Simplified Endothermic Engine for Autonomous Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The driving range of vehicles with electric-only propulsion is limited by battery duration and reliance on external charging facilities, necessitating a solution for autonomous electrical energy production.
Innovation Solution
A simplified endothermic engine, powered by natural gas and operating at a constant speed, is integrated into vehicles to produce electrical energy for charging batteries, utilizing a twin-cylinder design with electric spark plugs, camshaft, connecting rods, and an electric generator to generate power independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electric batteries are used to power the motor and on-board devices, then the vehicle can operate with electric-only propulsion, but the driving range is limited by battery duration and reliance on external charging facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The engine system enables the vehicle to generate its own electrical energy onboard through the conversion of mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy via the generator, allowing the vehicle to charge its own batteries without external charging facilities, thus achieving self-service and independence from charging stations
2Duration of action of moving object
If a simplified endothermic engine is integrated into the vehicle to produce electrical energy, then the driving range is extended and independence from charging stations is achieved, but the vehicle complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine system serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy to charge batteries, can directly drive the motor through the generator, and can power on-board devices, making the same system versatile for different operational modes and reducing the need for separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the engine, generator, and battery system into an integrated powertrain where the engine can directly charge the generator which in turn charges the batteries or directly drives the motor, merging multiple energy conversion functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity
3Object-generated harmful factors
If natural gas is used as fuel for the engine, then pollution is reduced, but the energy density and power output may be limited compared to other fuels
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is designed to operate at specific optimized parameters including constant speed operation and optimized air-fuel ratios for natural gas, changing the operational parameters to maximize both the low-emission benefits of natural gas and the power output through efficient combustion control
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 solution enhances vehicle range by enabling onboard charging, reduces dependence on charging stations, and provides a compact, reliable, and low-pollution energy source.
Implementation Method 1
electric spark plugs CE for starting combustion of the fuel and oxidizer therein
Implementation Method 2
an electric generator 11 provided with a drive shaft 12
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a simplified endothermic engine, comprising: first and second cylinders (C1, C2) with first and second pistons (P1, P2), each provided with fuel and oxidizer inlet valves (VI), combustion gas outlet valves (VU) and electric spark plugs (CE) for starting combustion of the fuel and oxidizer therein; a camshaft, controlling the valves (VI, VU) of the cylinders (C1, C2), provided with an electric drive motor; first and second connecting rods (1, 2), associated at the top with the pistons (P1, P2) and at the bottom provided with movement organs rotatingly associated thereto by means of rotation shafts (3); a static body (6), incorporating a first cavity (7), with a toroidal shape, housing the movement organs of the connecting rods (1, 2), and a second cavity (8), with a cylindrical shape, arranged concentric to the first, housing an electric generator (11) provided with a drive shaft (12); first and second eccentric masses (13, 14), with a discoidal shape, rotatingly associated with the shafts (3) of the movement organs of the connecting rods (1, 2) and in one piece with the shaft (12) of the electric generator (11).