System and Method for Enhancing Vehicle Performance

Abstract

A system and a method for improving fuel efficiency of an engine include the application of at least a pair of magnets coupled to opposite sides of a crankcase ventilation passageway and oriented substantially parallel to each other such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the passageway. The magnetic force causes realignment of lubricant molecules such that the lubricant molecules substantially cover fuel molecules to increase the compression ratio of the engine thereby improving the fuel efficiency. A system for enhancing brake performance and a magnet installation kit are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The current application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/120,428, filed May 14, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference; accordingly, the current application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/120,428.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and a method for enhancing vehicle performance such as fuel efficiency and brake performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the increase in fuel cost and the increase in environmental consciousness, consumption and burning fuels efficiently have never been of greater importance. Since the automobile is a large consumer of fuel, significant conservation of fuel could be realized if the combustion process is more efficient, thereby enabling greater distances to be driven on a given quantity of fuel. Furthermore, air pollution has increased drastically in recent years due to the increasing use of automobiles and other vehicles, and there are very significant pressures being placed on industry to produce vehicle engines which emit very low levels of pollutants. Existing systems and methods for enhancing fuel efficiency are usually complicated and expensive. There is a need to produce a cheaper system and a simpler method to enhance fuel efficiency. There is also a need to increase the brake performance of motor vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, there is provided a system for improving the fuel efficiency of an engine, the system including:

a magnet assembly positioned adjacent to a crankcase ventilation passageway of the engine, the passageway having lubricant molecules, fuel molecules and metal shavings flowing therethrough;

wherein the magnet assembly is oriented such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the passageway; and

the magnetic force causing are-alignment of the lubricant molecules such that the lubricant molecules substantially cover the fuel molecules to increase the compression ratio of the engine thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the engine.

In one embodiment, the magnet assembly includes a pair of magnets located at two opposite sides of the passageway respectively. The pair of magnets is oriented substantially parallel to each other and tangent to the passageway. In one embodiment, each magnet is provided with a plurality of fastening apertures to enable fasteners to pass therethrough so as to fasten the magnet assembly to the passageway.

In one embodiment, magnets of the magnet assembly are treated to prevent loss of magnetic strength caused by heat or vibration.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method for improving the fuel efficiency of an engine, the method including:

positioning a magnet assembly adjacent to a crankcase ventilation passageway of the engine, the passageway having lubricant molecules, fuel molecules and metal shavings flowing therethrough;

wherein the magnet assembly is oriented such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the passageway; and

the magnetic force causing a re-alignment of the lubricant molecules such that the lubricant molecules substantially cover the fuel molecules to increase the compression ratio of the engine thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the engine.

In one embodiment, magnets of the magnet assembly are treated to prevent loss of magnetic strength caused by heat or vibration.

In one embodiment, the magnet assembly is fastened to the passageway by a fastener selected from the group consisting of bolts and nuts, clamps, brackets, screws, metal wirings and combinations thereof.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a magnet installation kit for the installation of a magnet assembly in a vehicle to enhance its performance, the kit including:

at least one pair of magnets coupled to at least one fluid passageway of the vehicle, the at least one fluid passageway having fluid and metal shavings flowing therethrough, wherein the at least one pair of magnets is positioned at two opposite sides of the at least one fluid passageway respectively and oriented substantially parallel to each other such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the at least one fluid passageway, the magnetic force causing a re-alignment of the molecules of the fluid flowing through the at least one fluid passageway; and

a fastener for fastening the at least one pair of magnets to the at least one fluid passageway, wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of baits and nuts, clamps, brackets, screws, metal wirings and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, each magnet is provided with a plurality of fastening apertures to enable the fastener to pass therethrough so as to fasten the at least one pair of magnets to the at least one fluid passageway.

In one embodiment, the kit includes two pairs of magnets, wherein one pair of magnets is coupled to a crankcase ventilation passageway, and the other pair of magnets is coupled to a brake servo line.

Although the invention is shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of magnets positioned at opposite sides of a crankcase ventilation passageway according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the crankcase ventilation system of an engine.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative end view of the magnets and the crankcase ventilation passageway of FIG. 1 with magnetic north/south poles arranged in a first orientation.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative end view of the magnets and the crankcase ventilation passageway of FIG. 1 with magnetic north/south poles arranged in a second orientation.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram showing the re-alignment of lubricant molecules around fuel molecules under the influence of magnetic force being applied transverse to the crankcase ventilation passageway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not particularly important to an understanding of the invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments described below and that various changes and modifications thereof may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.

