Sliding Coupling Ring for Starter-Alternator Air Compressor Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engines face challenges with insufficient air supply at low engine speeds, and transient operating modes, which are not adequately addressed by current systems, and require additional components like turbochargers and electric compressors, leading to increased cost and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A coupling/decoupling device for the alternator-starter and air compressor, utilizing a sliding tubular ring and elastic transfer ring to control rotational coupling and decoupling, allowing independent operation of the air compressor and alternator-starter, and integrating them with the crankshaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a turbocharger is added to compensate for insufficient air supply at low engine speeds, then air supply is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator-starter is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a starter motor during engine starting, as an alternator for electrical power generation during engine operation, and as a drive source for the air compressor through the coupling device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining adequate air supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the starter motor and alternator into a single integrated alternator-starter unit. Furthermore, it merges the air compression function with this integrated unit by connecting the compressor to the alternator-starter output shaft through a coupling device, creating a combined system that performs starting, power generation, and air compression functions without requiring separate turbochargers or dedicated compression systems.
2Quantity of substance
If an electric air compressor is added to supplement or replace the turbocharger, then air supply is improved, but cost and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air compressor is driven by the alternator-starter itself, which is already operating and generating electrical power during engine operation. The mechanical energy required to drive the compressor is obtained from the alternator-starter's output shaft, which would otherwise be available for other purposes. This self-service arrangement allows the system to provide additional air supply without requiring external electrical power input or increasing fuel consumption, as the energy is drawn from the alternator-starter's inherent output capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If the alternator-starter and air compressor are permanently connected, then air supply is ensured, but the compressor cannot operate independently and increases fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a sliding tubular ring that can move axially between different positions to dynamically change the connection state between the alternator-starter and air compressor. The ring can be positioned to engage both components for permanent connection, or disengage to allow independent operation. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt the connection state based on operating conditions, allowing the compressor to operate independently when needed while ensuring air supply when required, thereby optimizing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional elements: the sliding tubular ring, the alternator-starter coupling interface, and the compressor coupling interface. This segmentation allows the tubular ring to independently control the connection between the alternator-starter and compressor, enabling selective engagement and disengagement. The segmented design provides operational flexibility, allowing the compressor to be decoupled from the alternator-starter for independent operation or coupled for integrated operation, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring air supply and minimizing fuel consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex clutch system is used to control coupling between generator and air compressor, then operational flexibility is improved, but cost and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding tubular ring acts as an intermediary element between the alternator-starter and the air compressor. Instead of using a complex multi-component clutch system, the tubular ring provides a simple yet effective coupling and decoupling mechanism. When the ring is in the engaged position, it mechanically connects the alternator-starter output shaft to the compressor drive shaft, transmitting rotational power. When disengaged, it allows independent operation of either component. This intermediary approach achieves the required operational flexibility with minimal complexity, avoiding the need for sophisticated clutch mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient air supply to the engine across varying speeds and loads, reducing the need for additional components and minimizing fuel consumption by optimizing the operation of the alternator-starter and air compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling/decoupling device for the alternator-starter and air compressor, utilizing a sliding tubular ring and elastic transfer ring to control rotational coupling and decoupling
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (100) for a combustion engine that is able to control the rotational coupling/decoupling of three elements of the engine, in particular a starter-alternator (40) which has a rotating shaft (41) and a drive wheel (42) which rotates conjointly with the shaft of the starter-alternator, an air compressor (70) which has a drive shaft (71) and a drive wheel (72) which rotates conjointly with the shaft of the compressor, and a drive wheel (16) which rotates conjointly with a crankshaft (11), these shafts being parallel to one another, characterized in that the actuator (100) comprises a rotational coupling ring (106) that rotates conjointly with the starter-alternator, is slidably movable along its shaft and is able to engage with a means (110) for the quick-coupling of the ring to the air compressor in order to quickly rotate the air compressor.