Free Piston Power Coupling With Independent Stator Circuit 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 controlling combustion initiation, which hinders widespread adoption of FPM-based products.
Innovation Solution
A linear electro-mechanical system with independently controllable stator electronic circuits and translator circuits, incorporating a switching device for precise control of FPM movement, including electromagnetic force application, power coupling, and onboard energy storage for combustion initiation and sensor integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If fixed linkage is used to mechanically connect FPM, then mechanical force transmission is achieved, but sensing of motion parameters and thermodynamic environment becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages with electromagnetic fields for force transmission. The FPM interacts with the stator through electromagnetic forces, eliminating the need for physical mechanical connections. This substitution enables sensors to be positioned in the working chamber to detect motion parameters and thermodynamic conditions without mechanical interference, as the electromagnetic field can transmit force through space rather than requiring direct mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If conventional control methods are used for FPM, then basic operation is maintained, but optimal system performance including efficiency, repeatability, precision, and reliability cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the FPM's position, velocity, and the thermodynamic environment in the working chamber. This information is fed back to the controller, which adjusts the electromagnetic forces applied by the stator to optimize performance. The feedback loop enables precise control of combustion initiation timing, piston motion repeatability, and overall system efficiency, transforming basic operation into optimized performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of electromagnetic forces applied to the FPM. Rather than fixed mechanical linkages, the electromagnetic forces can be dynamically adjusted in magnitude and direction based on real-time sensor feedback. This dynamic control enables optimization of combustion timing, adjustment of piston velocity profiles, and adaptation to varying operating conditions, thereby achieving superior reliability and performance.
3Measurement precision
If FPM is mechanically disconnected for sensing, then motion parameters can be detected, but mechanical force transmission is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force transmission with electromagnetic force transmission. The stator generates electromagnetic fields that interact with the FPM to transmit force without requiring mechanical contact. This allows sensors to be freely positioned in the working chamber to detect motion parameters and thermodynamic conditions without compromising force transmission, as the electromagnetic field maintains the force connection while the mechanical linkage is eliminated.
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
Enables precise control of FPM movement, improving system efficiency, repeatability, and reliability, facilitating synchronization in multi-FPM systems, and enhancing combustion initiation, thereby optimizing LPS performance.
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
Data Source
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.