It should be noted that throughout the specification and claims, when one element is said to be “coupled” to another, this does not necessarily mean that one element is fastened, secured, or otherwise attached to another element. Instead, the term “coupled” means that one element is either connected directly or indirectly to another element or is in mechanical or electrical communication with another element.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel efficiency enhancing system 10 of an internal combustion engine having a crankcase ventilation passageway 20 that serves as a channel through which blow-by gases and other crankcase contaminants (e.g. metal shavings due to the wear of cylinders and pistons) can exit the crankcase. Incidentally, lubricant may also pass through the crankcase ventilation passageway 20. Typically, flow through the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 is eventually discharged into one of the engine's combustion chambers. According to one embodiment, the system 10 includes a magnet assembly having a pair of magnets 30, 40 positioned adjacent to a portion of the crankcase ventilation passageway 20. Although a magnet assembly positioned adjacent to a crankcase ventilation passageway is illustrated in FIG. 1, it should be noted that a magnet assembly can be positioned adjacent to a portion of any lubricant return passageway in accordance with embodiments of the invention. A lubricant return passageway can be understood to be any channel within an internal combustion engine that circulates unburnt fuel, lubricant, and metal shavings that result from the wear of cylinders and pistons within an engine into a combustion chamber.

Note that a crankcase ventilation passageway is one component of a positive crankcase ventilation system. The typical operation of a crankcase ventilation system is illustrated in FIG. 2. In particular, a portion of the air 202 that enters the engine 200 is diverted into the crankcase 206 via a ‘breather’ 204. This air may then cause crankcase contaminants (e.g. blow-by gases and metal shavings due to the wear of the cylinders and pistons) to be circulated through a crankcase ventilation passageway 208, and into the intake manifold 210. Incidentally, lubricant may also circulate from the crankcase 206 through the crankcase ventilation passageway 208 and into the air intake manifold 210. The flow through the crankcase ventilation passageway 208 may then mix with the air/fuel mixture that is downstream of the throttle 212, and the mixture can thereby be injected into a combustion chamber. A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve 214 is also depicted in FIG. 2; the PCV valve regulates the flow through the crankcase ventilation passageway. The positioning of a magnet assembly 216 is also depicted in the figure. Note that the magnet assembly 216 is positioned adjacent to the crankcase ventilation passageway. Although, the illustration depicts that the magnet assembly 216 is located downstream of the PCV valve 214, in some embodiments of the invention, the magnet assembly 216 is positioned upstream of the PCV valve. Indeed, the exact positioning of the magnet assembly is not critical to practicing the invention, as long as the principles of operation, discussed below, can be effectuated.

It should be noted that a crankcase ventilation passageway can be referred to using a variety of terms. For instance, a crankcase ventilation passageway has been referred to as a ‘PCV hose’ in some instances. Moreover, in some instances, the term ‘PCV valve’ refers to the valve that regulates flow as well as the channel/passageway through which the flow is regulated; in this way, the crankcase ventilation passageway can be referred to as a PCV valve.

The principles of operation are now discussed with respect to FIGS. 1, and 3-5. The crankcase ventilation passageway 20 may be in the form of an elongated circular pipe coupled to the engine, though only a section of the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 is depicted in FIG. 1. The crankcase ventilation passageway 20 can have lubricant molecules 50, fuel molecules 60 (e.g. from blow-by gases), and metal shavings 70 flowing therethrough, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

When lubricant passes through the engine, it may flow through a crankcase ventilation passageway 20, e.g., in the form of a mist, and may carry some metal shavings 70 (mostly iron) due to the wearing of the cylinders and pistons of the engine. As the lubricant mist enters the intake manifold through the crankcase ventilation passageway 20, a magnetic field is induced onto it. Normally, the lubricant mist will not be magnetized because it is not a magnetizable material. However, once the lubricant mist carries traces of metal, it becomes magnetizable. Meanwhile, blow-by gases, including unburnt fuel, also pass through the crankcase ventilation passageway 20.

Once the magnetic field is applied to the lubricant, the lubricant molecules 50 can re-align themselves. This is possible because of the magnetic property of the metal shavings 70 in the lubricant. The lubricant molecules 50 can form into a larger lubricant bubble or “blob” to engulf the unburnt fuel molecules 60. This way, the fuel molecules 60 can ignite at a higher pressure and temperature.

Without the protection of the lubricant bubble, the fuel ignites itself prematurely because the air molecules would catalyze the reaction. This implies that the fuel may ignite before the pistons reach the top of the stroke and may be before the spark plug lights up. By applying magnetic field to the returning lubricant, it raises the effective compression rate of the fuel. Although the principles of operation have been described with respect to embodiments where a magnet assembly is positioned adjacent to a crankcase ventilation passageway, it should be understood that the principles of operation are similarly applicable where a magnet assembly is positioned adjacent to any lubricant return passageway.

