Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority benefits under  35  U.S.C. §§119(e) and 120 to U.S. provisional application No. 60/970,838 filed on Sep. 7, 2007. Such provisional application is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS  
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present inventions relate to motors and, more particularly, relate to compressed fluid motors. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Public awareness and recent legislation has brought upon a need for a clean and environmentally responsible motor technology. Fuel burning engines are designed to consume refined fossil fuels but still produce unhealthy emissions. Higher fuel costs and maintenance costs are now associated with fuel burning engines. Previous attempts with fuel engines using straight line force to convert to rotary motion has been offered but with unsuccessful results. The most popular is the Bourke engine. This gasoline engine never achieved recognition and still would rely on fossil fuels as the source of power. 
         [0006]    Electric motors are efficient but use large amounts of power for continuous usage. The limiting factor appears to be the storage of heavy battery cells for mobile applications. Recharging requires hours and the range of travel does not allow for extended distances. The spent storage batteries are a potential hazard to the environment if not disposed of properly. High expenses associated with constant recharging, maintenance and eventual battery replacement would be required. An alternative motor is required because of these shortcomings in current technology. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS  
       [0007]    A compressed fluid motor with a rotational shaft produces 360 degree axial motion. The compressed fluid motor can be constructed with horizontally opposed cylinders, vertically opposed cylinders, or both. This unique arrangement has been found to be the most effective way of imposing effective linear motion from the cylinder piston rods into a rotation mass to allow a shaft or more than one shaft to move or turn a load. The properly designed compressed fluid motor will achieve full advantage of converting linear motion into rotational motion through the shaft. The torque potential of the rotating shaft will be similar to the output of the compressed fluid cylinders. 
         [0008]    An object of the present inventions is to provide a viable alternative to electric motors and combustible engines. The compressed fluid motor can be used for any application that requires rotational motion to perform a duty. The compressed fluid motor could be as useful as electric motors or gas engines of similar size to perform the same work. This compressed fluid motor could be utilized into new product designs and advanced applications. 
         [0009]    The details of the preferred embodiments and these and other objects and features of the inventions will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a cutaway, side view of the compressed fluid motor according to an embodiment of the present inventions; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cutaway, isometric view of the compressed fluid motor according to an embodiment of the present inventions; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a timing diagram of the compressed fluid motor operation for left cylinder  140  according to an embodiment of the present inventions; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a timing diagram of the compressed fluid motor operation for right cylinder  141  according to an embodiment of the present inventions; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0014]    The present invention relates to a compressed fluid motor with a rotational shaft to produce motion as an alternative to all electric motors and combustible engines for current and future applications. Electric motors of any power usage or any combustible type engine could be replaced with this compressed air motor. This movement would be similar to that of a shaft on an electric motor or the shaft of a combustible engine. The compressed fluid medium will be any compressible gas to include but not limited to; air, nitrogen, propane, natural gas, steam, carbon dioxide, etc. This also applies to any compressible liquid to include but not limited to; hydraulic fluid, water and/or any other compressible liquid deemed safe and appropriate for this application. The pressures for this compressed fluid medium would be from zero PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) to any pressure that could be used to exert force and create motion in this compressed fluid motor. 
         [0015]    The motor is comprised of common and unique components to impart rotation to a shaft or shafts. The following components and drawings explain the motor: 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a cutaway, side view of the compressed fluid motor according to an embodiment of the present inventions.  FIG. 2  illustrates a cutaway, isometric view of the compressed fluid motor according to an embodiment of the present inventions. 
         [0017]    The main body  110  is the support structure for the inner and outer workings of the compressed fluid motor. The main body  110  can be any shape or size to accommodate the interior and/or exterior components for a complete or sub assembled unit. The material of the body can be any plastic, wood, metal and/or any man made or natural material that can be effectively used for this intended purpose. The compressed fluid cylinders will be mounted coaxially and oppositely in relation to the body and the shaft  116 . The final design may be one or more shafts. 
