Ram Air Generator for Automobile Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engines in automobiles face challenges with emissions and fuel efficiency due to reliance on gasoline or ethanol, which can lead to environmental and economic issues.
Innovation Solution
A ram air generator is integrated into the ambient air flow path of an automobile engine, utilizing a shroud and fan blade assembly to generate energy from ambient air, which is then used to charge a battery or power electronic devices, reducing fuel consumption and emissions through a control unit that optimizes energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a ram air generator is added to generate energy from ambient air, then fuel efficiency is improved and emissions are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ram air generator into the existing ambient air flow path of the engine, allowing the same air flow to serve both the engine's combustion needs and the generator's energy production. This multi-functional use of ambient air resolves the contradiction by adding energy generation capability without requiring separate air intake systems, thus improving fuel efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is merged with the engine's air flow path structure, combining two separate functions (engine operation and energy generation) into a unified system. This integration approach allows the ram air generator to utilize the existing air flow infrastructure, reducing the overall complexity increase while achieving improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
2Productivity
If the ram air generator is placed in the ambient air flow path, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but drag on the automobile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of air flow resistance (drag) into a beneficial force by designing the fan blade assembly to be driven by the ambient air flow itself. The air flow that would otherwise represent a loss or resistance is transformed into the driving force for energy generation, resolving the contradiction between energy generation efficiency and drag by making the drag the source of power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pneumatic principles by employing the kinetic energy of ambient air flow to rotate the fan blade assembly and drive the generator. This pneumatic approach allows the air flow to directly perform mechanical work, converting the air's kinetic energy into electrical energy while minimizing the net drag penalty on the vehicle.
3Reliability
If conventional fuels like gasoline or ethanol are used, then the engine can operate reliably, but emissions increase and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ram air generator provides self-service by generating its own operating power from the ambient air flow, and the generated energy is used to power the vehicle, reducing or eliminating the need for conventional fuels. This self-sustaining approach maintains engine reliability through continuous power generation while dramatically reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chemical energy conversion system (combustion of gasoline or ethanol) with a mechanical energy conversion system (kinetic energy of air flow driving the generator). This replacement eliminates the harmful emissions associated with combustion while maintaining reliable operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and emissions.
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 ram air generator improves fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and decreases dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with stricter governmental regulations while offering monetary and political benefits.
Implementation Method 1
a fan blade assembly located in the outlet of the shroud and configured to be rotated by ambient air in the ambient air flow path
Implementation Method 2
an energy generation unit connected to the fan blade assembly, wherein the energy generation unit generates energy based on the rotation of the fan blade assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ram air generator for an automobile, and more specifically to a ram air generator which improves an efficiency of an automobile. In one embodiment, the automobile can have, for example, an engine, a radiator, an ac condenser unit, and/or a ram air generator which can be located in an ambient air flow both of an engine. The automobile can also include a battery and/or a DC-DC converter connected to the ram air generator. The ram air generator receives ambient air in the ambient air flow path and generates energy from the ambient air. The energy generated by the ram air generator can be used to charge a battery and/or supply power to electronic devices through a DC-DC converter. The ram air generator can include a shroud, a fan blade assembly, an energy generation unit, and/or a regulator.