Internal-combustion engines – Four-cycle – Variable clearance
Patent
1996-06-13
1998-09-08
Miller, Carl S.
Internal-combustion engines
Four-cycle
Variable clearance
1231973, F02B 7502
Patent
active
058030280
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to fluid actuated engines and engine mechanisms and actuators used therein. In one aspect, the present invention relates to fluid actuators which are applicable to exhaust and inlet valves or fuel injectors of an engine. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to fluid actuated reciprocating internal combustion engines.
BACKGROUND ART
Conventional internal combustion engines are provided with a number of different operating mechanisms for controlling or operating inlet and outlet valves for the engine cylinders or in the case of fuel injected engines for controlling the injectors. Usually such mechanisms take the form of cam shafts, rockers, return springs or other mechanical actuating elements. Such mechanism suffer a number of disadvantages and limitations including in the case of valved engines, poor valve cooling, poor lubrication, a lack of ability to maintain alignment of the valves with their seats, poor control over movement of the valve and an excessive amount of power which is required to overcome the valve seating springs.
Particular disadvantages associated with fuel injectors include lack of flexibility of injection timing, excessive mechanical components in the injector drive train, an excessive amount of power wastage in operating the injectors and their drive train and a lack of ease of assembly and removability of the injectors and associated drive train from the engine during maintenance.
In my International Patent application No. PCT/AU90/00387, I describe hydraulically operated fuel injectors and valves for internal combustion engines wherein an actuator which incorporates dual pistons includes an internal axially extending slide valve for controlling operation of the actuator.
It has been found in practice that the function and control of the above hydraulically actuated fuel injectors and valves has been limited by the excessive stroke length of the control valve causing in the case of fuel injectors an inadequate rate of fuel injection or quantity of fuel injected or in the case of valves inadequate rate of opening or closing of the valve. In addition, there is no readily accessible means for adjusting stroke length for fine adjustment or an efficient means for addressing the problems of component wear. A further disadvantage is that there is no method of addressing the abrupt cessation of motion at stroke end.
In hydraulically operated valves, the above disadvantages lead to a limitation in the number of operational cycles per second and thus the operational speed of the engine.
In my International Patent Application No. PCT/AU90/00387, I also describe an hydraulically operated reciprocating internal combustion engine wherein an hydraulic actuator is coupled to an engine piston arranged for reciprocation within a cylinder to move with or cause reciprocation of the engine piston. The hydraulic actuator includes a number of chamber sections as well as a discharge or vent chamber adjacent to the engine piston through which hydraulic fluid is vented. It has been found in practise that the length of the combined cylinder unit of such engines is unreasonably long and that the discharge of fluid from the vent chamber is inefficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages or at least to provide an alternative to the arrangements referred to above.
One object of the present invention is to provide a fluid actuator which when applied to a fuel injector, shortens the period required for injection and raises the rate of injection. A further preferred object is to provide a means for adjustment of stroke length and provide for a gradual cessation of movement at the completion of the stroke of the actuator and injector pistons.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a fluid actuator which when applied to engine valves will lead to an increase in the rate of the opening or closing of valves. A further preferred object is to provide a means for the
REFERENCES:
patent: 1104804 (1914-07-01), James
patent: 1637245 (1927-07-01), Scully
patent: 1747091 (1930-02-01), Trbojevich
patent: 4124002 (1978-11-01), Crise
patent: 4131094 (1978-12-01), Crise
patent: 4140091 (1979-02-01), Showers
patent: 4466387 (1984-08-01), Perry
patent: 4966109 (1990-10-01), Pusic
patent: 5146879 (1992-09-01), Kume
LandOfFree
Fluid actuated engines and engine mechanisms does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fluid actuated engines and engine mechanisms, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fluid actuated engines and engine mechanisms will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1272442