WO2015193906A1

WO2015193906A1 - "highly fuel efficient vehicle having a power transmission system"

Info

Publication number: WO2015193906A1
Application number: PCT/IN2014/000517
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pobi PARTHA
Original assignee: Sibnath Maity
Priority date: 2014-06-19
Filing date: 2014-08-07
Publication date: 2015-12-23

Abstract

This invention relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle having a power transmission system and in particular, this invention relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle with a combination of a pair of engines which is being operated separately in synchronization either individually or collectively as and when required with judicious power transmission system. More particularly, this present invention relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle which can be operated by two numbers of low powered engines or by one low powered engine based on output load required. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle which has the beneficial effects of simple structure and the economic benefit is greatly improved, so that the eco-friendly car has the advantages of high efficiency, fuel saving, environmental friendliness and economy.

Description

Field of the Invention

Background of the invention and the related Prior Art

Being able to operate an eight cylinder engine on four cylinders, or a four cylinder engine on two cylinders under moderate load conditions, it has heretofore been proposed to provide means for cutting off the supply of load condition in order that the remaining cylinders may work at full load. Under such conditions, the "inactive" pistons are continually "floating" in the system.

Additionally, inasmuch as some of the benefits to be gained by four cylinder operation have been lost due to the. fact that some work is being continuously performed in pumping air in the unloaded cylinders of the engine, valve control mechanisms have been suggested for controlling the operation or non-operation of the valves for preselected cylinders of an engine of the over head valve type.

The document GB 1421 172 illustrates the use of a first and second crankshaft and associated pistons, with clutch means for drivingly engaging and synchronizing crankshafts, but limited to an improvement in starting only, without regard to means for disengaging under load.

The patent document US4512301 states that an internal combustion engine provided with a plurality of independent engine units in which one or more engine units are selectively used in accordance with driving conditions of a vehicle driven by the engine. The other document DE3152650 discloses a plurality of internal combustion engines are installed independently of one another, at least one internal combustion engine is constantly connected to an output shaft as a main power source, the other internal combustion engine is connected through a clutch to the output shaft as an auxiliary power source, and the starting timing of the auxiliary power source is set before the engagement of the clutch by a controlling means which detects the state of acceleration of the main power source when the auxiliary power source cooperates with the main power source in response to the load state.

According to the document 5343970, an improved hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Both the motor and the engine provide torque to drive the vehicle directly through a controllable torque transfer unit. Typically at low speeds or in traffic, the electric motor alone drives the vehicle, using power stored in batteries; under acceleration and during hill climbing both the engine and the motor provide torque to drive the vehicle; and in steady state highway cruising, the internal combustion engine alone drives the vehicle. The internal combustion engine is sized to operate at or near its maximum fuel efficiency during highway cruising. The motor is operable as a generator to charge the batteries as needed operates at significantly lower currents and higher voltages than conventionally and has a rated power at least equal to that of the internal combustion engine. In this manner a cost efficient vehicle is provided, suffering no performance disadvantage compared to conventional vehicles.

The document US4439989 describes an internal combustion engine comprising a primary engine unit and an auxiliary engine unit, in which a clutch of the auxiliary engine unit is engaged at a proper phase difference between both engine units. In this invention internal combustion engine provided with a plurality of power units, wherein two power unit are housed within a single internal combustion engines for better performance of engine. In general primary unit supplies the power when the load is low. For higher load the auxiliary unit starts at a particular phase difference. The drawbacks of this invention is that this internal combustion engine has two separate transmission system within engine having an additional clutch system before flywheel. When the engine is used on a vehicle it will require another clutch system between flywheel of engine and gearbox of vehicle. It makes the entire system very complicated and cumbersome.

According to the invention US7410021 , an automotive vehicle having improved fuel economy is equipped with a drive system having a primary smaller size and better fuel economy than the primary engine. The primary engine is adapted to take the vehicle to its cruising speed, at which point the auxiliary engine is activated and interacts by way of an automatic clutch system to power the vehicle while the primary engine is disconnected from the drive system and throttled down.