         [0018]    The cylinders may be of any design in regards to shape or volume as to have a cylinder body, piston body, piston rod  130 , pressure ports and seals or rings to compress the above mentioned fluid mediums. The method of connection of the cylinders to the main body  110  can be but not limited to threading, bolting, welding, casting into a single piece, any means necessary to connect cylinders in the same arrangement as this compressed fluid motor. The cylinders could be special purpose for this design or made or purchased in a commercial market. The cylinders are of a double acting design, however, only in pressurized in push, as the piston rods  130  are facing each other. This creates a desirable mechanical advantage as the cylinder output forces are greater when pressure is applied at the cap end (pressure on full face of piston body). The cylinders can be used in any combination with a preference of multiples of two cylinders. A compressed fluid motor of this design can be assembled with two, four, six, eight, etc. number of cylinders as deemed appropriate for the desired power output. 
         [0019]    The head end port of the cylinder may be used, but not limited to, for extra force through pressurization or vacuum to assist the compressed fluid motor to reverse or forward motion. The pressurized cylinder piston rods  130  will cause motion to the main bearing  122 , crankpin  123 , flywheels  114  and shafts  116  by means of bearing guides  120  and bearing guide plates  124 . Each piston rod  130  will be connected to a bearing guide  120 . The method of connection can be but is not limited to threading, welding, pinning, casting of a one-piece component. The bearing guides  120  rest on the main bearing  122  which is mounted onto a crankpin  123 . 
         [0020]    The main bearing  122  will be designed to allow full rotation in clockwise or counter-clockwise at the will of the forces involved. The bearing guides  120  will be designed to withstand the forces of compression of the sliding force of the inner works. The crankpin  123  is connected to two flywheels  114  of the same proportion for full balance. The crankpin  123  will be designed with an appropriate material of sufficient size and tapered ends for positive location into the flywheels  114 . The flywheels  114  will be of sufficient design to withstand the forces of the compressed fluid cylinder forces and transfer the linear power exerted onto the crankpin  123  to turn the shaft  116  or shafts  116  for a full 360 degrees in slow or rapid succession. This will be a full rotation of the shaft  116 . 
         [0021]    The shaft  116  or shafts  116  will be mounted into the center of each flywheel  114  and will be of sufficient length to be suspended by double row bearings and seals  122  then pass through a cover plate  112  to connect to any type of device to harness the rotational motion of the shaft  116  or shafts  116 . The bearing plates  124  allow the main bearing  122  to rotate freely and the bearing guides  120  to move back and forth in a controlled synchronized manner. 
         [0022]    Minor components for assembly may include machine screws, o-rings or flat seals, bearings, pins, etc. The final design may or may not contain any number of solutions to meet the requirements to safely contain the inner and/or outer workings of this compressed fluid motor. The materials chosen for each component could be any material man made or natural materials as to meet the requirements of the design. Any combination of said parts which can be arranged to perform this same function may be considered an advance of this primary design. 
         [0023]    Control components are commercially available and sufficient information of selecting these devices is available. The control components are as follows but not limited to: Two solenoid operated directional control valves  155 . Two cylinders  140  and cylinder  141  of equal design with same bore and stroke. Two reed switches  150  normally open mounted at cap end of each fluid cylinder. Two reed switches  151  normally closed mounted at head end of each fluid cylinder. Two relays to continue electrical current through a full power stroke. Fittings of sufficient size and pressure rating to connect all devices. Tubing for distribution of any compressed fluid medium will be any compressible gas to include but not limited to; air, nitrogen, propane, natural gas, steam, carbon dioxide, etc. This also applies to any compressible liquid to include but not limited to; hydraulic fluid, water and/or any other compressible liquid deemed safe and appropriate for this application. The tubing could be but not limited to plastics or metal of sufficient pressure rating. 
         [0024]    Compressed fluid is controlled through solenoid operated directional control valves  155  at cylinder  140  and cylinder  141 . This is timed and controlled release of fluid into each cylinder  140  and  141 . The magnetic pistons  134  and piston rods  130  are connected through bearing guides  120  and bearing guide plates  124 . The linear motion is converted into rotational motion with the bearing guides  120  pushing the main bearing  122  into a 360 degree controlled and balanced motion into the crankpin  123  and flywheels  114 . The shaft  116  or shafts  116  at the center of the flywheels  114  would be connected to the work. The work could be a pulley, shaft or other type of coupler. The primary principle of operation is achieved through converting the linear motion of compressed fluid cylinders  140  and  141  into a main bearing  122  to cause a rotational force into the flywheel  114  and shaft  116  or shafts. The arrangement can be modified to perform the same functions with design changes. The actual size of this compressed fluid motor can also be scaled up or down to fit the parameters of the work required. The inner workings (main bearing  122 , crankpin  123 , flywheels  114 , shafts  116 , bearing guides  120 , and bearing guide plates  124 ) in one embodiment are individual components. The shaft can comprise a removable flywheel and removable crankpin coupled with a key and keyway for maintenance or customization. This same device could be achieved in another embodiment by making a single, one piece, flywheel  114 , crankpin  123  and shaft  116 . This assembly could be made of wood, plastic, metal and any other man made or natural materials. 
