Dual Compressor Engine Air Supply with Automatic Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine compressor arrangements are inefficient in providing compressed air, leading to low power output and high emissions due to low intake cycle efficiency and parasitic losses.
Innovation Solution
A dual compressor system is introduced, comprising a piston compressor connected to the engine crankshaft and a turbocharger compressor, which work together to increase air pressure and density, with an automatic clutch to switch between operating states based on air tank pressure, ensuring efficient compressed air supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single compressor arrangement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and power output are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system is segmented into two independent compressor arrangements (first compressor and second compressor), each capable of independently compressing air into the air tank. This segmentation increases the total compressed air supply capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate compressor arrangements are merged into a unified system that shares common components (air tank, control system, connection to engine crankshaft). This merging increases productivity by combining the output of both compressors while avoiding the full complexity of two completely independent systems.
2Productivity
If compressor crankshaft is always connected to engine crankshaft, then the compressor operates continuously, but parasitic losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the compressor crankshaft and engine crankshaft is made dynamic rather than fixed. The clutch mechanism allows the compressor to be selectively engaged or disengaged based on operating conditions, enabling the system to adapt between continuous operation (when high compressed air demand exists) and reduced operation (when parasitic losses should be minimized).
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the compressor system are changed by introducing variable engagement through the clutch. The system can transition between different operational states (engaged/disengaged, partial load/full load) to optimize the balance between productivity and energy losses under different conditions.
3Reliability
If air tank pressure is not monitored, then the system is simpler, but the reliability and efficiency of compressed air supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor is implemented to monitor the air tank pressure and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic control decisions (engaging or disengaging compressors based on pressure thresholds) that improve the reliability of compressed air supply without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the compressor operations based on pressure sensor feedback, making the system self-regulating. The compressors are automatically engaged or disengaged based on air tank pressure levels, eliminating the need for external monitoring or manual control while improving supply reliability.
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 enhances engine power output, reduces emissions, and improves efficiency by providing more oxygen for fuel combustion, resulting in cleaner engine emissions and lower pollution.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the compressor crank shaft causes movement of piston compressor in the interior space of the compressor cylinder and compression of air inlet into the interior space through the compressor intake conduit and the first valve and outflow of compressed air through the compressor outlet conduit and the second valve to the air tank
Implementation Method 2
a turbocharger compressor connected to the turbocharger, a turbocharger compressor inlet conduit leading from the ambient environment, and a compressor conduit leading from the turbocharger compressor to the air tank
Implementation Method 3
The interconnection structure includes an automatic clutch connected to the engine crank shaft and a gear connected to the automatic clutch and the compressor crank shaft
Implementation Method 4
an igniter for igniting a mixture of fuel and air in the interior space
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for providing a source of compressed air for an engine having an engine cylinder and an engine crank shaft, includes a rotatable compressor crank shaft, a compressor cylinder defining an interior space and including a surface defining the interior space having first and second apertures, a valve in each aperture, a piston compressor moved upon rotation of the compressor crank shaft in the interior space of the compressor cylinder, a compressor intake conduit leading from ambient environment to one aperture, and an air tank. The apparatus also includes a compressor outlet conduit leading from the other aperture to the air tank, an engine intake conduit leading from the air tank to an interior space of the engine cylinder, and interconnection structure that interconnects the compressor crank shaft to the engine crank shaft such that rotation of the engine crank shaft causes rotation of the compressor crank shaft.