When I first conceived the basic design, it was for a variable displacement-compression diesel type engine. That started in August 2003. In early 2006 when I built a simple demo model, I reversed the piston and cylinder locations and realized it would make a good in wheel IVT. Back then there was very little knowledge or understanding of infinitely variable transmissions, much less anything that could go in the wheel.
Its much like the smart bomb did for the dumb bomb.
Take a hub on axle and add the variable stroke rotary piston component which allows the axle to become self propelled.
It really is the antithesis of the ever more complex power trains we see in vehicle development. It requires only very basic machining skills to build. With a cad operated machine it is a piece of cake.
By changing the "gear ratios" without range limitations you can always pick the best BSFC range of engine operation, until your average speed drops to the point where your operational tactic would switch to pulse and glide.
The engine operated pump can also serve as a starter to relight the engine for each accumulator recharge cycle.
Here is a thought. Would the total efficiency losses in this system be offset by the higher aero losses incurred in P&G when you pulse to say 50 MPH from 40 MPH and your aero losses rise by a factor of 2500/1600 (both speeds squared) versus the average of 45 MPH.
I still think the basic principle of hybrid design is that when you actually get it right then the vehicle will hypermile itself. With short term stored energy that can be applied at a consistent level of power to the wheels, this can be the programmed strategy of the displacement controller of the in wheel drives.
Maybe one day that will happen. The patent is not something that you can realistically ever expect you to really make a lot of money. Rudolf Diesel died poor, and a lot of other inventors never saw a return for their efforts in their lifetimes.
Ingo Valentin (Valentin Technologies) has been advocating this type of powertrain for over two decades. Many of his patents have expired. He is involved in the X prize competition. Another company called Lightning is also developing a hydraulic hybrid design. They are supposed to have a vehicle ready for X prize competition.
I'm Ok financially, and it gave me the time to spend on the effort. Injuries and age made it impossible for me to continue with manual labor full time, without using narcotic pain killers, something that makes me feel like I am a zombie.
I appreciate your effort to understand what I am trying to explain. The students at Va tech told me that it was not easy to understand without videos, or animations, or other visual aids, even for people with Engineering backgrounds.
I did not try for worldwide patent rights, so in that respect it becomes public knowledge and can be developed in other countries, but not patented in other countries, unless someone else can develop an improvement that passes the test of "novelty" and "not obvious to someone educated in the art".
The second criteria has such a wide interpretation that it is almost impossible to previal in any appeals process. In fact you are required to disclose anything you discover that could be used by the PO to reject your claim.
Thsi happened to me on the day that Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett died. Think it was the 23 or 24th of June 09.
Water Engines: Page 3
The design is so similar I was absolutely flored and thought my chances were zero of ever seeing a patent after 5 years and 30k.
I disclosed the information to the PO as required by law. Felt like I had been gut punched by a worlds heavyweight champ.
Didn't know until October that I had succeeded in getting the Patent. Even then, after the application was approved you still have a 6 month probation period which expires in 2months when they should actually issue the document.
Until then the jury is still out, but when you find an idea like this, the worst possible thing is to not try to get the knowledge out to people so they will understand there are other options. Some may be convinced it is greed driven, but there are many days I regret ever trying or beginning the process.
In the end the best reward may only be knowing I tried my dangdest to actually make a significant contribution, and that is a source of great satisfaction.
If you have a dream and you let it go, you never know what you could have done with it.
regards
Mech