According to the illustrated embodiment, a pair of magnets 30, 40 are operatively coupled to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 of the engine. The two magnets 30, 40 are oriented substantially parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The two magnets 30, 40 are disposed at two opposite sides of and tangent to the outer surface of the crankcase ventilation passageway 20. Each magnet 30, 40 has a north pole and a south pole. The north pole of one magnet is facing the south pole of an opposite magnet so that attractive magnetic force can apply transverse to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20.

The two magnets 30, 40 may be provided with means to facilitate the fastening of the magnets 30, 40 at desired positions relative to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20. According to the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 30, 40 are in the form of two generally rectangular bar magnets. Four fastening apertures 35, 45 may be provided at the four corners of each rectangular magnet 30, 40 respectively. Conventional fasteners such as bolts and nuts, clamps, brackets, screws, metal wirings or a combination thereof may be used to secure the two magnets 30, 40 to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20. For example, fastening can be achieved by passing metal wires through the fastening apertures 35, 45, or by inserting bolts through the fastening apertures 35, 45 and then securing by nuts.

The magnets 30, 40 may be neodynamium or AlNiCo magnets. Due to the heat produced by a running engine, the magnetic strength may deteriorate under such conditions. Therefore, the magnets 30, 40 may be heat-treated so that they are able to resist the heat and yet do not compromise their magnetic strength.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative end view of the two magnets 30, 40 operatively coupled to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 with magnetic north/south poles positioned in a first orientation. The first magnet 30 has a north pole and a south pole, and the second magnet 40 has a north pole and a south pole. The south pole of the first magnet 30 is facing the north pole of the second magnet 40, as indicated in FIG. 3. Attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative end view similar to the view of FIG. 3. It shows the two magnets 30, 40 operatively coupled to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 with magnetic north/south poles positioned in a second orientation, i.e. the north pole of the first magnet 30 is facing the south pole of the second magnet 40. Similarly, attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram showing the re-alignment of the lubricant molecules 50 around the fuel molecules 60 under the influence of magnetic force being applied transverse to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20.

The lubricant molecules 50 and fuel molecules 60 pass through the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 in the direction of flow, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5. Before passing the two magnets 30, 40, the lubricant molecules 50 and fuel molecules 60 are randomly oriented within the crankcase ventilation passageway 20. When the lubricant molecules 50 and fuel molecules 60 pass through the magnetic force exerted by the magnetic field generated by the two magnets 30, 40, the magnetic force causes re-alignment of the lubricant molecules 50 such that the lubricant molecules 50 substantially cover the fuel molecules 60. This can increase the compression ratio of the engine and hence improve the fuel efficiency of the engine.

Although it has been shown in the illustrated embodiment that the magnet assembly of the fuel efficiency enhancing system has two magnets 30, 40 oriented parallel to each other at opposite sides of the crankcase ventilation passageway 20, it is understood by one skilled in the art that any other number of magnets and any other magnetization patterns may be provided along the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 so long as sufficient magnetic force can be generated to re-align the lubricant molecules 50. For example, the magnet assembly may have two more magnets 30, 40 located at a different section of the crankcase ventilation passageway 20. The magnet of the magnet assembly may be of any suitable type including but is not limited to a bar magnet or a disc magnet.

By the installing of the magnets 30, 40 onto the crankcase ventilation passageway 20, the engine can achieve its optimum performance quicker. This can lead to a quicker acceleration, and uses less fuel if the acceleration is kept to the previous/benchmark acceleration.

When the lubricant is mixed with the air and fuel mixture, the mixture becomes more inert. That means the mixture can combust at a higher pressure, which can prevent premature combustion. The fuel mixture can be ignited closer to the point when the pistons reach the top of the cycle when compared to a mixture that is untreated by the magnets 30, 40 of the fuel efficiency enhancing system 10.

Before installation of the magnets 30, 40 of the fuel efficiency enhancing system 10, a car requires 10 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 KM/h. After installation of the magnets 30, 40 of the fuel efficiency enhancing system 10, the car only requires 6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 KM/h.

On average, the mileage of a car, before installation of the magnets 30, 40 of the fuel efficiency enhancing system 10, is 1 litre of gasoline to 8 KM. After installation of the magnets 30, 40 of the fuel efficiency enhancing system 10, the car can travel 10 KM with 1 litre of gasoline.

Since the magnets 30, 40 of the fuel efficiency enhancing system 10 improve the mileage of a car, the fuel has better combustion than without such a system 10. Furthermore, less nitrogen oxide is produced rendering the vehicle more environmental-friendly.

The magnet assembly 30, 40 can also be applied to a brake servo line to increase the performance of a brake system of a vehicle.

