Onboard Compressor Driven by Exhaust Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating air-powered tools in remote job sites is inconvenient due to the need to tow a compressor or provide an electric power source, which reduces the advantages of air-operated tools.
Innovation Solution
Generating compressed air using exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, where a pump is integrated within a vehicle to compress air, eliminating the need for a separate compressor or electric power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate compressor or electric power source is used to operate air-powered tools, then compressed air can be provided, but the convenience and mobility advantages of air-operated tools are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the compressor function with the vehicle's existing exhaust system by using exhaust gas pressure to drive the compressor, eliminating the need for a separate compressor or external power source. The exhaust system and compressor are integrated into a single functional unit that utilizes waste exhaust energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's exhaust system serves dual purposes: its original exhaust function and as a power source for the compressor. The exhaust gases, which would otherwise be wasted energy, automatically drive the compressor without requiring external intervention or additional fuel consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compressor is towed to a job site, then compressed air can be provided, but the mobility and simplicity advantages are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is integrated into the vehicle's exhaust system rather than being a separate towable unit. This merging eliminates the need to tow additional equipment while maintaining the ability to provide compressed air at remote job sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's exhaust system provides the power needed for compression without requiring external towing or additional power sources. The system uses the vehicle's own exhaust energy to generate compressed air on-site.
3Productivity
If an electric power source is brought with the compressor, then the compressor can be operated, but the advantages of air-operated tools are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is powered by the vehicle's own exhaust gases, eliminating the need for external electric power sources. The system is self-sufficient, using waste exhaust energy to drive the compression process.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust gases, which are typically considered waste or harmful emissions, are converted into a useful power source for driving the compressor. This transforms a potentially harmful byproduct into a beneficial energy source.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems to provide compressed air via exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine are presented. In one example, a pump comprising two pistons is driven via engine exhaust gases. On piston within the pump moves in response to the exhaust gases while the other piston acts to compress air.