MUMBAI, India, Sept. 22 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641105573 A) filed by Saveetha Institute Of Medical And Technical Sciences on September 02, 2026, for An Electronically-Timed Reciprocating Pneumatic Drive System With Rack-And-Pinion Rotary Conversion For A Mini Air Engine.
Inventors include Dr. Rm. Sakthi Sadhasivam; Dr. S. Jothi Arunachalam; and Dr Ramya Mohan.
The application for the patent was published on September 18, 2026, under issue no. 38/2026.
Abstract: The present invention discloses a mini pneumatic air engine featuring an Electronically-Governed Pulsed Pneumatic Actuation System with Rack-and-Pinion Torque Conversion. Conventional pneumatic engines employ either rotary vane motors with limited low-speed torque or reciprocating piston engines relying on complex mechanical crankshafts, cam-operated valves, and flywheel timing mechanisms that introduce frictional losses, side-thrust wear, and manufacturing complexity. These mechanical timing systems lack adjustable stroke frequency control without physical reconfiguration. The core novelty lies in replacing traditional mechanical valve gear with an integrated electronic oscillator-driven solenoid valve system governing a double-acting pneumatic cylinder. An IC 555 timer circuit configured for pulse generation produces a precise, adjustable square-wave signal amplified through a ULN2003 Darlington array to actuate a 5/2 solenoid valve. This electronically commutates compressed air flow alternately between cylinder ports, producing continuous reciprocating piston motion at a controllable frequency of 155 strokes per minute. The linear piston stroke is directly converted to rotary wheel motion through a rack-and-pinion gear assembly, eliminating connecting rod side-thrust losses inherent in crankshaft linkages. The invention addresses the need for a simplified, low-cost, zero-emission prime mover suitable for educational demonstration, light propulsion, and environments requiring fire-proof operation. The total fabrication cost approximates Z9,350 using commercially available pneumatic components and a welded mild steel supporting frame. The system provides adjustable power output through electronic timing modification without mechanical reconfiguration, offers explosion-proof operation, and utilizes ambient air as the sole working fluid, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
