Free Piston Power Coupling With Stroke-Synchronized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control methods for Free Piston Movers (FPMs) in Linear Power Systems (LPS) are inadequate, limiting optimal system performance due to challenges in sensing motion parameters, thermodynamic environment, and optimizing combustion initiation, which hinders widespread adoption of FPM-based products.
Innovation Solution
A linear electro-mechanical system with a stator and a free piston mover, incorporating translator electronic circuits and switching devices to independently control current flow, along with energy storage and sensor means for precise motion control and combustion initiation, enabling efficient power transfer and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing control methods are used for FPMs, then system implementation is simpler, but optimal system performance cannot be achieved due to inadequate sensing and control capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The stator electronic circuits serve multiple functions: generating electromagnetic force for motion control and simultaneously providing electrical power to the translator electronic circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power transmission mechanisms, achieving optimal performance without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor means detect motion parameters and thermodynamic environment of the FPM, providing feedback signals to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the electromagnetic force and power delivery in real-time, enabling precise control and optimal performance through closed-loop regulation
2Measurement precision
If FPM is mechanically disconnected for sensing parameters, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but sensing of motion parameters and thermodynamic environment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor means act as intermediaries between the FPM and the controller, measuring motion parameters and thermodynamic environment without requiring direct mechanical connection. These sensors convert physical quantities into electrical signals that can be processed electronically, enabling precise measurement while maintaining mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical connection for sensing is replaced with non-contact or minimal-contact sensing methods. Sensors detect FPM position, velocity, and thermodynamic parameters through fields or other non-mechanical means, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while achieving high measurement precision
3Extent of automation
If electrical power is supplied to translator electronic circuits during stroke, then precise motion control and combustion initiation are enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator electronic circuits simultaneously perform electromagnetic force generation and power transmission functions. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent achieves high automation for motion control and combustion initiation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control and power delivery functions are merged into the stator electronic circuits. The same circuits that generate electromagnetic force also supply power to the translator electronic circuits, reducing the number of separate systems and simplifying the overall architecture while maintaining high automation
4Use of energy by moving object
If combustion initiation is optimized with sensor means and controller, then thermal efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor means monitor the thermodynamic environment and combustion process, providing feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts combustion initiation timing and parameters based on real-time conditions, optimizing thermal efficiency through closed-loop control while managing complexity through intelligent algorithms
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 system performance by providing precise control over FPM motion, improving efficiency and reliability, and optimizing combustion processes, thereby facilitating broader applications of FPM-based products.
Implementation Method 1
a translator configured so that an electromagnetic force may be applied on the free piston mover by one or more of the stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits
Implementation Method 2
one or more switching devices for the one or more stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits to independently control a configuration of current in the one or more stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the translator electronic circuits is configured to receive electrical power from at least one of the independently controlled stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits during at least part of the stroke of the free piston mover
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear electro-mechanical system comprising: a stator including at least first and second stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits; a free piston mover movable in a reciprocating motion relative to the stator, the free piston including: a piston surface; a translator configured so that an electromagnetic force may be applied on the free piston mover by one or more of the stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits; and one or more translator electronic circuits, the system further comprising a switching device for each of the first and second stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits such that the current in each of the first and second stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits is independently controllable, and wherein at least one of the translator electronic circuits is configured to receive power from at least one of the independently controlled stator electronic circuits or groups of circuits during at least part of the stroke of the free piston mover.