Multi-Cylinder Engine with Pressure Accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engines with single cylinders face limitations in performance and efficiency, particularly in outdoor power equipment where electric motors are impractical, and there is a need for improved function, performance, and operation.
Innovation Solution
A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine design featuring a first piston in a first cylinder with a combustion chamber, a second piston in a second cylinder, and a pressure accumulator to provide a reservoir of pressurized fluid, with a crankshaft coupled to both pistons for rotational motion, and a rotational drive system that includes a turbine or hydraulic motor to enhance power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single cylinder engine is used, then the engine is cost effective and simple, but the power output and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is divided into multiple cylinders (first cylinder with combustion chamber, second cylinder without combustion chamber) that work together. Each cylinder has its own piston and contributes to the overall power output, resolving the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while increasing power through segmentation rather than using a single complex cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cylinder serves multiple functions: it acts as a compressor for the fluid reservoir, provides counterbalancing force to reduce vibration, and contributes to power generation. This multi-functionality allows the engine to achieve higher power output without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single cylinder engine is used, then the structure is simple, but the vibration is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second piston and its reciprocating motion serve as a counterweight to the first piston's motion. The crankshaft connects both pistons so their movements are phased to create counterbalancing forces that reduce vibration, resolving the contradiction by adding minimal structural complexity to achieve vibration reduction.
3Reliability
If a pressure accumulator is added, then the starting capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure accumulator is integrated with the second cylinder, which serves dual purposes: compressing fluid for the reservoir and providing counterbalancing motion. By merging these functions into a single cylinder-piston-accumulator system, the patent enhances starting capabilities while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure accumulator stores pressurized fluid in advance, providing immediate power for starting the engine when needed. This preliminary action enhances reliability for starting capabilities without requiring complex starting systems, as the energy is pre-stored in the fluid reservoir.
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 design improves power output and efficiency by utilizing a pressurized fluid reservoir and rotational drive system, enhancing starting capabilities and reducing vibration, while allowing for forced induction and counterbalancing vibrations in the engine.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine may be fluidly coupled with an outlet of the pressure accumulator for selectively receiving pressurized air from the pressure tank and rotationally driving the crankshaft
Implementation Method 2
A hydraulic motor may be fluidly coupled with an outlet of the pressure tank for selectively receiving pressurized fluid from the pressure tank and rotationally driving the crankshaft
Implementation Method 3
The fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the second cylinder may include a check valve arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine may include a first piston reciprocatingly disposed in a first cylinder, a combustion chamber fluidly coupled with the first cylinder, and an ignition source at least partially disposed within the combustion chamber. An intake valve may provide selective fluid communication between an intake system and the combustion chamber, an exhaust valve may provide selective fluid communication between an exhaust system and the combustion chamber. A second piston may be reciprocatingly disposed within a second cylinder, configured to draw a fluid into the second cylinder via a fluid inlet, and expel the fluid via a fluid outlet. A pressure accumulator may receive the fluid from the second cylinder and provide a reservoir of pressurized fluid. A crankshaft may be coupled with the first piston and the second piston for rotational motion associated with reciprocating movement of the first piston and the second piston.