Magnet-Assisted Piston Motion for Lower Fuel Use in IC Engines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for hydrocarbon-based fuels exceeds their limited supply, and alternative fuels require significant investment and resource consumption, necessitating a method to minimize fuel consumption in internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine with an electromagnetic propulsion system that uses permanent magnets and electromagnets to control piston motion, reducing fuel consumption by optimizing engine efficiency through magnetic fields and a control system that selectively provides electrical current to the electromagnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional fuel combustion is used to power internal combustion engines, then engine performance and power output are maintained, but fuel consumption increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the internal combustion engine with an electromagnetic propulsion system into a hybrid powertrain. The electromagnetic system merges with the mechanical engine to provide supplemental force, allowing the combustion engine to operate more efficiently while maintaining overall power output. This is achieved by integrating electromagnets that interact with permanent magnets on the piston to provide additional propulsion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic propulsion system serves multiple functions: it provides supplemental propulsion force during combustion strokes, assists during compression strokes to reduce work required, and enables precise control of piston motion. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve fuel efficiency across various operating conditions while maintaining engine performance.
2Loss of substance
If alternative fuels such as ethanol, natural gas, or hydrogen are used to power internal combustion engines, then demand for hydrocarbon fuels is reduced, but significant capital investment and resource consumption are required for production facilities and distribution infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic propulsion system uses the engine's own operational parameters (piston position, combustion timing, pressure cycles) to generate the magnetic fields needed for assistance. The permanent magnets on the piston work with electromagnets controlled by the existing engine management system, allowing the system to self-regulate without requiring external alternative fuel infrastructure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electromagnetic propulsion system uses electromagnets and permanent magnets to control piston motion, then fuel consumption is minimized and engine efficiency is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters of the engine operation by introducing magnetic fields that interact with the piston motion. By controlling the timing, strength, and polarity of electromagnetic fields, the system optimizes piston acceleration and deceleration, reducing the work required during compression and enhancing power delivery during expansion strokes, thereby improving overall fuel efficiency.
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
The electromagnetic propulsion system minimizes fuel consumption and maximizes engine efficiency by facilitating precise control over piston motion, reducing the need for traditional fuel combustion during idling and low power output periods, while maintaining engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
A control system selectively provides an electrical current to the electromagnets to produce a desired magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnets cooperates with a magnetic field of the permanent magnets to affect a motion of the piston in respect of the engine block.
Implementation Method 2
At least one electromagnet is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet(s). A control system selectively provides an electrical current to the electromagnets to produce a desired magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An engine includes an engine block with at least one cylinder bank including cylinder bores formed therein. A piston is reciprocatingly disposed in each of the cylinder bores. A crankshaft is rotatably mounted to the engine block. Connecting rods are rotatably attached to the crankshaft and are coupled to the piston. A cylinder head with intake valves and exhaust valves in fluid communication with the cylinder bores is mounted to each cylinder bank. At least one permanent magnet is disposed in a skirt of each piston. At least one electromagnet is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet(s). A control system selectively provides an electrical current to the electromagnets to produce a desired magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnets cooperates with a magnetic field of the permanent magnets to affect a motion of the piston in respect of the engine block.