The pair of magnets 30, 40 can be operatively coupled to a vehicle's brake servo line right after a brake servo. The two magnets 30, 40 can be fixed at two opposite sides of the brake servo line and oriented substantially parallel to each other, in a way similar to the coupling of the magnets 30, 40 to the crankcase ventilation passageway 20 described hereinbefore. Each magnet 30, 40 has a north pole and a south pole. The north pole of one magnet is facing the south pole of an opposite magnet so that attractive magnetic force can apply transverse to the brake servo line.

This can cause the brake molecules in the brake fluid to re-align, just like the lubricant molecules, and can make the brakes more sensitive and hence stop a vehicle quicker. Because the vehicle can be stopped quicker, less time or pressure is needed to stop the vehicle and therefore brake pads are less prone to wear out and are more durable. Also, since the brake pads are less prone to wear out, less dust produced by the wearing of the brake pads dissipates to the atmosphere, and therefore less air pollution.

A magnet installation kit can be produced for installation of a magnet assembly in a vehicle to enhance its performance by conventional fastening means and simple tools without any modification of the existing parts of the vehicle.

The magnet installation kit may include two pairs of magnets 30, 40. The first pair of magnets may be coupled to a crankcase ventilation passageway 20 to enhance fuel efficiency; and the second pair of magnets 30, 40 may be coupled to a brake servo line to increase brake performance, as described hereinbefore.

The magnet installation kit may also include fasteners such as bolts and nuts, clamps, brackets, screws, metal wirings or a combination thereof so that one can easily fasten the magnets to the crankcase ventilation passageway or the brake servo line by simple tools such as a screwdriver.

While the present invention has been shown and described with particular references to a number of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be noted that various other changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for improving the fuel efficiency of an engine, the system comprising:

a magnet assembly positioned adjacent to a crankcase ventilation passageway of the engine, the passageway having lubricant molecules, fuel molecules and metal shavings flowing therethrough;

wherein the magnet assembly is oriented such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the passageway; and

the magnetic force causing a re-alignment of the lubricant molecules such that the lubricant molecules substantially cover the fuel molecules to increase the compression ratio of the engine thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the engine.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly comprises a pair of magnets located at two opposite sides of the passageway respectively.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pair of magnets is oriented substantially parallel to each other.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pair of magnets is tangent to the passageway.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each magnet is provided with a plurality of fastening apertures to enable fasteners to pass therethrough so as to secure the magnet assembly to the passageway.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein magnets of the magnet assembly are treated to prevent loss of magnetic strength caused by heat or vibration.

7. A method for improving the fuel efficiency of an engine, the method comprising:

positioning a magnet assembly adjacent to a crankcase ventilation passageway of the engine, the passageway having lubricant molecules, fuel molecules and metal shavings flowing therethrough;

wherein the magnet assembly is oriented such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the passageway; and

the magnetic force causing a re-alignment of the lubricant molecules such that the lubricant molecules substantially cover the fuel molecules to increase the compression ratio of the engine thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the engine.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising the step of treating magnets of the magnet assembly to prevent loss of magnetic strength caused by heat or vibration.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising the step of securing the magnet assembly to the passageway by a fastener selected from the group consisting of bolts and nuts, clamps, brackets, screws, metal wirings and combinations thereof.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the magnet assembly comprises a pair of magnets located at two opposite sides of the passageway respectively.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pair of magnets is oriented substantially parallel to each other.

12. A magnet installation kit for the installation of a magnet assembly in a vehicle to enhance its performance, the kit comprising:

at least one pair of magnets coupled to at least one fluid passageway of the vehicle, the at least one fluid passageway having fluid and metal shavings flowing therethrough, wherein the at least one pair of magnets is positioned at two opposite sides of the at least one fluid passageway respectively and oriented substantially parallel to each other such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the at least one fluid passageway, the magnetic force causing a re-alignment of the molecules of the fluid flowing through the at least one fluid passageway; and

a fastener for securing the at least one pair of magnets to the at least one fluid passageway, wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of bolts and nuts, clamps, brackets, screws, metal wirings and combinations thereof.

13. The kit as claimed in claim 12, wherein each magnet is provided with a plurality of fastening apertures to enable the fastener to pass therethrough so as to secure the at least one pair of magnets to the at least one fluid passageway.

14. The kit as claimed in claim 12, comprising one pair of magnets coupled to a crankcase ventilation passageway to enhance fuel efficiency.

15. The kit as claimed in claim 12, comprising one pair of magnets coupled to a brake servo line to increase brake performance.

16. The kit as claimed in claim 12, comprising two pairs of magnets, wherein one pair of magnets is coupled to a crankcase ventilation passageway, and the other pair of magnets is coupled to a brake servo line.

17. The kit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one pair of magnets is heat-treated.