CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/094,973 filed December 21, 2014, the content of which being incorporated herewith by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to engines, and more particularly, to an engine in which the motive force is electro-magnetism. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] "Magnetic piston engine" works on the principle of magnetism. It can be used to perform various tasks and functions that involve application of force or displacement of objects. The engine and related method provides an environmental friendly, very high efficiency engine that can complement or replace any engines that use fossil fuel or other energy sources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to a first embodiment, the invention is directed to a magnetic piston assembly comprising: a longitudinal cavity defined within a non-magnetic isolating material; a magnetic activator operatively connected at one end of the longitudinal cavity, the magnetic activator being adapted to provide a magnetic force; a first piston comprising a magnetic material and being adapted to linearly move within the longitudinal cavity, the first piston being adapted to be operatively connected to a crankshaft adjacent to another end of the cavity, the crankshaft being adapted for transferring the linear movement of the first piston to a rotational movement of a shaft; and a second piston comprising a magnetic material and being operatively connected to the magnetic activator, the second piston facing the first piston to linearly move within and along the longitudinal cavity; whereby, in use, the magnetic force created by the magnetic activator allows the second piston to move within the cavity, then transferring the movement to the first piston thanks to opposite magnetic forces between the two pistons, and finally to the crankshaft, the force between the second piston and the activator increasing as the distance between them decreases.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic activator is connected to a power source for providing the magnetic force. Preferably, the magnetic activator is a solenoid powered by an electric current provided by the power source.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic piston assembly may further comprise a timing mechanism operatively connecting the crankshaft and the magnetic activator for synchronizing the movement between the crankshaft and the magnetic activator. Preferably, the timing mechanism may comprise: a fly wheel pivotally mounted to the crankshaft; a second wheel substantially immobile with regards to the fly wheel; a plurality of sensors attached either to the fly wheel or the second wheel, each sensor being electrically linked to the magnetic activator; and a connector attached either to the fly wheel when the sensors are on the second wheel or to the second wheel when the sensors are on the fly wheel, the connector being electrically linked to the magnetic activator wherein when one of the sensors contacts the connector, such contact closes an electric circuit thereby triggering the activator.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector can be made of a conducting material inserted in the fly wheel or the second wheel, and can comprise a spring to ensure an electric contact between the connector and the sensors. [0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic piston assembly may further comprise a second timing mechanism also connecting the crankshaft and the magnetic activator in a reverse mode than the first timing mechanism, the magnetic activator being activated by the second timing mechanism thereby closing another electric circuit when the first electric circuit is open.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment, the magnetic activator of the magnetic piston assembly disclosed herein may be a magnet for providing the magnetic force.

[0010] According to a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a magnetic piston assembly comprising: a longitudinal cavity defined within a non-magnetic isolating material; a first piston comprising a magnetic material and being adapted to linearly move within the longitudinal cavity, the first piston being adapted to be operatively connected to a crankshaft adjacent to a first end of the cavity, the first crankshaft being adapted for transferring the linear movement of the first piston to a rotational movement of a first sprocket wheel having a direction locking mechanism; and a second piston comprising a magnetic material and being adapted to linearly move within the longitudinal cavity, the second piston being adapted to be operatively connected to a second crankshaft adjacent to a second end of the cavity, the second crankshaft being connected to a second sprocket wheel, and adapted for transferring the rotational movement of the second sprocket wheel to a longitudinal movement of the second piston; the first sprocket wheel having a diameter larger than a diameter of the second sprocket wheel; a belt for operatively connecting the first and second sprocket wheels; wherein as the first piston is moved to a single direction blocked by the direction locking mechanism, the second piston is pushed away from the first piston thus inducing movement on the second sprocket wheel, and as a rotation speed of the second sprocket wheel is higher than a rotation speed of the first sprocket wheel, the piston gains more kinetic energy than the first piston and continues its rotation in the same direction. [0011] The invention is also directed to a magnetic engine comprising at least one magnetic piston assembly as defined herein. Preferably, the engine may comprise two to eight magnetic piston assemblies as defined herein. It is to be understood that the invention cannot be limited to a specific number of piston assemblies within the engine. [0012] The magnetic engine may comprises a main body, a plurality of pistons arranged in pairs, preferably 2 to 8 pairs, more preferably 6 pairs, at least two shafts, wherein the two shafts comprise a free rotating shaft, which rotates in any direction, and a single rotation direction shaft. The magnetic engine further comprises the timing mechanism as defined herein. [0013] A timing mechanism may comprise a belt and two sprocket wheels and having different diameters. The sprocket is attached to the single rotation direction shaft has a superior diameter as the sprocket attached to the free rotating shaft. The smaller diameter sprocket wheel allows the shaft to rotate at a higher rotation speed than the single rotation shaft. A direction locking mechanism, similar to a ratchet mechanism, allows the single rotation shaft to block the rotation to a single direction.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic engine able to generate mechanical energy from minimal initial input of energy while allowing the conversion of electrical energy from the use of the repulsive force of electromagnets.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, the magnetic engine comprises a main body, a plurality of pistons, at least one shaft operatively connecting the pistons as to obtain, upon rotation of the shaft, a sequential piston height for each of the pistons.

