Articulating Inner Structure for Engine Torque Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines (ICEs) face inefficiencies due to suboptimal positioning of the crankshaft relative to peak combustion pressures, limiting torque and performance, as existing engines do not achieve the ideal 74-degree position for maximum leverage during combustion.
Innovation Solution
An articulating inner structure within the engine chamber that changes volume, size, and shape, allowing the crankshaft or camshaft to position for optimal torque by altering the plane of movement, enabling increased mechanical advantage and efficient energy capture during combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the crankshaft is positioned at the conventional angle (11-25 degrees after TDC for gasoline engines), then the engine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the torque and power output are suboptimal because peak combustion pressures do not align with maximum leverage position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an articulating inner structure that can change its configuration during the combustion cycle. The structure transitions between different geometric forms (e.g., from a more compact configuration to an extended configuration) to dynamically adjust the crankshaft effective position. This allows the engine to achieve optimal torque leverage (74 degrees position) during peak combustion pressures while returning to a simpler configuration during other phases, thus improving power output without permanently increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the inner structure during operation. The articulating structure changes its shape and volume, altering the effective crankshaft position and leverage arm length. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the engine to optimize the crankshaft position relative to peak combustion pressures, achieving maximum torque and horsepower without requiring a permanently complex structure
2Power
If the crankshaft is positioned at the optimal angle (74 degrees after TDC) for maximum torque, then power output increases, but the engine requires a complex articulating inner structure to achieve this positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating inner structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, changing its configuration only when needed to achieve optimal crankshaft positioning during peak combustion. The structure articulates between different positions, providing the optimal 74-degree crankshaft alignment temporarily during the power stroke while maintaining a simpler appearance during intake, compression, and exhaust strokes. This dynamic approach minimizes the average structural complexity while achieving maximum power during the critical combustion phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having the articulating inner structure cycle through different configurations in synchronization with the combustion cycle. The structure adopts its complex, torque-optimizing configuration periodically during the power stroke when peak combustion pressures occur, then returns to a simpler configuration during other strokes. This periodic transformation allows the engine to achieve optimal power output only when needed, reducing the overall complexity burden
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine uses a fixed inner structure, then the device complexity is low, but the fuel efficiency is reduced due to inability to optimize crankshaft position for peak combustion pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic articulating inner structure adjusts its configuration in real-time during the combustion cycle to optimize the crankshaft position relative to peak combustion pressures. By changing the structure's geometry, the engine achieves better alignment between the combustion force vector and the crankshaft leverage arm, improving energy transfer efficiency. This dynamic optimization ensures that more of the combustion energy is converted into useful work, improving fuel efficiency without requiring a permanently complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the inner structure's geometry to optimize energy utilization. By altering the structure's shape and volume during the combustion cycle, the effective crankshaft position and leverage parameters are adjusted to match the peak combustion pressures. This parameter optimization maximizes the conversion of thermal energy from combustion into mechanical work, improving fuel efficiency while the parameters return to baseline when not needed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method comprises a housing comprising at least a recessed area and an inner wall. A plurality of plates are disposed within the housing and configured to form a structure. The structure has an outside surface. The structure is capable of being articulated between a first configuration and a second configuration and a third configuration. A plurality of connecting rods are joined to the plurality of plates to form the structure and to at least in part articulate the structure. The connecting rods are movable to form the first configuration to enable a gas to flow from the recessed area to the outside surface. The plurality of connecting rods are further movable to form the second configuration, wherein at least a portion of the gas is compressed between the outside surface and the inner wall and then to the third configuration.