         [0025]    The magnetic pistons  134  are at a fixed distance apart and move as one part connected by the piston rods  130 , bearing guides  120  and bearing guide plates  124  as shown in  FIG. 1 . As the assembly moves back and forth the bearing guides push the main bearing into a 360 degree motion on a fixed path around the centerline of the shaft  116 . The main bearing  122 , crankpin  123 , flywheels  114  and shafts  116  move as one assembly. This assembly converts linear motion from the pistons into a rotary force into the main bearing and assembly. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates a timing diagram of the compressed fluid motor operation for left cylinder  140  according to an embodiment of the present inventions and  FIG. 4  illustrates a timing diagram of the compressed fluid motor operation for the right cylinder  141  according to an embodiment of the present inventions. 
         [0027]    The magnetic piston  134  located in cylinder  140  is at the full retract position. The magnetic strip  132  in cylinder  140  closes the normally open reed switch  150  on cylinder  140 . The reed switch  150  on cylinder  140  sends an electrical signal to the relay to maintain power to the valve  155  on cylinder  140 . The valve  155  on cylinder  140  opens and allows pressure into cylinder  140  to advance the magnetic piston  134  in cylinder  140  forward. The main bearing  122  and crankpin  123  begins to rotate around the centerline of the shaft  116  in  FIG. 2 . The magnetic piston  134  of cylinder  140  advances to a full extend position. The normally closed reed switch  151  deactivates the relay and power to the valve  155  on cylinder  140 . The pressure is removed and the valve  155  on cylinder will exhaust and allow the pressure to escape. The main bearing  122 , crankpin  123 , flywheels  114  and shaft  116  have moving 180 degrees from the start position. The magnetic piston  134  located in cylinder  141  is at the full retract position. The magnetic strip  132  in cylinder  141  closes the normally open reed switch  150  on cylinder  141 . The reed switch  150  on cylinder  141  sends an electrical signal to the relay to maintain power to the valve  155  on cylinder  141 . The valve  155  on cylinder  141  opens and allows pressure into cylinder  141  to advance the magnetic piston  134  in cylinder  141  forward. The main bearing  122  and crankpin  123  begins to rotate around the centerline of the shaft  116  in  FIG. 2 . The magnetic piston  134  of cylinder  141  advances to a full extend position. The normally closed reed switch  151  deactivates the relay and power to the valve  155  on cylinder  141 . The pressure is removed and the valve  155  on cylinder will exhaust. The main bearing  122 , crankpin  123 , flywheels  114  and shaft  116  have moving 360 degrees from the start position. The pressure cycle, start position, begins again for cylinder  140 . 
         [0028]    An electrical power source would be necessary to allow the reed switches  150  and  151 , relays and valves  155  to activate for this design. Advanced designs of this compressed fluid motor may add or remove the electronics or shift the valve  155  through auxiliary fluid lines. 
         [0029]    Other components not mentioned are a storage device for mobile applications. This storage device could be a compressed fluid vessel or tank. It is also possible to produce compressed fluid at the point of use in a mobile or stationary application. A safety lockout device is recommended. This device would halt all pressure to the compressed fluid motor and all components in the circuit. 
         [0030]    The use of the word “motor” is relevant to the understanding and description of this device. The word “motor” implies a device to move objects at a controllable and sustainable rotating motion. A “fluid motor” best describes what the device is and by what means it operates. Similar devices that use vanes or impellers use the word “motor” to describe their device. The comparison of the electric motor vs. the internal combustion engine would support the description of this device to be considered a “motor” as it turns or spins around the shaft  116  but does not consume, by ignition, the power source to induce the rotating motion. 