[0016] The invention is further directed to a magnetic piston assembly comprising: a cavity, preferably longitudinal, defined within a non-magnetic isolating material having a first and second end; a activator comprising a first piston comprising a first magnetic material, the activator being operatively connected at the first end of the cavity, the activator being adapted to push the piston along the cavity when triggered away from the activator; a second piston comprising a second magnetic material and being adapted to move along the cavity, the first piston being adapted to be operatively connected to a crankshaft adjacent to the second end of the cavity, the crankshaft being adapted for transferring the linear movement of the first piston to a rotational movement of a shaft; and whereby the first magnetic material has the same polarity as the second magnetic material, the repulsion force created by the proximity of the first and second magnetic material allows the second piston to move away from the first piston within the cavity, the movement to the second piston to move the crankshaft, the repulsion force between the first and second pistons increasing as the distance between them decreases.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment the activator is triggered when receiving an electric current from a power source. The power source is preferably a battery, or a magneto.

[0018] Still according to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic piston assembly further comprises a timing mechanism configured to provide electric current at predetermined frequencies to sequentially trigger at least one activator. The timing mechanism comprises: a first wheel pivotally mounted to a shaft; a second wheel substantially immobile with regards to the first wheel; a plurality of connectors attached to the second wheel, each connector being electrically linked to at least one activator; and a connection mean adapted to establish a connection between the activator and the power source upon the connectors being adjacent to the connection mean. [0019] Still according to a preferred embodiment, the connection mean is made of a conducting material, is inserted in the first wheel and comprises a retaining mean to ensure an electric contact between the connector and the connectors. The retaining mean further comprises a spring and a pin inserted in the connection mean to hold tension in the spring.

[0020] In accordance with another embodiment, the magnetic piston may further comprise a second timing mechanism also connecting the crankshaft and the activator in a reverse mode than the first timing mechanism, the activator being activated by the second timing mechanism thereby closing another electric circuit when the first electric circuit is open. [0021] According to this other embodiment, the activator is configured to pull the piston upon being triggered by the second timing mechanism.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic material is a magnet mounted at a free extremity of the first piston, and the second magnetic material is a magnet mounted at a free extremity of the second piston.

[0023] Still according to a preferred embodiment, the first wheel is electrically powered by the power source and comprises a bearing mean for pivoting around the axis and the bearing mean is electrically powered by the power source.

[0024] The invention is further directed to a magnetic engine comprising at least one magnetic piston assembly as defined herein above, preferably two to eight.

[0025] The invention is yet further directed to a magnetic piston assembly comprising: a cavity, preferably longitudinal, defined within a non-magnetic isolating material; a first piston comprising a magnetic material and being adapted to linearly move within the cavity, the first piston being adapted to be operatively connected to a crankshaft adj acent to a first end of the cavity, the first crankshaft being adapted for transferring the linear movement of the first piston to a rotational movement of a first sprocket wheel having a direction locking mechanism; and a second piston comprising a magnetic material and being adapted to linearly move within the cavity, the second piston being adapted to be operatively connected to a second crankshaft adjacent to a second end of the cavity, the second crankshaft being connected to a second sprocket wheel, and adapted to transfer the rotational movement of the second sprocket wheel to a longitudinal movement of the second piston; the first sprocket wheel having a diameter larger than a diameter of the second sprocket wheel; a mean for operatively connecting the first and second sprocket wheels, preferably a belt; wherein as the first piston is moved to a single direction blocked by the direction locking mechanism, the second piston is pushed away from the first piston thus inducing movement on the second sprocket wheel, and as a rotation speed of the second sprocket wheel is higher than a rotation speed of the first sprocket wheel, the piston gains more kinetic energy than the first piston and continues its rotation in the same direction.

