Patent Publication Number: US-7913783-B2

Title: Power-generating device for electro-magnetic or any electric engine

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to engines, and more particularly, to power-generating devices for engines. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Most vehicles, and especially automobiles, comprise internal combustion engines that run on gasoline. Other vehicles run by electrical means or hybrid means. There are no systems that produce power for engines, and especially for electro-magnetic engines. 
     Applicant believes that one of the closest references corresponds to Applicant&#39;s own U.S. Pat. No. 7,105,958 issued on Sep. 12, 2006 for an Electro-magnetic engine. However, it differs from the present invention because in that invention Applicant taught an electro-magnetic engine and not a power-generating device for the engine. More specifically, Applicant taught an electro-magnetic engine in which the motive force is electro-magnetism. The electro-magnetic engine comprises a housing structure, cylinder assembly, crankcase assembly, crankshaft assembly, electro-magnetism system and an electrical system. The electro-magnetism system consists of a coil assembly arranged stationary in the housing. The electro-magnetic engine includes the rotation of the crankshaft in a predetermined direction continuously after the initial activation of the crankshaft by assembly of applying a short period of the external force, such as from an automobile starter. At least three alternators are connected to the rotating crankshaft and work at 35 amps each to recharge batteries. 
     There are no vehicles to the best of applicant&#39;s knowledge that include at least one wheel assembly that rotates upon a surface to generate power for engines, and especially for electro-magnetic engines. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention is a power-generating device, comprising a shaft assembly having an elongated shaft that is mounted onto a vehicle. The elongated shaft comprises shock-absorbing means. A wheel assembly is mounted onto the shaft assembly. The wheel assembly comprises at least one wheel and an electrical generator. The wheel rotates upon a surface on which the vehicle is traveling upon to generate power at the electrical generator for an engine of the vehicle. The electrical generator generates the power to a source of rechargeable battery power of the engine. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the engine is an electro-magnetic engine. Such an electro-magnetic engine comprises a housing structure and cylinder means. The cylinder means comprises at least two cylinders being encased in the housing structure and each including a piston and a piston rod. The piston has first and second ends. The first end has a magnetic body and the second end is connected to the piston rod. Crankcase means are affixed to the housing structure. The crankshaft means is positioned in the crankcase means. The piston rod is assembled to the crankshaft means in the crankcase means. Electro-magnetic means consists of coil means having at least two coils, each of at least two coils arranged stationary in the housing structure aligned with its respective piston. Each of at least two coils have first and second openings. The first and second openings include winding terminals electrically connected to a distributor. The distributor has synchronizing means to send an electrical current to the at least two coils to switch magnetic polarity. 
     The electro-magnetic means generates an electro-motive force between the first and second openings and its corresponding magnetic body when synchronized by the distributor. Wherein switching the magnetic polarity between the first and second openings forces the piston to move upward and downward within its respective cylinders, thus rotating the crankshaft means in a predetermined direction continuously after the initial activation of the crankshaft means by applying a short period of an electrical force. The electro-magnetic means being affixed to the housing structure. 
     Electrical means comprise an electrical connection and the source of rechargeable battery power for supplying the rechargeable battery power for the short period of an electrical force. The electrical means further comprises the source of rechargeable battery power having the electrical connection to a starter switch. The starter switch has the electrical connection to a starter. The starter switch has the electrical connection to at least one electrical coil. The electrical coil is an inverter, and has means to convert 24 volts DC to 240 volts AC. The at least one electrical coil has the electrical connection to a mechanical pedal that is operated by a driver for acceleration. The mechanical pedal has the electrical connection to an electric accelerator. The mechanical pedal has the electrical connection to the computer. The computer has the electrical connection to the distributor. The short period of an electrical force derives from an automobile starter. The magnetic body includes a permanent magnet or electro-magnet. The at least two electrical coils contain permeable material or an air core, and as the piston approaches one of the at least two electrical coils, the at least two electrical coils induce the electromotive force and induce the electrical current. The induced electrical current flows through current limiters and activates transistors, and when the transistors are activated, the electrical current flows to the distributor. The electrical means comprises at least three alternators. The alternators work at 35 amps each and recharge the rechargeable battery power. 
     It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a vehicle having at least one wheel assembly that rotates upon a surface to generate power for an engine, and especially an electro-magnetic engine in which the motive force is electro-magnetism. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
     Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the instant invention mounted onto a vehicle having an electro-magnetic engine. 
         FIG. 1   a  is an isometric view of the instant invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing showing a section of the electrical system of a four cylinder electro-magnetic engine. 
