Compressed Air Engine Speed Control via Electric Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air engines face challenges in controlling speed due to the complexity and cost associated with varying air flow and pressure, requiring multiple stages of compression and accelerator valves.
Innovation Solution
An air engine system that includes an electric motor coupled to the drive shaft, controlled by an accelerator and speed controller, uses compressed air from a battery-driven compressor to control the speed of the air engine, eliminating the need for complex air flow and pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air flow and pressure are varied to control engine speed, then speed control is achieved, but device complexity increases due to requiring two stages of compression and accelerator valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical speed control system (accelerator valves, multi-stage compression) with an electric motor coupled to the drive shaft. The motor speed is controlled electronically via an accelerator and speed controller, which then controls the air engine speed, eliminating complex mechanical components while achieving the same speed control function.
2Speed
If air flow and pressure are varied to control engine speed, then speed control is achieved, but cost increases due to additional compression stages and valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical speed control components (accelerator valves, multi-stage compression systems) with a more cost-effective electric motor and electronic control system. The motor-controller assembly is simpler to manufacture and maintain while providing precise speed control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If compressed air is used directly without motor assistance, then energy consumption is lower, but speed control becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compressed air engine with an electric motor in a hybrid configuration. The motor assists the air engine and provides electronic speed control through an accelerator and controller, while the air engine provides primary propulsion. This combination achieves both energy efficiency and ease of speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor acts as an intermediary between the operator (accelerator) and the air engine. It translates simple electronic control signals into precise speed control of the air engine, making operation easy while maintaining low energy consumption from the compressed air system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies speed control, reduces energy consumption, and provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly means of locomotion by using the air engine to supply power while the motor manages speed, offering significant energy savings and extended engine life.
Implementation Method 1
An air engine system includes a motor coupled to a drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine
Implementation Method 2
The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An air engine system includes a motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion.