Abstract:
An electromagnetic propulsion engine having at least one cylinder, at least one piston, a crankcase, at least one connecting rod secured to the piston and pivotally to a crankshaft enclosed within the crankcase, comprises a first magnetic body secured to a first end of the cylinder; a second magnetic body secured to the cylinder; a third magnetic body secured to a first end of the piston; a fourth magnetic body secured to a second end of the piston; wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth magnetic bodies comprises an electromagnet; and a control module that selectively transmits current to the electromagnet to force the piston to move within the cylinder between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body, and thereby, rotating the crankshaft.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/460,438, filed on Jan. 3, 2011. The disclosure of the above is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to engines and more particularly to an engine in which the motive force is electromagnetism. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
         [0004]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of an electromagnetic engine according to the prior art is shown. An electromagnetic engine  100  includes a cylinder  102 , a piston  104 , a connecting rod  106 , pins  108  and  110 , a crankshaft  112 , a crankcase  114 , a permanent magnet  116 , a conductive core  118 , coils  120 , and a control module  122 . 
         [0005]    The permanent magnet  116  is secured to an end of the piston  104 . One end of the connecting rod  106  is connected to a second end of the piston  104  via the pin  108 . The second end of the connecting rod  106  is connected to the crankshaft  112  via pin  110 . 
         [0006]    The control module  122  transmits current through the coils  120 . The coils  120  may be made of one or more wires that wrap around the conductive core  118 . As current travels through the coils  120 , an electromagnetic field is generated. The electromagnetic field may force the permanent magnet  116  away from the conductive core  118 . 
         [0007]    The piston  104  may have a starting position of top dead center (TDC) as shown in  FIG. 1 . The piston  104  is in the TDC position when it is closest to the conductive core  118 . The control module  122  may transmit current through the coils  120  that will generate an electromagnetic field to repel the permanent magnet  116 , forcing the piston  104  away from the conductive core  118 . As the piston  104  is forced away from the conductive core  118 , the crankshaft  112  is rotated. 
         [0008]    The control module  122  may continue transmitting the current to force the piston  104  away from the conductive core  118  until the piston  104  reaches bottom dead center (BDC). The piston  104  is in the BDC position when it is farthest away from the conductive core  118 . The control module  122  may discontinue transmitting the current through the coils  120  until the piston  104  returns to the TDC position. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    An electromagnetic propulsion engine having at least one cylinder, at least one piston, a crankcase, at least one connecting rod secured to the piston and pivotally to a crankshaft enclosed within the crankcase, comprises a first magnetic body secured to a first end of the cylinder; a second magnetic body secured to the cylinder; a third magnetic body secured to a first end of the piston; a fourth magnetic body secured to a second end of the piston; wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth magnetic bodies comprises an electromagnet. A control module selectively transmits current to the electromagnet to force the piston to move within the cylinder between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body, and thereby, rotating the crankshaft. 
         [0010]    In further features, the strength of the electromagnet is adjustable. In other features, the control module continuously transmits the current. In still other features, the control module suspends transmitting the current periodically. In still other features, the control module selectively adjusts the current. In further features, the control module adjusts the current continuously. 
         [0011]    In other features, the control module adjusts the current periodically. In still other features, the control module adjusts the current by reversing the current. In other features, the control module reverses the current periodically. 
         [0012]    An electromagnetic propulsion engine having at least one cylinder, at least one piston, a crankcase, at least one connecting rod secured to the piston and pivotally to a crankshaft enclosed within the crankcase, comprises a first magnetic body secured to a first end of the cylinder; a second magnetic body secured to a second end of the cylinder; wherein the piston comprises a third magnetic body; wherein at least one of the first, second, and third magnetic bodies comprises an electromagnet; and a control module that selectively transmits current to the electromagnet to force the piston to move within the cylinder between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body, and thereby, rotating the crankshaft. 
         [0013]    In further features, the strength of the electromagnet is adjustable. In other features, the control module continuously transmits the current. In still other features, the control module suspends transmitting the current periodically. In still other features, the control module selectively adjusts the current. In further features, the control module adjusts the current continuously. 
         [0014]    In other features, the control module adjusts the current periodically. In still other features, the control module adjusts the current by reversing the current. In other features, the control module reverses the current periodically. 
         [0015]    Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of an electromagnetic engine according to the prior art; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of an exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of a second exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of a third exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of a fourth exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. 
         [0023]    As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of an exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. An electromagnetic propulsion engine  200  includes a cylinder  202 , a piston  204 , a connecting rod  206 , pins  208  and  210 , a crankshaft  212 , a crankcase  214 , permanent magnets  216 ,  218   a , and  218   b , conductive cores  220 ,  222   a , and  222   b , coils  224 ,  226   a , and  226   b , a control module  228 , fixtures  230   a  and  230   b , and a housing (not shown). 