         FIG. 2   a  is a structural schematic drawing showing the vertical cross section through each piston, cylinder head, and the electro-magnetism assembly of the four cylinder electro-magnetic engine. 
         FIG. 3  is a structural schematic drawing showing a vertical cross section through the crankshaft, piston, cylinder head, and electro-magnetism assembly of the electro-magnetic engine on the upward stroke. 
         FIG. 4  is a structural schematic drawing showing the vertical cross section through the crankshaft, piston, cylinder head, and electro-magnetism assembly of the electro-magnetic engine on the upward stroke at top dead center. 
         FIG. 5  is a structural schematic drawing showing the vertical cross section through the crankshaft, piston, cylinder head, and electro-magnetism assembly of the electro-magnetic engine on the downward stroke. 
         FIG. 6  is a structural schematic drawing showing the vertical cross section through the crankshaft, piston, cylinder head, and electro-magnetism assembly of the electro-magnetic engine on the downward stroke at bottom dead center. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, instant invention  200  is defined as a power-generating device for an engine, such as electro-magnetic engine  10 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 1A , instant invention  200  is a power-generating device. It comprises shaft assembly  240  that is mounted onto vehicle V. Shaft assembly  240  comprises elongated shaft  242  that comprises shock-absorbing means, such as spring  244 . Wheel assembly  260  comprises at least one wheel  262  that is mounted onto shaft assembly  240 . Wheel  262  rotates upon a surface on which vehicle V is traveling upon, to generate power at electrical generator  264 , or an alternator, for an engine of vehicle V. Such a surface can be, but is not limited to, a road, expressway, street, uneven path, or even a rail track. Instant invention  200  generates the power and provides it to a source of rechargeable battery power of the engine via cables  266 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the engine is electro-magnetic engine  10  that consists of two or more cylinders and associated mechanisms assembled with it as described within a housing. As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , it can be observed that it basically includes cylinder assemblies  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″,  20 ′″, crankcase assembly  30 , electro-magnetism assembly  40 , and electrical system  100 . Only a portion of the cylinder assemblies  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″,  20 ′″ and crankcase assembly  30  are shown. Cylinder assemblies  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″,  20 ′″ are constructed in a suitable housing means to which crankcase assembly  30  is attached. A typical piston  24 , piston rod  26 , and crankshaft  34  are illustrated assembled within cylinder  22  and crankcase  32 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , electrical system  100  comprises rechargeable batteries  102  and electrical wires  104  that electrically connect to each of the components described below. Rechargeable batteries  102  have sufficient power to start electro-magnetic engine  10 . Each of rechargeable batteries  102  has an electrical wire  104  that connects to starter switch  106 . Starter switch  106  is connected to starter  108 . Starter switch  106  connects to each of electrical coils  110  with electrical wire  104 . In the preferred embodiment, each of electrical coils  110 , as inverters, have means to convert 24 volts to 240 volts. Electrical coils  110  connect to a mechanical pedal  112  that connects to an electric accelerator  114 . The mechanical pedal  112  is operated by a driver whereby pressing the mechanical pedal  112  increases vehicle acceleration. Recognizing pedal placement, electric accelerator  114  communicates electronically with computer  116 , and computer  116  determines current to flow to distributor  118 . Extending from distributor  118  are electrical wires i, j, k, and l. It is also noted that distributor  118  has a connection, not shown, to crankshaft  34  for establishing timing. Furthermore, distributor  118  has synchronizing means to send an electrical current to coils  42 ,  42 ′,  42 ″ and  42 ′″, seen in  FIG. 2   a , to switch magnetic polarity. 
     A typical cylinder and associated mechanisms of an electro-magnetic engine is portrayed in  FIG. 2   a  as provided. Seen in the present illustration is a structural schematic drawing showing the vertical cross section through each piston, cylinder head, and the electro-magnetism assembly of a four cylinder electro-magnetic engine, wherein cylinder assemblies  20  and  20 ″ illustrate their respective pistons  24  and  24 ″ in the position of top dead center and cylinder assemblies  20 ′ and  20 ′″ illustrate their respective pistons  24 ′ and  24 ′″ in the position of bottom dead center. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the electro-magnetism assembly  40  comprises coils  42 ,  42 ′,  42 ″ and  42 ′″ for pistons  24 ,  24 ′,  24 ″ and  24 ′″ respectively. Coils  42 ,  42 ′,  42 ″ and  42 ′″ are stationary and are positioned in an aligned manner with cylinder assemblies  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″, and  20 ′″ respectively. As shown in this figure, four winding terminals a, b, c, and d are located respectively at the opening of coils  42 ,  42 ′,  42 ″ and  42 ′″ respectively, and the other four winding terminals e, f, g and h are located at the other opening of each coil  42 ,  42 ′,  42 ″ and  42 ′″ respectively. 