[0026] The invention is also directed to a method for creating a rotational movement of a crankshaft using magnetic forces, the method comprising the steps of: a) applying a force to a second piston comprising a magnetic material for linearly moving the second piston within a cavity, preferably longitudinal, defined within a non-magnetic isolating material; b) transferring the movement of the second piston to a first piston, said first piston comprising a magnetic material and being adapted to linearly move within the cavity, the movement being transferred thanks to opposite magnetic forces between the two pistons, and c) transferring the linear movement of the first piston to a rotational movement of the crankshaft.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the force applied on the second piston is created by an activator adapted to push the second piston along the cavity when electrically triggered.

[0028] Still according to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises synchronising the triggering of the activator to optimize the minimal distance between the first and second piston in order to maximize the reverse movement of the second piston.

[0029] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: [0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic engine in accordance with the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the opposite side of a magnetic engine in accordance with the present invention. [0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a close-up of the opposite side of a magnetic engine in accordance with the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram of a pair of pistons being in extended position in accordance with the present invention. [0035] Figure 5 is a diagram of a pair of pistons moving outwardly in accordance with the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a magnetic piston engine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the interactions between two pistons of the magnetic piston engine of Figure 6 during operation.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a portion of the magnetic piston engine of Figure 6.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the magnetic piston engine of Figure 6.

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a magnetic piston engine according to a third embodiment of the invention. [0041] Figure 11 is a schematic view of a timing mechanism of the magnetic piston engine according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the timing mechanism of the magnetic piston engine according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Figure 13 is a schematic view of the connector according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 14 is another schematic view of a magnetic piston engine according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] A novel magnetic piston engine will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby. [0046] Referring to Figure 1, a magnetic engine 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The magnetic engine 100 comprises a main body 103, a plurality of pistons 101 arranged in pairs, preferably 6 pairs, at least two shafts, wherein the two shafts comprise a free rotating shaft 107, which rotates in any direction 107, and a single rotation direction shaft 108. The magnetic engine 100 further comprises a timing mechanism 102. One skilled in the art may note that other embodiment of the present invention may be configured for the magnetic engine to comprise a different numbers of pairs of pistons.

[0047] The main body 103 comprises a plurality of cavities 104, each cavities 104 allows a piston 101 to move in and out. Each piston system 101 is attached to the main body 103 with a crankshaft or similar mechanism 105 is aligned and allows the translation of reciprocating linear piston motion into rotation.

[0048] A timing mechanism 102 comprises a belt 112 and two sprocket wheels 109 and 110 having a different diameter. The sprocket 109 is attached to the single rotation direction shaft 108 has a superior diameter as the sprocket 110 attached to the free rotating shaft 108. The smaller diameter sprocket wheel 108 allows the shaft 108 to rotate at a higher rotation speed than the single rotation shaft 108. A direction locking mechanism 111, similar to a ratchet mechanism, allows the single rotation shaft 108 to block the rotation to a single direction.

[0049] Now referring to Figures 4, a pair of pistons 401 and 402 is shown in the extended position, thus being at a position where the distance between each other 403 is minimal. Each piston system 400 comprises a piston 401, a connecting rod 404 and an aperture 405 to insert a rotating mechanism, such as a bearing. Each piston 401 and 402 is made of a magnetic material having identical charges, either negative or positive, and is shaped to fit into a cavity 104. Each piston 401 and 402 of a pair of pistons is configured to move toward each other. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the pair of pistons 403, when in extended position, is predetermined, preferably ranging from 20 to 40 thousandth of an inch. In the extended position, the magnetic force repels each piston 401 and 402 from the other. As a first piston 401 is blocked to a single direction by the direction locking mechanism 111, the second piston 402 is pushed in the other direction, thus inducing movement on the shaft 107 through the crankshaft of the piston system 101. As the rotation speed of the free rotating shaft 108 is higher than the single rotation shaft 107, the piston 402 gains more kinetic energy than its counterpart 401 and continues its rotation in the same direction. Also, the energy provided by the other pistons (not shown) further provides kinetic energy to the piston 402 to ensure that the crankshaft continue to rotate in the same direction.