         [0025]    Only portions of the exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engines of the present disclosure are shown for simplicity. At least one cylinder  202  made of nonferromagnetic material is secured to the housing. The conductive core  220  may be secured to the housing or to the cylinder  202  to enclose an end of the cylinder  202 . For simplicity reasons, only one cylinder  202  is shown. For example only, there may be more than one cylinder  202 . Further, the cylinder  202  shown in  FIG. 2  is in a vertical position. It is anticipated that the orientation of the system may be different such as in a horizontal position or at an angle. 
         [0026]    The permanent magnets  216 ,  218   a , and  218   b  are secured to the piston  204 . For example, the permanent magnets  216 ,  218   a , and  218   b  may be glued, bolted, welded, fastened, clamped, or secured to the piston  204  by any other means. In another implementation, the piston  204  may be made of a ferromagnetic material in the form of a permanent magnet instead of securing the permanent magnet  216  to the piston  204 . The piston  204  is in the TDC position as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0027]    The conductive core  220  may be secured to a first end of the cylinder  202 . The conductive cores  222   a  and  222   b  may be secured near a second end of the cylinder  202 . In  FIG. 2 , the conductive cores  222   a  and  222   b  are secured to fixtures  230   a  and  230   b  respectively. The fixtures  230   a  and  230   b  may be attached to the walls of the cylinder  202 . In various implementations, the conductive cores  230   a  and  230   b  may be secured to the walls of the cylinder  202  without the fixtures  230   a  and  230   b.    
         [0028]    When the piston  204  is at or near TDC, the control module  228  may transmit a current through the coils  224 . The control module  228  may continue transmitting the current through the coils  224  until the piston  204  reaches BDC. In various implementations, the control module  228  may continue transmitting the current through the coils  224  for a predetermined period of time. 
         [0029]    As the current travels through the coils  224 , an electromagnetic field is generated. The electromagnetic field acts on the permanent magnet  216 . The electromagnetic field repels the permanent magnet  216  and forces the piston  204  away from the conductive core  220 . In various implementations, there may be a plurality of conductive cores, coils, and permanent magnets in place of conductive core  220 , coils  224 , and permanent magnet  216 . 
         [0030]    When the piston  204  is at or near TDC, the control module  228  may also transmit a current through the coils  226   a  and  226   b . As the current travels through the coils  226   a  and  226   b , second and third electromagnetic fields are generated. The second electromagnetic field acts on the permanent magnet  218   a  and the third electromagnetic field acts on the permanent magnet  218   b . In various implementations, a single permanent magnet may be used in place of the permanent magnets  218   a  and  218   b . Further, a single conductive core and coils may be used in place of conductive cores  222   a  and  222   b  and coils  226   a  and  226   b.    
         [0031]    The control module  228  may continue transmitting the current through the coils  226   a  and  226   b  until the piston  204  is at or near BDC. When the piston  204  is at or near BDC, the control module  228  may discontinue transmitting current through the coils  226   a  and  226   b . In various implementations, the control module  228  may continue transmitting the current through the coils  226   a  and  226   b  for a predetermined period of time. 
         [0032]    When the piston  204  is at or near BDC, the control module  228  may reverse the current transmitted through the coils  224 . When the current transmitted through the coils  224  is reversed, the polarity of the electromagnetic field is also reversed. Accordingly, the permanent magnet  216  is forced toward the conductive core  220 . 
         [0033]    Also, when the piston  204  is at or near BDC, the control module  228  may reverse the current transmitted through the coils  226   a  and  226   b . When the current transmitted through the coils  226   a  and  226   b  is reversed, the polarities of the second and third electromagnetic fields are reversed respectively. Accordingly, the permanent magnets  218   a  and  218   b  are forced away from the conductive cores  222   a  and  222   b.    
         [0034]    In various implementations, the control module  228  may selectively transmit the currents through the coils  224 ,  226   a , and  226   b . For example, the control module  228  may transmit current through the coils  224  to repel the permanent magnet  216 , but never to attract it, and vice versa. Further, the control module  228  may transmit current through the coils  226   a  and  226   b  to attract the permanent magnets  218   a  and  218   b , but never repel them, and vice versa. 
         [0035]    The connecting rod  206  is connected to the piston  204  via pin  208 . The connecting rod  206  is connected to the crankshaft  212  via pin  210 . As the piston  204  moves within the cylinder  202 , the crankshaft  212  is rotated within the crankcase  214 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of a second exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. As seen in  FIG. 3 , the locations of the conductive cores and coils, and permanent magnets may vary. Further, there may be implementations which use conductive cores and coils without any permanent magnets. 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 3 , a variation of  FIG. 2  is shown. The electromagnetic propulsion engine  300  operates in the same manner as the electromagnetic propulsion engine  200 , except that the locations of the permanent magnets  218   a  and  218   b , the conductive cores  222   a  and  222   b , and the coils  226   a  and  226   b  have changed. 