     In the illustrated four cylinder electro-magnetic engine, pistons  24  and  24 ″ have completed their respective travel in the upward direction to the position of top dead center within cylinder assemblies  20  and  20 ″ respectively. As pistons  24  and  24 ″ approach the end of coils  42  and  42 ″ respectively, as seen in this illustration, coils  42  and  42 ″ induce electromotive forces E 1  and E 3  and induce currents I 1  and I 3  respectively. 
     The induced currents I 1  and I 3  flow through their respective current limiters R 1  and R 3  and activate transistors Q 1  and Q 3  respectively. When the transistors Q 1  and Q 3  are activated, the currents I 1  and I 3  flow to distributor  118 . Distributor  118  synchronizes the generation of opposite forces by sending an electrical current to switch magnetic polarity to coils  42  and  42 ″ (i.e., an opposite electromotive force) so as to force the pistons  24  and  24 ″ respectively moving upward and downward. 
     Similarly, electromotive forces E 2  and E 4  can also be induced with coils  42 ′ and  42 ′″ by pistons  24 ′ and  24 ′″ that induce currents I 2  and I 4  respectively. The induced currents I 2  and I 4  flow through their respective current limiters R 2  and R 4  and activate transistors Q 2  and Q 4  respectively. When the transistors Q 2  and Q 4  are activated, the currents I 2  and I 4  flow to distributor  118 . Distributor  118  synchronizes the generation of opposite forces by sending an electrical current to switch magnetic polarity to coils  42 ′ and  42 ′″ (i.e., an opposite electromotive force) so as to force the pistons  24 ′ and  24 ′″ respectively moving upward and downward. 
     Forcing pistons  24 ,  24 ′,  24 ″ and  24 ′″ upward and downward within their respective cylinder assemblies  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″,  20 ′″, rotates crankshaft  34 , seen in  FIGS. 3-6 , in a predetermined direction continuously after the initial activation of the crankshaft  34 . Initial activation of the crankshaft  34  can be accomplished by means of applying a short period of the force, such as from starter  108 . At least three alternators, not shown, are connected to the rotating crankshaft  34 . In the preferred embodiment, the alternators work at 35 amps each and recharge rechargeable batteries  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates piston  24  traveling in an upward direction. It is noted that piston  24  comprises a magnetic body having a permanent magnetic material defining a north and a south polarity as illustrated. Each of the magnetic bodies, in other pistons, has a same direction of a polarity. The direction of rotation of crankshaft  34  is shown in each of  FIGS. 4 through 6 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , piston  24  is attracted to coil  42 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4  in cylinder assembly  20 , piston  24  completed its travel in the upward direction to the position of top dead center. When piston  24  approaches the end of coil  42 , as seen in this illustration, coil  42  induces an electromotive force E 1 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates piston  24  traveling in a downward direction in cylinder  22 . As shown in this illustration, piston  24  is repelling from coil  42 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 6 , piston  24  continues to travel in the downward direction to the position of bottom dead center. 
     It is noted that the electro-magnetic engine  10  also comprises a water-pump system for cooling coils  42 ,  42 ′,  42 ″ and  42 ′″ and an engine oil system for lubrication and cooling that have not been illustrated for simplification. In addition, it is noted that electro-magnetic engine  10  is manufactured of demagnetized material. Furthermore, it is noted that cylinder assembly layout may change, wherein it may also be a rotary type engine. 
     This invention is suitable to be used with vehicle V, which may be an automobile in the preferred embodiment. However, present invention  200  may be suitable for vehicles such as, but not limited to, trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, scooters, vans, and trains. 
     With regard to electro-magnetic engine  10 , traditional components such as timing chains, gears etc. have not been depicted. It is understood that these components will be part of the final embodiment. The electro-magnetic engine  10  may consist of two or more cylinders and necessary mechanisms constructed of suitable materials as described in this invention. Only a portion of the mechanism means has been illustrated enough to describe the invention, it is to be understood that variation in these elements of structure to obtain the same results is within the scope of the invention. In addition, it is important to note that electro-magnetic engine  10  requires scheduled maintenance and replacement of electro-magnetism assembly  40  at predetermined time intervals to maintain predetermined electromotive forces to properly operate. 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.