Reciprocating Piston Engine Crankshaft Magnetic Field Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reciprocating engines with integrated electromechanical converters face limitations in electrical power output, complexity in production, and risk of demagnetization due to the arrangement of permanent magnets in crankshaft counterweights, which restricts efficient electromagnetic induction and increases production complexity.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an electrically controllable variable exhaust and intake valve train, allowing the crankshaft to be driven by an electric motor during specific piston strokes, and automatically switches between electric motor and generator modes based on operating conditions, using a control unit connected to the crankshaft sensor and energy storage, to optimize power distribution and reduce resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If permanent magnets are arranged in recesses of crankshaft counterweights by press fit, then the permanent magnets serve as additional balancing weights avoiding weight increase, but the electrical power output is significantly limited and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generating elements are divided into multiple independent units arranged at different radial positions and angular locations around the crankshaft, rather than being confined to counterweight recesses. This segmentation allows each unit to independently contribute to electromagnetic induction, significantly increasing total electrical power output while maintaining balanced weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generating elements are extended from the traditional two-dimensional counterweight area into the three-dimensional space around the crankshaft, including axial and radial dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows placement of magnetic elements in optimal positions for electromagnetic induction without being constrained by counterweight geometry, thereby increasing electrical power output.
2Weight of moving object
If permanent magnets are arranged in recesses of crankshaft counterweights, then weight increase is avoided, but the arrangement is complex for production and permanent magnets may become detached at high crankshaft speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generating elements are integrated with the crankshaft as a single unified component rather than being separate press-fitted parts. This merging eliminates the need for separate recesses and press-fit operations, simplifying manufacturing to standard crankshaft production processes while ensuring permanent attachment that cannot detach at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The crankshaft is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical power transmission and electromagnetic field generation. By integrating magnetic field generating elements directly into the crankshaft structure, the crankshaft becomes a dual-purpose component, eliminating the need for separate magnetic assemblies and their associated complex manufacturing and attachment procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanent magnets are arranged in counterweights covering less than 120° of rotation circumference, then counterweight function is fulfilled, but maximum electrical power is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generating elements are segmented into multiple independent units positioned at different angular locations around the crankshaft, including areas beyond the traditional counterweight sector. Each segment contributes to electromagnetic induction independently, allowing the system to maintain counterweight stability in the <120° sector while capturing electromagnetic energy from a full 360° rotation, thereby maximizing electrical power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generating elements are positioned in multiple spatial dimensions around the crankshaft, not limited to the radial plane of the counterweights. By utilizing axial and tangential positions in addition to radial placement, the system extends magnetic field interaction beyond the <120° counterweight sector, enabling full 360° electromagnetic induction while maintaining counterweight structural integrity.
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 electrical power output, simplifies maintenance, and reduces production complexity by allowing the crankshaft to be driven efficiently by an electric motor during specific piston strokes, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the reciprocating engine.
Implementation Method 1
the permanent magnets rotate relative to the stationary coils, thereby inducing a voltage in the coils due to electromagnetic interaction between the permanent magnets and the coils, and the electromechanical transducer acts as a generator
Implementation Method 2
By supplying the coils with an AC voltage, in particular from a battery, an electromagnetic force is exerted on the permanent magnets and the electromechanical converter acts as an electric motor through the electromagnetic interaction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a reciprocating piston engine having a first inner magnetic field unit (8a; 34), which is arranged on a first crank web (9a) of a crankshaft (3), and a stationary first outer magnetic field unit (11a; 37), wherein the first inner magnetic field unit (8a; 34) and the first outer magnetic field unit together form a first electromagnetic converter (12a), in particular an electric motor or an electric generator. The first crank web (9a) has a first compensating weight (14a) on a side that is opposite a first connecting rod bearing (6) and that faces radially outwards in relation to a crankshaft axis (4), wherein the first compensating weight (14a) is made of a non-magnetizable material. The first inner magnetic field unit (8a; 34) is arranged on a side of the first compensating weight (14a) that faces outwards in relation to the crankshaft axis (4). The invention also relates to a system comprising the reciprocating piston engine, an energy store (21), an electric control unit (22) and a crankshaft sensor (23).