[0050] Now referring to Figure 5, the pistons 401 and 402 are repelled from each other as the stroke of each piston 401 and 402 continue in opposite directions. [0051] Now referring to Figures 6-9, a second embodiment of magnetic piston engine is disclosed. According to this second embodiment, the magnetic piston engine further uses electrical energy to promote increased energy output. As such, the magnetic piston engine may, according to some embodiments, function using the increased repulsive force of electromagnetic pistons. The magnetic engine 500 comprises a main body 503, a plurality of pistons 501 arranged in pairs, preferably 6 pairs, at least one shaft, wherein the shaft being a single rotation direction shaft 508. The magnetic engine 500 further comprises a timing mechanism 502. One skilled in the art may note that other embodiment of the present invention may be configured for the magnetic engine to comprise a different numbers of pairs of pistons. [0052] Still referring to Figs. 6-9, according to an embodiment, the main body 503 comprises a plurality of cavities 104, each cavity 504 allows a piston 501 to move in and out. At least one piston of each pair of the piston system 501 is attached to the main body 503 with a crankshaft or similar mechanism 505 aligned and allows the translation of reciprocating linear piston motion into rotation. [0053] Of the pair of pistons, the upper series are generally connected to a uniting shaft wherein all of the upper pistons are disposed at sequential distances to effect a magnetic chain reaction thus rotating the shaft using the repulsive force of each magnetic piston. The lower series of piston are preferably connected to activators 605. The activators 605 are typically alternatively triggered using electric current. However, in other embodiments, the activators 605 could be triggered by any type of activation mechanism such a mechanical means. An activator 605 is typically made of a solenoid and typically comprises a member to which is attached a magnetic piston 601 or 602. Upon triggering, the member is pushed upwardly up to the length of the member 606.

[0054] The activation directs the lower pistons to pair with the upper one in a sequential matter. As such, upon having an upper piston lowering in the cavity, a lower piston will respectively raise in a timely manner to obtain a predetermined distance optimizing the repulsive effect of the identical pole electromagnetic forces.

[0055] Now referring to Figure 7, a pair of pistons 601 and 602 is shown in the extended position, thus being at a position where the distance between each other 603 is minimal. Each piston system 600 comprises a piston 601, a connecting rod 604 and an aperture 605 to insert a rotating mechanism, such as a bearing. Each piston 601 and 602 is made of a magnetic material having identical charges, either negative or positive, and is shaped to fit into a cavity 604. Each piston 601 and 602 of a pair of pistons is configured to move toward each other without touching with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the pair of pistons 603, when in extended position, is predetermined, preferably ranging from 20 to 40 thousandth of an inch. In the extended position, the magnetic force repels each piston 601 and 602 from the other.

[0056] As a first piston 601 (i.e. the upper one) is moving downwardly in the cavity and is reaching is downmost position, the activator 605 is punctually triggered to upwardly push the second piston 602 upwardly. Both pistons 601 and 602 being of the same magnetic polarity, a repulsion area is created between both magnets. Upon creation of the repulsion area, the first piston 601 is pushed upwardly, thus generating power. The second piston 602 is pushed downwardly into the activator 605 wherein the energy generated from the repulsion may be accumulated to be further used upon further activation of one of the electromagnetic piston. The first piston 601 going back up and lock in a single direction will by going back up inducing movement on the shaft 507 through the crankshaft of the piston system 501. Also, the energy provided by the other pistons in series (not shown) further provides kinetic energy to the piston 602 to ensure that the crankshaft continue to rotate in the same direction.

[0057] Still referring to Figs. 6-9, according to another embodiment, the magnetic piston engine may further comprises an alternator 510 and a controller or distributor having sensors 512 radially spread apart to provide a sequence of electrical signals triggering the activators 605.

[0058] In such an embodiment, the magnetic piston engine must comprise a reader or sensor 512 capable of generating an electric current or signal each time a sensor 512 located on the distributor passes in front of the reader. The disposition of the sensors 512 on the wheel will indicate the timing for each of the piston. As such, the wheel configuration will vary as a result of the number of piston pairs. Consequently, for the embodiment illustrated in figure 6, the wheel will typically comprise 4 sensors 512 that will trigger the opposite sensor 514 located on the engine upon contact with one of the 4 sensors 512 each associated with one of the electromagnetic piston. The sensors 512 will be radially positioned to take into account the required time for the activation and movement of the lower piston to have the upper piston and lower piston within the required optimal repulsive distance in a timely manner. Understandably, the piston sensors 512 could either be on the engine or on the wheel provided the corresponding sensor 514 is located on the opposite surface as to enable contact upon a predetermined piston height. [0059] The activator 605 will generally be activated using electric energy from a battery. However, one may envision that any suitable energy means for such activation could be used for triggering the lower pistons. For instance, in another embodiment an ignition magnet (not shown) could be coupled to the present invention in order to provide current without requiring external energy source, thus increasing the energy efficiency of an engine in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0060] In another embodiment, the alternator 510 could mounted on the shaft and be connected to an electrical circuit, thus producing an electrical current which could be use to produce the sequence of electrical signals while the engine is running or operating, thus reducing the need for an external power source such as a battery 509. As one skilled in the art would understand, any other mean for generating an electric current, such as a magneto, a solar panel, a wind turbine, could be used.