         [0031]    Pressure for full stroke (advantage over a gasoline type engine): The mechanical advantage of this motor design is by the use of straight line motion into pushing the main bearing  122  into a continuous 360 degree motion. This controlled motion has a distinct advantage over the typical gasoline engine by applying the pressure through the full revolution. A gasoline engine applies pressure to the top of the piston only at the highest point in the cylinder. This compressed fluid motor applies pressure for the full length of the piston travel. This sustained pressure allows this motor to achieve higher torque output then any gasoline engine equal in size and weight. The revolutions per minute (RPM) and torque values are controlled and repeatable for practical work to be performed. Higher torque can be achieved by allowing the compressed air into the cylinder for the full stroke length. Higher rotational speed can be achieved with higher pressures, quick acting valves and switches. 
         [0032]    Recapturing of compressed fluid once passed through the compressed fluid motor would be useful for other features or motors in a secondary system for regeneration. The fluid would pass through the compressed fluid motor and could be returned to a secondary low pressure tank. The advantage would be that it is easier to compress fluid from 100 PSI (7 bar) to 200 PSI (14 bar) then to go from 14.7 PSI (1.03 bar) to 200 PSI (14 bar). The 200 PSI (14 bar) would also be available as a reserve for startup or extra boost to the system. 
         [0033]    The process of storing compressed air and reintroducing compressed fluid from the motor would be relevant for maximum efficiency of an enclosed circuit. The compressed fluid motor could be allowed to continually operate and be driven by a transmission, pulley, belt or other means for the purpose of placing compressed fluid back into the system. Such could be applied to regenerative braking through the use of valves  155  placed in the circuit with an advantage of increased range and usefulness of the compressible fluid motor in mobile applications. 
         [0034]    The use of electronics over mechanical controls for the compressed fluid motor provides flexibility. The converting of linear motion into rotational motion requires is novel and performs well in bench testing. This design is not complex but underutilized as a prime mover. The prototype compressed fluid motor (bench tested without a load) was capable of 750 revolutions per minute (RPM) at 40 PSI (2.8 bar). The bearing and seal  122  were rated for 10,000 RPMs and the cylinders  140  and  141  were rated for 250 PSI (17.5 bar). Limitations for this bench test were the compressor (150 PSI or 10.5 bar maximum) which could be overcome with a 3000 PSI (210 bar) tank and pressure regulator set to 250 PSI (17.5 bar). 
         [0035]    Mechanical valve arrangement: The compressed fluid can be introduced into the cylinders  140  and  141  by means of mechanical controls. A mechanical intake valve would open and allow pressure into the cylinder  140  and  141 , push the piston through full stroke and then close to release the pressure through an exhaust valve. This would be done with a push rod located through the case and timed to the position of the main bearing  122  or flywheels  114 . This assembly would be beneficial for fixed applications that would not require the flexibility that electronics would provide. 
         [0036]    The opening and closing of the valves  155  can be adjusted to achieve and maintain the ideal operation and requirements of the compressed fluid motor. The valve  155  timing would be preset for maximum speed and/or maximum torque for desired operation. 
         [0037]    Further developments of this fluid motor would be to add or remove electrical components for desired fluid motor operation. Electrical controls could be replaced or supplement with air controlled valves, mechanical valves or any other means to pressurized or exhaust the cylinders. 
         [0038]    Conclusions and further advantages. These cycles are completed in rapid succession and will create useful work similar to that of a combustion engine or an electric motor. The compressed fluid motor will has the torque characteristics of an electric motor with pressure developed through the entire cycle and movement of the shaft. Maintaining pressure into the cylinders will allow for more torque and revolutions per minute. The power derived from this compressed fluid motor will produce more power than any combustion engine of equivalent cylinder volume. This compressed fluid motor could be useful for mobile or stationary applications as an alternative to an electric motor and/or internal combustion engine. The present invention provides a compressed fluid motor with power generation of a low weight to power ratio in favor of the mechanical advantage of converting linear motion into rotational motion. 
         [0039]    Although the inventions have been described and illustrated in the above description and drawings, it is understood that this description is by example only, and that numerous changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the inventions. Although the examples in the drawings depict only example constructions and embodiments, alternate embodiments are available given the teachings of the present patent disclosure. For example, although examples for compressed fluid are disclosed, the inventions are also applicable to suction or vacuum of fluids instead of compression of fluids.

Technology Category: f