Split-Cycle Engine V-Layout for Compact Vehicle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split-cycle internal combustion engines are not compact enough to fit into the engine compartments of existing vehicles, requiring significant modifications and new manufacturing technologies, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A split-cycle engine design with compression and expansion sections arranged orthogonally and inclined axes, using existing manufacturing technologies, allowing for a compact layout compatible with vehicle spaces and minimal modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If expansion cylinders and compression cylinders are arranged in line along a same rotating shaft, then the engine structure is simple, but the engine dimensions are too large to fit into vehicle engine compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of cylinders to a V-configuration where expansion cylinders and compression cylinders are arranged at an angle to each other. This dimensional change allows the engine to achieve a more compact footprint while maintaining the functional simplicity of the split-cycle design, making it suitable for vehicle engine compartments.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact split-cycle engine design is implemented, then the engine fits into vehicle spaces, but significant modifications and new manufacturing technologies are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the compact split-cycle engine using the same basic components and manufacturing processes as conventional four-stroke engines. The V-configuration allows the engine to utilize existing manufacturing infrastructure while achieving compact dimensions, thereby reducing the need for new manufacturing technologies and minimizing modification requirements.
3Productivity
If a split-cycle engine replaces a four-stroke engine, then performance and consumption are improved, but significant changes to engine compartment components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a V-configuration arrangement where the expansion cylinders and compression cylinders are positioned at specific angles, allowing the engine to achieve compact dimensions that are compatible with existing vehicle engine compartments. This localized structural optimization enables performance improvements without requiring extensive modifications to the overall engine compartment layout.
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
Achieves a compact engine design with improved performance, reduced emissions, and lower consumption, while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a compression cylinder (16a), which is dedicated to the compression of air
Implementation Method 2
a combustion cylinder (16b), which is dedicated to the combustion of an air/fuel mixture
Implementation Method 3
to the expansion of the burnt gases to generate mechanical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
A split-cycle internal combustion engine is provided with an engine block and an expansion section having a plurality of expansion cylinders (16b) and a rotating drive shaft, which is supported by a first portion of the engine block and is operated by the expansion cylinders (16b); the engine is further provided with a compression section having a volumetric compressor with a rotating driven shaft, which is supported by a second potion of the engine block and is distinct and spaced apart from the rotating drive shaft; the volumetric compressor has at least one compression cylinder (16a) extending along an axis (42a), which is inclined relative to the axes (42b) of the expansion cylinders (16b) so as to form an angle (A).