[0061] In some embodiment, the magnetic piston engine could be configured to power an electric generator which would power a building or would charge battery powered electric devices, such as mobile phones, car batteries, mobile devices, etc. [0062] Now referring to Figures 10-13, another embodiment of a magnetic engine is shown. In such embodiment, the engine comprises a different timing mechanism 502. The timing mechanism 502 comprises a first wheel 520 which pivots around an axis, typically the shaft 508 of the pistons and a second wheel 522 mounted in parallel to the first wheel 520. The second wheel is typically fixed at one end of the shaft 508 and shall not rotate in relation to the first wheel 502. The second wheel comprises a plurality of sensors, or connectors 524, such as conductive metal plates. The axle on which both the second wheel 522 and the first wheel 520 are mounted are preferably coincident and the second wheel 522 is preferably immobile with regards to the first wheel 520. In a preferred embodiment, the first wheel 520 is alimented by the electrical power source 509 and comprises a connection mean 526 for establishing an electrical connection 526 between the electrical power source 509 and at least one connector 524. The first wheel 520 may also act as a fly-wheel for enabling a smooth movement of the shaft. The connection means 526 preferably comprises a bearing or wheel at its extremity to ensure the contact with the connectors 524 and minimizing friction between the connection means 526, the connectors 524, and the wheel 522. Accordingly, the bearing or wheel is made of conducting material. [0063] Now referring to Figure 13, the connexion system comprises the connector 526 and the sensors 524. To ensure that an electric current passes between the connector and the sensor, a spring 530 is located between the fly wheel 520 and one extremity of the connector to pushes the latter toward the sensors 524.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, when the engine is in operation, the first wheel 520 and the connection mean 526 rotates about the shaft 508. Each time the connection mean 526 makes contact with one of the connectors 524 thus closing an electric circuit 528 between the power source 509 at least one of the activators 605. On reception of the electric current, the at least one activator 605 is triggered. The location or distribution of the sensors 524 on the first wheel 520 is so that the triggering of each of the activators 605 happens at the optimal time to maximize the force of repulsion between pistons 601 and 602 as to extract the more power from the engine.

[0065] Now referring to Figure 14, an embodiment of a magnetic piston engine comprising two timing mechanisms 502 preferably located at each extremity of the shaft 508 is shown. In such an embodiment, the second timing mechanism may be configured to provide an electrical current or signal being to some or half of the activators. In such configuration, a second wheel 522 on a first timing mechanism comprises sensors or connectors being connected to at least one activator while a second wheel 522 of the second timing mechanism comprises sensors connected to the other activators. Typically, in a preferred embodiment, the sensors of both wheels 522 shall be configured to provide triggering signals having frequencies being offset by about 180 degrees or by about half a signal. Such configuration may have the desirable benefit of balancing the engine by reducing vibration or minimizing inertial forces on each side of the engine.

[0066] In another embodiment having two timing mechanisms, the activators are dual action actuators/activators configured to be used to push the pistons and to pull the piston. In such embodiment, the activators 605 are adapted to retract the pistons 602 within or toward the activator 605 to optimize the cycle of revolution of the engine. Typically, a piston 602 is retracted back in the actuator by the repulsion force created by movement of the other piston 601 toward the piston 602. To minimize movement resistance, the dual action activator is triggered to retract or pull the piston 602 within or toward the said dual action activator. Typically, the dual action activator shall be triggered using a second timing mechanism having a frequency being offset from the first timing mechanism 502 in order to retract the piston 602 before the movement of the piston 602 creates a repulsion force, thus optimizing the energy required to move the piston 602.

[0067] The second timing mechanism is therefore used to coordinate the triggering of the activators and the polarity of the electric circuit is reversed to attract instead of pushing the pistons 602. In such an embodiment, the second timing mechanism may use the same principle as the first timing mechanism. However, the sensors 524 of the second timing mechanism must be spaced on the first wheel 520 to allow the retraction of the actuator to happen a moment when the pushing of the actuator is not happening. [0068] In another embodiment, the sensors could be connected to the first wheel and the connector would be attached to the second wheel. In yet other embodiment, the activators 605 may be actuators.

[0069] To further optimize the engine, pistons may be paired in such a way to minimize the magnetic effect between each piston assembly. In a preferred embodiment, pistons 1 -3 and 4- 2 are paired. When piston 1 is going down, piston 3 is going up.

[0070] In another embodiment, only one piston and one activator may be used by mechanism 505. In such a case, the repulsion forces between the piston 601 and the activator 605 increases as the distance between them decreases. The piston is therefore pushed away from the activator to induce a continuous rotation of the engine. [0071] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.