Hydraulic-Pneumatic Compressor for Vehicle Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating compressed air on vehicles using engine torque lead to parasitic loss of engine power, affecting driving experience and reducing the utility of air-operated tools, especially when high engine torque is demanded.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a hydraulic transmission pump to generate compressed air by routing transmission fluid to a hydraulic cylinder connected to a pneumatic cylinder, allowing compressed air to be produced without directly affecting engine torque output, thereby ensuring availability of compressed air without an external energy source or towed compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If engine torque is used to drive an air compressor, then compressed air can be generated, but parasitic loss of engine power increases and engine performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic transmission pump as an intermediary device that converts engine rotational energy into hydraulic pressure, which then drives the air compressor. This mediator allows energy transfer from the engine to the compressor without direct mechanical coupling, reducing parasitic losses and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic transmission system where transmission fluid pressure generated by the pump is used to drive the air compressor. This hydraulic-pneumatic conversion approach allows efficient energy transfer while maintaining engine performance, as the hydraulic system can recover and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost.
2Quantity of substance
If engine torque is used to generate compressed air during high torque demand, then compressed air is supplied, but driving experience deteriorates due to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts compressed air generation based on engine load conditions. The control system monitors engine torque demand and selectively activates the air compressor only when appropriate, ensuring that driving performance is maintained while still providing compressed air when needed. This dynamic operation prevents power loss during high torque demand situations.
3Quantity of substance
If a towed compressor is used, then compressed air can be generated, but convenience is reduced due to external equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air compressor into the vehicle's existing hydraulic transmission system, allowing the same engine-driven hydraulic pump to serve dual purposes: transmitting power to the wheels and generating compressed air. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate towed compressors or external equipment, significantly improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own hydraulic transmission system is utilized to generate compressed air, making the vehicle self-sufficient. No external power sources, towed equipment, or additional energy carriers are required - the vehicle serves its own compressed air needs using its existing mechanical-hydraulic infrastructure.
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
This approach enhances vehicle utility by providing a reliable source of compressed air without reducing engine performance, improving customer satisfaction by smoothing engine load and reducing rapid torque fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
supplying transmission fluid from a transmission pump to drive an air compression system
Implementation Method 2
A portion of transmission fluid from the pump may be routed to a hydraulic cylinder including a first piston of an air compression system
Implementation Method 3
the first piston of the hydraulic cylinder may be connected to a second piston of a pneumatic cylinder. Due to the movement of the first piston, air may be drawn in and compressed at the pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems to provide compressed air to one or more air consumers external to the engine using transmission fluid from a transmission pump are presented. In one example, the transmission fluid may be routed to drive an air compression system including two cylinders. The air compressed at the compression system may be stored in a tank and/or provided to the one or more air consumers.