Electromagnetic Vane Coordination for Rotary Engine Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary-vane machines face reliability issues due to the use of mechanical linkages for coordinating shaft rotation, which fail under alternating shock loads, leading to inoperability.
Innovation Solution
The use of accelerating and decelerating torques from reversible electrical machines (REMs) to coordinate shaft rotation, controlled by a commutator regulated by a computing device receiving shaft position information from sensors, eliminates the need for mechanical linkages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical linkages are used to coordinate shaft rotation in a rotary-vane machine, then shaft coordination is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to alternating shock loads causing quick wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages with electromagnetic actuators that apply torques to the shafts. Instead of using mechanical components subject to wear and shock loads, the invention uses electromagnetic fields to coordinate shaft rotation, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with mechanical linkages while achieving the same coordination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic actuators as intermediary devices between the control system and the shafts. These actuators mediate the coordination function by applying controlled torques to the shafts based on signals from the control system, replacing direct mechanical linkages with an electromagnetic intermediary that avoids wear and tear.
2Duration of action of moving object
If mechanical linkages are used to coordinate shaft rotation, then shaft coordination is achieved, but the machine becomes inoperable due to component destruction from shock loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical coordination components with electromagnetic actuators that have no wear-prone mechanical contact. The electromagnetic actuators apply torques to coordinate shaft rotation without the alternating shock loads that destroy mechanical linkages, thereby enabling long-term continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and control parameters of the shaft coordination from mechanical force transmission to electromagnetic torque application. By controlling the magnitude and direction of electromagnetic torques based on shaft position feedback, the system achieves coordination without the mechanical stress that limits operational duration.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used for shaft coordination, then rotation coordination is achieved, but the system fails under alternating shock loadings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system with electromagnetic actuators controlled by a computing device. The actuators receive position information from sensors and apply appropriate torques to maintain shaft coordination, providing ease of operation through electronic control while eliminating the reliability issues of mechanical components under shock loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors monitor shaft positions and provide information to a computing device, which then adjusts the electromagnetic torques applied by the actuators. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate shaft coordination while the electromagnetic system maintains high reliability under varying load conditions.
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 method ensures reliable and long-term operation of rotary-vane machines by maintaining coordinated shaft rotation without mechanical linkage failures, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the machinery.
Implementation Method 1
reversible electrical machine (REM) attached to the second shaft, the REM comprising a stator and a rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary-vane internal combustion engine of the cat and mouse or scissor type with coordinated rotation of two co-axial shafts with position sensors creating chambers of variable volume for intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes. A reversible electric generator motor on at least one of the shafts with an electronic control system for current, an energy storage unit and electrical load. The total work done and angular speed is calculated or empirically determined while an alternating accelerating or decelerating torque is applied for a continuous, uniform rotation cycle.