Internal Combustion Engine Air Compressor Fuel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air compressors driven by internal combustion engines waste fuel during idling operations as compressed air generated during this time is not stored for use in pneumatic tools.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system that cuts off fuel supply to the engine when the air pressure in the storage tank reaches a set pressure, stopping the engine and restarting it when the pressure drops below a second set pressure, allowing for zero fuel consumption during idling, and optionally using an electric motor for low-pressure air generation to reduce overall fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine operates in an idling state to generate compressed air, then the air pressure in the storage tank is maintained, but fuel is wasted because the compressed air is not stored for use in pneumatic tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (idling operation) from the system by stopping the engine when the air pressure reaches a predetermined value. Instead of maintaining continuous idling operation, the system only operates the engine when necessary to recharge the storage tank, thereby eliminating wasted fuel consumption while still ensuring air pressure is maintained when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine operation is converted from continuous idling to periodic operation. The engine starts when the air pressure drops below a threshold and stops when it reaches a predetermined value, creating a periodic on-off operation pattern that eliminates unnecessary fuel consumption during periods when the storage tank already has sufficient pressure.
2Loss of energy
If the engine is stopped to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel waste is eliminated, but the air pressure in the storage tank may drop below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control through a pressure detecting device that continuously monitors the air pressure in the storage tank. When the pressure drops below a predetermined threshold, the feedback signal triggers the engine to restart and generate compressed air. When the pressure reaches the target value, the engine stops. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures air pressure is maintained at appropriate levels while minimizing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the compressed air generated during engine operation to automatically recharge the storage tank when pressure drops, making the system self-regulating. The engine restarts automatically based on pressure conditions without external intervention, ensuring air pressure availability is maintained while reducing unnecessary operation.
3Temperature
If compressed air is discharged externally during idling operation for cooling, then high-temperature components are cooled, but the compressed air is wasted and not used to drive pneumatic tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unnecessary function of external discharge for cooling from the system. Instead of continuously discharging compressed air for cooling purposes, the system only operates the engine when the storage tank needs recharging, and all generated compressed air is stored in the tank for productive use in pneumatic tools, eliminating both fuel waste and compressed air waste.
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
Significantly reduces fuel consumption by eliminating wasteful combustion during idling and optimizing air generation efficiency by switching between engine and electric motor power sources based on pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as 'engine') serving as its motive-power source
Implementation Method 2
an air-compressing part that is operated (driven) by the engine to generate compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
An air compressor includes an internal combustion engine for driving an air compressing part that generates compressed air, which is stored in an air-storage tank. At a point in time when the air pressure inside the air-storage tank has increased to a first set pressure, the supply of fuel to the engine is cut off, thereby stopping the engine and the combustion of fuel. At a point in time when the air pressure inside the air-storage tank has decreased from the first set pressure to a second set pressure, a starter motor is started up to resume the operation of the engine.