A system wherein two or more engine units are each coupled to a transmission through an electromagnetic power clutch. The system includes means for operating the engines at a proper phase difference of, preferably, 180 degrees to prevent unwanted vibrations. This system is complex and is not readily adaptable for use in automotive vehicles, particularly for the particular purpose of improving fuel efficiency which has been stated in document of patent application US 4439989. The document US4392393 states to obtain for a vehicle equipped with a pair of driving engines and a torque converter having a capacity sufficient to absorb the combined peak torque of the engines at combined peak torque speed, a dual engine drive including a planetary gear set operative to provide direct drive between the engines and the torque converter when both engines are operating and to provide gear reduction between the engines and the torque converter when only one engine is operating. The gear ratio of the planetary set is the input torque to the torque converter so that the output of the one remaining engine is more efficiently matched to the torque converter. The invention stated in US6179078 discloses the invention which relates to discloses a fuel-efficient and inexpensive automobile having two engines, each coupled to a drive wheel by way of a continuously variable ratio torque converter. Both engines are used for acceleration or hill-climbing, then either engine is used for economical cruising. One disadvantage of this system is the limited power capacity and speed range of current continuously variable ratio torque converters, especially when used for acceleration and hill-climbing.

The other document US4588040 provide a triple hybrid power system for driving a motor vehicle utilizing an internal combustion engine to drive an electric generator to charge a bank of batteries that provide electrical energy to drive an electric motor/generator that supplies power to a planetary gear set from which power is directed through a variable drive transmission to drive the wheels of the vehicle, a flywheel is used to apply periodic power through the planetary gear set to provide added power for acceleration, with a speed regulator disposed between the flywheel and the planetary gear set to maintain a substantially constant input speed that facilitates operation of the operable to apply regenerative braking energy back through the planetary gear set to recharge the flywheel and, through to motor/generator, to recharge the batteries. When the vehicle is operating at a constant speed on level ground, the internal combustion engine can be applied directly to power the vehicle at optimum efficiency with the motor/generator and flywheel disengaged.

The other document 173/DEL/2008 describes twin engine fuel efficient car which is propelled on the highways by small capacity engine mounted at the rear of the car and synchronized with rear wheel and accelerator paddle and the main front engine is switched off on the highways.

None of these above patents, however alone or in combination, disclose the present invention. The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention. Summary of the invention This invention relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle having a power transmission system and in particular, this invention relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle with a combination of a pair of engines which is being operated separately in synchronization either individually or collectively as and when required with judicious power transmission system. More particularly, this present invention relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle which can be operated by two numbers of low powered engines or by one low powered engine based on output load required. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a highly fuel efficient vehicle which has the beneficial effects of simple structure and the economic benefit is greatly improved, so that the eco-friendly car has the advantages of high efficiency, fuel saving, environmental friendliness and economy.

Detailed description of the invention with accompanying drawings

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. The drawing is in one sheet.

There is a need to develop a vehicle with two different engines, which can be operated individually or in combination through single set of control levers by one person through simple power transmission system.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a highly fuel efficient vehicle having a power transmission system.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a highly fuel efficient vehicle with a combination of a pair of engines which is being operated separately in synchronization either individually or collectively as and when required with judicious power transmission system by freewheel mechanism.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a highly fuel efficient vehicle which can be operated by two numbers of low powered engines or by one low powered engine based on output load required.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a highly fuel efficient vehicle which has power transmission system through single clutch and differential system. The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a highly fuel efficient vehicle which has the beneficial effects of simple structure and the economic benefit is greatly improved, so that the eco-friendly car has the advantages of high efficiency, fuel saving, environmental friendliness and economy.

The other embodiment of the invention is to a highly fuel efficient vehicle wherein inspite of the two engines, the control of the vehicle is through one set of control levers and can be operated by one driver as in a normal car.

The other embodiment of the invention is to a highly fuel efficient vehicle which has the beneficial effects of having safety and reliability.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide an electricity generating device that has the advantages of simple structure and the like and time-saving.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematic diagrams of the power transmission system of the highly fuel efficient vehicle of the present invention;

There are also following features in the highly fuel efficient vehicle having a power transmission system of the instant invention.