         [0038]    In this implementation, the wiring from the control module  228  to the coils  226   a  and  226   b  may be secured to the connecting rod  206  and exits the crankcase  214 . In various implementations, the wiring may be positioned in any way that it would not interfere with movement of the piston  204  and the connecting rod  206 . Also, it is noted that the permanent magnet  216  may be replaced with a conductive core, coils, and wiring, wherein the wiring may be placed through a slit within the piston  204  so as to not interfere with movement of the piston  204  and the connecting rod  206 . Further, the conductive core  220  and the coils  224  may be replaced by at least one permanent magnet. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of a third exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. An electromagnetic propulsion engine  400  includes a cylinder  402 . The cylinder  402  is made of a nonferromagnetic material. A conductive core  404   a  is secured to one end of the cylinder  402 . A conductive core  404   b  is secured to a second end of the cylinder  402 . Coils  406   a  and  406   b  each may be made of one or more wires that wrap around conductive cores  404   a  and  404   b  respectively. 
         [0040]    Permanent magnets  408   a  and  408   b  are secured to opposite ends of a piston  410 . The piston  410  may be made of nonferromagnetic material. In various implementations, the piston  410  may be made of ferromagnetic material. One end of a connecting rod  412  is connected to the piston  410  via a pin  414 . A second end of the connecting rod  412  is connected to one end of a connecting rod  416  via a pin  418 . A second end of the connecting rod  416  is connected to a crankshaft  420  via a pin  422 . 
         [0041]    The control module  228  selectively transmits current through the coils  406   a  and  406   b  to force movement of the piston  410  within the cylinder  402  in the same manner as described above. As the piston  410  moves within the cylinder  402 , the crankshaft  420  rotates within the crankcase  424 . In various implementations, there may be more than one crankshaft  420  that is rotated based on the movement of the piston  410 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a structural schematic drawing of a cross section through a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and magnetic bodies of a fourth exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The assembly of an electromagnetic propulsion engine  500  is similar to the electromagnetic propulsion engine  200 . 
         [0043]    In this exemplary implementation, permanent magnets  502   a  and  502   b  are secured to the piston  204 . Permanent magnets  504   a  and  504   b  are secured to a rotating apparatus  506 . The rotating apparatus  506  may be secured to the housing or to the cylinder  202 . Permanent magnets  502   a  and  502   b  act on permanent magnets  504   a  and  504   b  respectively. For example only, permanent magnets  502   a  and  504   a  may have a negative polarity at the ends closest to each other, while permanent magnets  502   b  and  504   b  may have a positive polarity at the ends closest to each other. 
         [0044]    The rotating apparatus  506  is an apparatus that is capable of rotating about an axis. For example only, the rotating apparatus  506  may rotate so that permanent magnet  504   a  is aligned with permanent magnet  502   b  and permanent magnet  504   b  and is aligned with  502   a . The control module  228  may transmit one of a repel signal and an attract signal to the rotating apparatus. The rotating apparatus  506  rotates based on the signal received. 
         [0045]    When the control module  228  transmits the repel signal, the rotating apparatus  506  rotates so that permanent magnets  504   a  and  502   a  are aligned with each other and permanent magnets  504   b  and  502   b  are aligned with each other. The repelling forces will cause the piston  204  to move away from the rotating apparatus  506 . The control module  228  may transmit the repel signal when the piston  204  is at or near TDC. The control module  228  may continue transmitting the repel signal for a predetermined amount of time or until the piston  204  is at or near BDC. 
         [0046]    When the control module  228  transmits the attract signal, the rotating apparatus  506  rotates so that permanent magnets  504   a  and  502   b  are aligned with each other and permanent magnets  504   b  and  502   a  are aligned with each other. The attracting forces will cause the piston  204  to move toward the rotating apparatus  506 . The control module  228  may transmit the attract signal when the piston  204  is at or near BDC. The control module  228  may continue transmitting the attract signal for a predetermined amount of time or until the piston  204  is at or near TDC. The control module  228  may also transmit current to the coils  226   a  and  226   b  in the same manner as described above. 
         [0047]    In another embodiment, the rotating apparatus  506  may rotate so that permanent magnets  504   a  and  504   b  are not acting on permanent magnets  502   a  and  502   b  respectively. For example only, the rotating apparatus may rotate about a horizontal axis so that the permanent magnets  504   a  and  504   b  are positioned away from the permanent magnets  502   a  and  502   b , and therefore, may not act on permanent magnets  502   a  and  502   b.    
         [0048]    In each of the various implementations of the present disclosure, the control module  228  may adjust the strength of the electromagnetic fields by adjusting the amount of current being transmitted from the control module  228 . Also, it is noted that the magnetic bodies may need to be replaced to maintain a predetermined force to operate effectively. 
         [0049]    Although not shown, the exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engines of the present disclosure may include chains, gears, a pressure release valve, a lubrication system, a water system, and other traditional components. Again, only portions of the exemplary electromagnetic propulsion engines have been shown for simplicity reasons. 
         [0050]    Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims.