Internal-combustion engines – Multiple cylinder – Simultaneous compression – distinct pistons – restricted...
Patent
1998-08-25
2000-08-22
Kamen, Noah P.
Internal-combustion engines
Multiple cylinder
Simultaneous compression, distinct pistons, restricted...
1231884, 1231975, 123DIG8, F02B 7518
Patent
active
061055425
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a modular engine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various proposals have been made in the prior art for equipping a vehicle, whether land borne or water borne, with two or more engines which can be selectively used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has for one object to provide a single power unit, for static or mobile use, having a plurality of interconnectable power modules.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an engine comprising two or more power modules, and means for bolting the modules together in a selected positional relationship, said means including an enclosed link-up device for coupling any one or both power modules to a common output shaft.
Most commonly, each power module will comprise at least one cylinder and a crankshaft, the link-up device coupling any one, both or all crankshafts to a common output shaft, whereby to provide a modular internal combustion engine.
However, the link-up device could alternatively be used to link up two or more gas turbines or electric motors, for example.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a link-up unit, e.g. the aforesaid enclosed link-up device, in the form of a gear casing incorporating gears for selectively interconnecting a plurality of power outputs, e.g. a plurality of crankshafts, with the output shaft. Alternatively, a casing can be provided incorporating hydraulic pumps which are driven by the respective crankshafts and are linked by a control valve. When enclosed gearing is employed, clutches may be incorporated to enable controlled selection of and number of power units in use. A suitable clutch may be a torque converter, fluid flywheel, centrifugal clutch, hydraulic clutch or spring and pressure plate.
In the case of an internal combustion engine, the cylinder block modules are preferably cast or moulded and are bolted to a crankcase, linked by cooling tubes. A cylinder block module and crankcase may alternatively be cast or moulded as an integral unit. Wet or dry liners may be fitted. While the cylinder block modules may have open tops for fitting of cylinder block heads and associated conventional valves, preferably the cylinder block modules are closed at the top, but bored with apertures for the fitting of valve housings, as later described.
The crankcase is moulded or cast, preferably of open web-type construction, with full main housings drilled for oil passages and returns. Universal drillings are preferably provided for bolting cylinder block modules together. Side plates and sumps are preferably incorporated and, desirably, the crankshaft swing can extend partly into a casing cutaway whilst clearing the parting plate.
The side plate, in particular, can be made in different sizes and shapes to suit the number of cylinder block modules and the relative positionings thereof required for different engines. Thus, any number of engines required for different vehicle models and uses therof can be produced, all based on the same cylinder block module.
As previously mentioned, instead of the cylinder block module being open at the top to receive a conventional cylinder head and conventional camshaft operated valves, most preferably a closed top cylinder block module is employed.
Thus, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder block incorporating at least one cylinder, wherein the cylinder head is dispensed with, and instead at least one machined valve housing is bolted to the cylinder block, the or each valve housing incorporating one or more slide valves which control the intake of fuel or fuel/air mixture through apertures bored in the wall of the cylinder block.
A preferred valve comprises a slide valve housing, valve slide, driving cam for the valve slide and biassing spring or hydraulic damper for the valve slide. Servicing is thus made possible in like manner to that of fuel injectors. The preferred valve sy
REFERENCES:
patent: 1492587 (1924-05-01), Toth
patent: 1537248 (1925-05-01), Maloney
patent: 1574686 (1926-02-01), Petticore
patent: 1781176 (1930-11-01), Grube
patent: 3332404 (1967-07-01), Lovercheck
patent: 3390670 (1968-07-01), Brice
patent: 4337623 (1982-07-01), Kronogard
patent: 4638637 (1987-01-01), Kronogard et al.
patent: 4662490 (1987-05-01), Yamakawa
patent: 4714060 (1987-12-01), Kesteloot
patent: 4765287 (1988-08-01), Taylor et al.
patent: 5647309 (1997-07-01), Avery
patent: 5694890 (1997-12-01), Yazdi
Wassenaar, Machine Design, vol. 61, No. 16, "Novel Diesel Engines to be Built in Modules," p. 38 (Aug. 10, 1989).
Kamen Noah P.
Schindler Edwin D.
LandOfFree
Modular engine does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Modular engine, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modular engine will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-569327