1- Internal Combustion Engines;

2- Internal Combustion Engines;

3- chains;

4- chains;

5- free wheeled sprockets;

6- free wheeled sprockets;

7- pinion;

8- input shaft;

9- four stage gear box;

10 -differential gear box;

1 1 - rear axles;

12 - rear axles;

13 -rear wheels; 15 - front wheels;

16- front wheels;

17- dash board;

18-Front portion of the chassis;

19- self starters;

20- self starters;

21 -front axle;

22-steering mechanism;

23-steering;

24- light weight sheet metal body;

25- single set of foot pedals of accelerator;

26- Brake;

27- Clutch;

28 -Gear lever;

29- fuel tank;

30- &31 - fixed; sprockets;

The highly fuel efficient vehicle having a power transmission system which comprises a pair of engines being operated separately in synchronization either individually or collectively as and when required with judicious power transmission system which comprises engines (1 and 2), main chassis (18) and diesel or CNG. In all cases the fuel can be stored in fuel tank (29) and can be supplied to both engines (1&2). The Figure 1 illustrates the entire transmission system of the highly fuel efficient vehicle. Two separate gasoline Internal Combustion Engines (1 & 2) are mounted. on main chassis (18) of the car. From engines power is transmitted to input shaft (8) of clutch cum gear box assembly (9) through fixed sprockets (30&31), chains (3&4) and free wheeled sprockets (5& 6). From gear Box (9) power is transmitted to rear wheels (13 & 14) through pinion (7), differential gear box (10), and the rear axles (1 1 & 12) respectively. Engines are operated by self starters (19&20) switches, which are mounted upon the dash board (17). Front portion of the chassis (18) is being supported by front axle (21) and front wheels (15 &16). The entire vehicle is entirely covered by light weight sheet metal body (24). The vehicle direction is controlled by steering (23) through the connecting rod & steering mechanism (22). The movement of vehicle can be controlled by single set of foot pedals of accelerator (25), Brake (26) and Clutch (27). Gear lever (28) is operated by hand for changing the gears during speed changes. The fuel tank (29) stores the necessary fuel and supplies it to both the engines. The engines (1 &2) can supply power individually or together to the rear wheels (13 &14) through fixed sprockets (30&31), chains (3&4), (7), differential gear box (10), and the rear axles (1 1 & 12) respectively, the fuel is supplied to engines (1 &2) from a single fuel tank (29). The front wheels (15&16) are steered with the help of steering mechanism (22) and steering (23). The movement of vehicle can be controlled by single set of foot pedals of accelerator (25), Brake (26) and Clutch (27). The gear lever (28) is operated by hand for changing the gears during speed changes.

During trial at laboratory, one prototype of chassis was fabricated, suitable for four wheeled light weight passenger vehicle, capable to carry the load of maximum four persons. Two numbers of 7 HP petrol engines were fitted on the chassis and the judicious transmission system was made with pair of chain- freewheeled sprocket, one set of clutch cum four stage gear box assembly, one set of differential and two numbers of rear axles, which can transmit power to both the rear wheels.

Front wheels were mounted on front axles, which can be steered with the help of a steering system. One petrol tank was fitted to supply petrol to both the engines. Suitable link arrangement was made to accelerate both the engine by single foot operated accelerator pedal. Two different self start switches were mounted on the dashboard to start and stop the engines individually. One set of drivers foot. The entire vehicle was suitably covered with sheet metal.

In the beginning one of the engines was started and could run with one driver and one passenger at an average speed of 60 Km hour for a range of 25 Km on highway and it consumed approximate half a liter of petrol. In the second trial the vehicle was loaded with one driver and three passengers. The vehicle could move smoothly, when both the engines were in operation. When the vehicle reached a speed of 50 Km/hr on highway, one of the engines was switched off. It was found that the vehicle was running in constant speed and after moving a distance of 20 Km, it consumed half a liter of petrol. Hence we found that with the present invention, we could achieve a mileage of 40 Km for a four seater car. It shows that present invention could provide a petrol car with higher mileage than normal car available in market, which can provide upto 25 Km/ liter. During the entire trial driver could operate the entire vehicle comfortably with single set of accelerator, brake, clutch pedals and one gear lever.

