Drive Shaft Motor-Generator Assembly for Fuel Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliance on fossil fuels in internal combustion engines leads to environmental and economic strain, and existing technologies lack effective methods to improve fuel efficiency and longevity in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The Self-Powering Shaft integrates electric generators and motors concentrically mounted on the drive shaft, utilizing vehicle momentum to power the electric motor, reducing the load on the internal combustion engine and enhancing fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fossil fuel internal combustion engines are used to power vehicles, then desired performance is achieved, but fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft system serves itself by generating electrical power during rotation to drive an electric motor that assists in rotating the drive shaft, creating a self-sustaining energy system that reduces fuel consumption without external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost during vehicle operation by using the rotating drive shaft to generate electrical power, converting waste energy into useful work to assist propulsion
2Use of energy by moving object
If the drive shaft is modified to include electric generators and motors, then fuel efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric generator and electric motor are combined into a single integrated assembly mounted on the drive shaft, sharing common structural support and mounting mechanisms to minimize the increase in device complexity while providing dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft assembly serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical power from the engine, generates electrical power through the generator, and receives electrical assistance from the motor, creating a multi-functional system that improves efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
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 configuration reduces fuel consumption by offloading the internal combustion engine's load, improving fuel efficiency and extending vehicle longevity, applicable to various vehicle types including automobiles, tractor trailers, and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The Self-Powering Shaft modifies the drive shaft of an existing rear wheel drive train assembly by adding at least one electric generator and at least one electric motor, concentrically rotating by mechanical connections to the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
The forward momentum of the vehicle and wheels rotating with the rear axle shall keep the drive shaft spinning, therein turning the electric generator powering the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for improving the efficiency of internal combustion engine driven vehicles and other machines using a supplemental electric drive power source on a drive shaft with an electric motor and generator placed in series. As speed of the vehicle increases, the speed of the driveshaft will increase, producing more power at the driveshaft via the electric motor and generator assembly. As the generator produces more power, the electric motor will have more power going to it until a desired speed is achieved. The desired speed will be maintained by the wheels turning the rear axle therein turning the generator and the electric motor. This will allow the vehicle to maintain highway speeds at the same rpm but with less load causing an exponential increase in fuel efficiency as the device and method shall supplement required vehicle force/power output. A device and method for improving the efficiency of a primary power supply with a combination motor/generator with a common drive shaft.