Crank Gear Spring Mechanism for Top-Dead-Center Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In internal combustion engines, energy is wasted during the top dead center ignition phase due to the explosion force pushing directly down on the crank shaft without generating significant turning force, leading to inefficient energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A spring mechanism is employed to convert the straight-down force at top dead center into usable torque by connecting the crank gears to a pivot frame, which is mounted on the crank shaft gears via bearings, allowing the gears to mesh and transfer power effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fuel is ignited at top dead center, then combustion force is generated, but the force pushes straight down on the crank shaft without generating turning force, wasting energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the crank gears movable relative to the crank shaft through a pivot frame mechanism. Instead of a fixed crank shaft, the crank gears can pivot and rotate independently, allowing them to dynamically convert the vertical combustion force into rotational motion. This dynamic arrangement enables the crank gears to tilt and engage with the crank shaft gears, transforming the wasted vertical force into useful torque throughout the combustion stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses crank gears as an intermediary mechanism between the piston and the crank shaft. These crank gears act as a mediator that receives the vertical force from the piston through the conrod, then converts it into rotational motion through meshing with the crank shaft gears. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the linear motion of the piston and the rotational motion of the crank shaft, enabling efficient energy transfer.
2Power
If a spring mechanism is added to convert vertical force into torque, then usable torque is generated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the crank gears themselves. These gears simultaneously serve as: (1) the connection point for the piston conrod, (2) the mechanism for converting vertical force to torque through pivoting, (3) the gear that meshes with the crank shaft, and (4) the rotating element that directly drives the crank shaft. By combining these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the patent avoids adding separate complex components while achieving the desired force conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mechanical equilibrium system where the spring force, combustion force, and gear meshing forces work together in balance. The spring provides a counteracting force that allows the crank gears to pivot smoothly, while the gear meshing provides mechanical advantage. This equipotential arrangement ensures that forces are distributed efficiently throughout the mechanism, reducing the need for overly complex force management systems.
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
The spring mechanism effectively converts wasted energy into usable torque, enhancing the engine's power output by ensuring the crank shaft turns efficiently throughout the compression stroke.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that gives way to compression at top dead center ignition; this transferring power from the piston conrod on to the crank gears on to crank shaft gears
Implementation Method 2
the crank gears are meshed with the crank shaft gears; because when the crank gears I and I are forced down they take the crank shaft gears 5 and 5 down and around with them
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an apparatus for internal combustion engines; made up of crank gears, pivot frame, and control spring; the apparatus puts torque immediately on to the crank shaft at top dead center; the apparatus puts energy to use that is wasted by other engines at top dead center; other internal combustion engines push straight down on the crank shaft at top dead center; without getting any torque until the crank shaft passes by top dead center; this new idea apparatus is pushed down under combustion power at top dead center; putting turn power on the crank shaft at top dead center.