Advantages:

There are so many advantages of the highly fuel efficient vehicle having a power transmission system of the present invention;

1. The highly fuel efficient vehicle utilizes low power single engine when load on vehicle is lower and whenever requires for higher load, engines.

2. The highly fuel efficient vehicle leads to optimum power input based on load, i.e. higher mileage.

3. Power transmission components are very simple and has single clutch, single differential and free wheel mechanism for synchronizing both engines.

4. The shape and size of car and power of engines may be changed as per requirement.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention, that others may, by applying current of future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The rather than restrictive sense. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art

Claims

1) An highly fuel efficient vehicle which comprises:

i) engines (1 and 2),

ii) main chassis (18) and

iii) sheet metal body (24)

Characterized in that combination of a pair of engines being operated separately in synchronization either individually or collectively as and when required with judicious power transmission system.

2) The highly fuel efficient vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the synchronized drive of both the engine will occur through free wheel mechanism.

3) The highly fuel efficient vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein both the engines (1 & 2) can be controlled by single set levers of accelerator (25), brake (26), clutch (27) and gear (28)

4) The power transmission system of the highly fuel efficient vehicle which comprises; - a couple of engines (1 & 2) having fixed over a chassis (18) being connected by chains (3 & 4) with a common Gear Box (9) through a respectively;

- the said Gear Box (9) transferring power through pinion (7) to a differential gear box ( 10) from where the same power being transmitted to the axles (1 1 & 12) being connected to the rear wheels (13 & 14) respectively,

- the engines (1 & 2) being connected with the self starters (19&20) switches having fixed upon the dash board (17) which in term being installed over the chassis (18) which finally being uphold by the front axels (21) and rear axles (1 1 & 12) being rested upon front wheels (15 & 16) and rear wheels (13 & 14);

- the said front wheels (15 & 16) being connected with a steering (23) through the connecting rod & steering mechanism (22), the said chassis (18) being surrounded by a suitable light structure i.e. car body (24).

5) The power transmission system of the highly fuel efficient vehicle as claimed in claim 3 wherein both the engines (1 & 2) can be controlled by single set levers of accelerator (25), brake (26), clutch (27) and gear (28).

6) The power transmission system of the highly fuel efficient vehicle as claimed in claim 3 wherein power of both the engines (1 and 2) can be fixed sprockets (30&31), chains (3 &4) and free wheeled sprockets (5&6).

7) The power transmission system of the highly fuel efficient vehicle as claimed in claim 3 wherein free wheeled sprockets (5&6) synchronize the power transmission from both engines or from any one of the engines.

8) The power transmission system of the highly fuel efficient vehicle as claimed in claim 3 wherein power transmission components has been judiciously arranged with free wheeled sprockets (5&6), fixed sprockets (30&31) and chains (3&4), such that power transmission from both engines together or individually are possible by single set of clutch cum gearbox and differential.

9) The method of transmission of power by using the electricity generation device which comprises;

- a couple of engines (1 & 2) having fixed over a chassis (18) being connected by chains (3 & 4) with a common Gear Box (9) through a couple of fixed sprockets (30&31) and free wheeled Sprockets (5 & 6) respectively;

- the said Gear Box (9) transferring power through pinion (7) to a differential gear box (10) from where the same power being transmitted to respectively,

- the engines (1 & 2) being connected with the self starters (19&20) switches having fixed upon the dash board (17) which in term being installed over the chassis (18) which finally being uphold by the front axels

(21) and rear axles (1 1 & 12) being rested upon front wheels (15 & 16) and rear wheels (13 & 14);

- the said front wheels (15 & 16) being connected with a steering (23) through the connecting rod & steering mechanism (22), the said chassis ( 18) being surrounded by a suitable light structure i.e. car body (24).

10) The method of transmission of power by using the electricity generation device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the synchronized drive of both the engine occurs through free wheel mechanism.

Dated this 19 th day of June 2014