Internal Pressure Engine One-Way Clutch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal pressure driven engines face inefficiencies in converting reciprocal linear motion of opposed pistons into unidirectional rotary motion, particularly in maintaining constant torque and achieving continuous rotational movement.
Innovation Solution
The engine design links each piston rod to a one-way clutch mechanism via pivot arms and gear racks, with the clutch mechanisms connected through a gear and rack assembly to a crankshaft and auxiliary flywheel, allowing for continuous unidirectional rotation by alternating engagement and disengagement, and utilizing pinion gears driven by piston rods as gear racks to maintain constant torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a pair of opposed pistons is used to convert linear reciprocating motion into rotary motion, then the engine can generate power, but the conversion efficiency is reduced and continuous rotational movement is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The engine divides the power transmission system into multiple independent one-way clutch mechanisms, each handling one piston's reciprocating motion. This segmentation allows each clutch to independently convert linear motion to rotary motion without being constrained by the other piston's cycle, improving overall power transmission efficiency and enabling continuous rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way clutch mechanisms are pre-configured to automatically engage and disengage based on the direction of piston movement. This preliminary setup ensures that power is transmitted only during the power stroke while allowing free rotation during the return stroke, maintaining constant torque and eliminating the need for complex reversing mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If traditional crankshaft mechanisms are used without one-way clutches, then the structure is simpler, but continuous unidirectional rotation cannot be achieved and torque fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch mechanisms introduce dynamic engagement and disengagement based on the instantaneous direction of piston movement. This dynamic behavior allows the system to automatically adapt to the reciprocating motion, converting it into continuous unidirectional rotation while maintaining constant torque, without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way clutch acts as an intermediary between the piston's reciprocating motion and the crankshaft's rotary motion. It mediates the conversion by allowing power transmission in one direction while permitting free rotation in the opposite direction, thereby achieving continuous rotation and constant torque with relatively simple structural additions.
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 configuration enhances power transmission efficiency by ensuring continuous rotational movement with minimal power loss, maintaining a constant torque arm length and increasing engine power by converting reciprocating motion into continuous unidirectional rotation.
Implementation Method 1
linking each piston rod of the pistons to a respective pivot arm of a one way clutch mechanism to cause reciprocating movement of each clutch mechanism
Implementation Method 2
each clutch mechanism being operatively connected through a gear and rack to a crankshaft mechanism
Implementation Method 3
with an auxiliary flywheel to provide continuous rotational movement of an output shaft
Implementation Method 4
means creating pressure within the pressure chamber to cause both pistons to move axially in a reciprocating movement
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine or other internal pressure driven engine of the type capable of converting reciprocal linear powered motion into unidirectional rotary motion, the engine having at least one pair of first and second cylinders with each cylinder having a pair of opposed pistons therein forming a pressure chamber therebetween. Outer ends of each piston carries a piston rod connected to a pivot arm of a respective one way clutch which causes the clutch to oscillate back and forth when the piston moves in and out due to pressure or combustion in the pressure chamber. Alternatively, the piston rods may be configured as gear racks in direct operative engagement with pinion gears of the one way clutches. The clutches are parallel and spaced apart from each other near each end of the cylinders. Each clutch carries a gear on one end which intermeshes with a gear rack assembly having gears and a gear rack which drives a crankshaft and auxiliary flywheel operatively connected to a starter. Once the starter is turned on the kinetic energy of the flywheel and gear rack keeps the on/off clutches in continuous oscillation. The oscillating clutches turn unidirectional drive shafts connected through pinion gears to a main output shaft and main flywheel.