Internal-combustion engines – Adjustable combustion chamber – Piston in head adjusted
Patent
1997-06-02
1999-07-20
Kamen, Noah P.
Internal-combustion engines
Adjustable combustion chamber
Piston in head adjusted
123 78E, F02B 7504
Patent
active
059243945
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to apparatus for converting linear motion to rotary motion and vice versa. For example, this invention relates to reciprocating mechanisms in general and more particularly however not exclusively to a mechanism in which the stroke thereof can be varied.
One particular application of the present invention is in connection with engines, such as internal combustion engines. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with reference to that particular application, however it is to be understood that this is not to be considered as a limitation on the scope of the invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable stroke reciprocating mechanism which is relatively simple in construction and easy to maintain.
The many advantages of the present invention in it's basic or preferred forms will become readily apparent to those persons skilled in the art from a reading of the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Basically, an adjustable stroke reciprocating mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a reciprocating member mounted for reciprocating movement, a rotating member mounted for rotation about a main axis, a connecting rod operatively connected to the reciprocating member and, a crank assembly including a crank arm having a longitudinal axis which is inclined with respect to the main axis, with at least a portion thereof being adapted to revolve about the main axis, the connecting rod being operatively connected to the crank arm and it's position adjustable along the length thereof in either direction along the longitudinal axis.
In one preferred form, the reciprocator may comprise a piston which is disposed within a cylinder, one end of the connecting rod being operatively connected to the piston and the other end being operatively connected to the crank arm.
It will be appreciated however that more than one piston cylinder and associated connecting rod assembly could be operatively connected to the same crank arm bearing. For example, the crank arm bearing could have four connecting rods extending from the bearing in different directions, each rod being connected to a respective piston of a piston/cylinder assembly. For example, six pistons and their associated connecting rods could be disposed at angles of 60.degree. with respect to one another.
Preferably, but not necessarily, the crank arm has it's longitudinal axis disposed at right angles to the axis of reciprocation of the reciprocator when it is at top dead centre or at it s most remote position from the crank arm.
To provide a constant compression ratio over the variation of the stroke (as is necessary for internal combustion engines), a deviation of the cylinders right angle axis to the crank arm may be chosen depending on the connecting rod positions on the crank arm at min/max stroke.
A compensating mechanism by which connecting rod is connected to the crank arm may be necessary, if the variation of the compression ratio due to the finite length of connecting rod is not acceptable.
This mechanism may take the form or shape of a telescopic connecting rod, which may be shortened or lengthened eg. by hydraulic or pneumatic means. Mechanical means, such as for example, an eccentric bearing mounting assembly which is adaptable for adjustment to shorten or lengthen the distance between the longitudinal axis of the crank arm and top of piston, while maintaining relative compression ratios, may also be provided or any other mechanical means or combination of mechanical/hydraulic/pneumatic/electrical means such as the use of solenoids. One form of bearing mounting assembly comprises a separate aspect of the invention and is described below.
A bearing mounting assembly according to another aspect of the present invention which is suitable for use with the adjustable stroke reciprocating mechanism described above may include a main bearing to which a connecting rod is connectible, a bearing carrier which is mountable on a cra
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Kamen Noah P.
Richter Technology Limited
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