Free-Piston Engine Eccentric Ring for Direct Shaft Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current free piston engines face challenges in piston synchronization, combustion rate control, thermal management, and the inability to transmit linear motion directly to a shaft, limiting their widespread use and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine and air compressor design that converts linear piston movement into circular motion using a ring with an eccentric and coupling structure, allowing for improved thermodynamic efficiency and direct shaft power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If free piston engines eliminate the crankshaft to reduce mechanical losses, then thermodynamic efficiency improves, but the ability to transmit linear motion to a shaft is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the ring with eccentricity and coupling structure) that mediates between the linear piston motion and the rotational shaft, enabling motion transmission without requiring a crankshaft. The ring acts as a mediator that converts linear displacement into rotational movement through its eccentric geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional crankshaft mechanical system with an alternative mechanism consisting of a ring with eccentricity. This substitution eliminates the need for connecting rods and crankshaft while achieving the same function of converting linear piston motion into rotational shaft motion, thereby reducing mechanical losses.
2Device complexity
If free piston engines use a simpler design without crankshaft and connecting rods, then device complexity reduces, but piston synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization function into the coupling structure itself, which integrates multiple functions: connecting the pistons to the ring, providing mechanical linkage for synchronization, and enabling motion transmission. This consolidation achieves piston synchronization without adding separate complex synchronization mechanisms.
3Power
If free piston engines compress air or gas to transmit force, then power transmission is achieved, but thermodynamic efficiency remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermodynamic parameters by implementing a more efficient cycle that utilizes the eccentric ring mechanism to improve compression and expansion processes. The geometric configuration of the eccentric ring enables more effective utilization of the working gas, improving thermodynamic efficiency while maintaining power transmission capability.
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
Enhances thermodynamic efficiency, reduces emissions, and increases power-to-weight ratio while maintaining compactness and durability, making it suitable for various applications including vehicles and machinery.
Implementation Method 1
the ring (3) has an eccentric (2) in the center and together they transform the linear movement of the pistons (4) into circular movement on the shaft (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A structural arrangement for an internal combustion engine and/or star shaped air compressor, without a crankshaft and connecting rods and with one or more surrounded pistons, being able to use any fuels in the case of the engine, liquid or gaseous including hydrogen and obtain high thermodynamic efficiency. The engine and/or air compressor has an arrangement that makes it possible to transmit linear movement into circular movement by means of a ring together with an eccentric and with a coupling structure, The structure joins the pistons to the ring, which can be polygonal in the case of the use of at least three pistons or welded in the case of one or two pistons.