the annular chamber; at least one blade connected to the inner wall and movable about the annular chamber, the at least one blade being configured to compress a flow of gas from at least one of the inlet ports; at least one partition wall between the inner wall and the outer wall, the at least one partition wall being movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the at least one partition wall is configured to close a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position, and the at least one partition wall is configured to form a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the open position; and at least one outlet port located within the annular chamber, at least one of the outlet ports being configured to release compressed air from the annular chamber; moving the at least one blade in a continuous motion about the annular chamber; compressing air received within the annular chamber between the at least one vane and the at least one dividing wall in the closed position; and When the at least one dividing wall is moved to the open position, the compressed air is output through the outlet port of the compressor device.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The at least one dividing wall is moved from the closed position to the open position to allow the at least one blade to move from a first side of the at least one dividing wall toward a second side of the at least one dividing wall.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: After the at least one blade is moved to the second side of the at least one dividing wall, the at least one dividing wall is moved from the open position to the closed position.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The compressor device comprises at least three blades and at least three partition walls which, when in the closed position, form at least three inner chambers of the annular chamber.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: A suction force is created between the at least one vane and the second side of the at least one partition wall, thereby drawing airflow from the inlet port into the annular chamber.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one dividing wall forms a gas-tight seal between the inner wall and the outer wall of the annular chamber when in the closed position.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the at least one dividing wall between the closed position and the open position via a gearbox train, wherein: The gearbox system is configured to open the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a predetermined distance from the at least one partition wall and approaches the at least one partition wall, and wherein the gearbox system is configured to close the at least one partition wall when the at least one blade is within a second predetermined distance from the corresponding at least one partition wall and has passed the corresponding at least one partition wall.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: driving the at least one blade around the annular chamber via a hub gear of the gearbox train, the hub gear being connected to a motion conversion gear; converting the continuous motion of the hub gear into intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear via the motion conversion gear; rotating a speed amplifying gear through the motion conversion gear, the speed amplifying gear being configured to convert the intermittent motion of the motion conversion gear into a high-speed intermittent motion of the speed amplifying gear; rotating the reciprocating gear system via the speed amplifying gear; rotating a central spur gear by the reciprocating gear system, the central spur gear being configured to rotate a predetermined degree in a first direction and a predetermined degree in a second direction opposite the first direction; causing at least one spaced spur gear to rotate in a second direction when the central spur gear moves in the first direction; causing the at least one divider wall to move from a closed position toward an open position when the at least one divider spur gear rotates in the second direction; causing the at least one spaced spur gear to rotate in a first direction when the central spur gear moves in the second direction; as well as When the at least one divider spur gear is rotated in the first direction, the at least one divider wall is moved from the open position toward the closed position.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The motion conversion gear is configured to interact with the hub gear when the at least one blade driven by the hub gear is located within a determined angular distance from the at least one partition wall.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The reciprocating gear system comprises: a first reciprocating gear connected to the speed amplifying gear and the central spur gear, and configured to rotate in the second direction; and a second reciprocating gear connected to the first reciprocating gear and the central spur gear, and the second reciprocating gear is configured to rotate in the first direction; wherein when the at least one blade is located within a predetermined distance from the first side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the first reciprocating gear rotates in the second direction; and Wherein, when the at least one blade moves toward the second side of the corresponding at least one partition wall, the second reciprocating gear rotates in the first direction.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The second reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in the first direction, and the first reciprocating gear interacts with the central spur gear to rotate the central spur gear in the second direction.

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