An oil ring assembly, an oil ring system, and an engine system

Abstract

An oil ring assembly for an engine including a first body and a second body. The first body includes a first body outer surface, a first body inner surface, and a first body biasing member contact surface extending outward at an angle from the first body inner surface toward the first body outer surface. The oil ring assembly includes a first rail extending from the first body outer surface, a second body, and a second rail. The second body includes a second body outer surface, a second inner body surface, and a second body biasing member contact surface extending outward at an angle from the second body inner surface toward the second body outer surface. The second rail extends from the second body outer surface. The second body is positioned a distance from the first body, such that the second body is independently movable relative to the first body.

Description

AN OIL RING ASSEMBLY, AN OIL RING SYSTEM, AND AN ENGINESYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of Indian Provisional Patent No. 202341086777, filed December 19, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application relates generally to oil rings for an internal combustion engine.BACKGROUND

[0003] Internal combustion engines include pistons that move within cylinders. Oil flows between an outer surface of each piston and an inner surface of each cylinder to facilitate the movement of the piston within the cylinder. Excess oil is scraped from the inner surface of the cylinder by an oil ring positioned on the piston.SUMMARY

[0004] According to one embodiment, an oil ring assembly includes a first body. The first body includes a first body outer surface, a first body inner surface positioned substantially opposite the first body outer surface, and a first body biasing member contact surface extending outward at a first angle from the first body inner surface toward the first body outer surface. The oil ring assembly also includes a first rail extending from the first body outer surface. The oil ring assembly further includes a second body including a second body outer surface, a second body inner surface positioned substantially opposite the second body outer surface, and a second biasing member contact surface extending outward at a second angle from the second body innersurface toward the second body outer surface. The oil ring assembly also includes a second rail extending from the second body outer surface. The second body is positioned a distance from the first body and the second body is independently movable relative to the first body.

[0005] According to another embodiment, an oil ring system includes an oil ring assembly. The oil ring assembly includes a first body including a first rail, and a second body positioned a distance from the first body and including a second rail. The second body is independently movable relative to the first body. The oil ring system also includes an oil ring biasing member configured to exert a first force on the first body causing the first body to move a first distance and exert a second force on the second body causing the second body to move a second distance.

[0006] According to another embodiment an engine system includes a cylinder and a piston assembly positioned within the cylinder. The piston assembly comprising a piston defining a groove. The engine system also includes an oil ring assembly positioned in the groove. The oil ring assembly includes a first body, and a second body. The second body is positioned a distance away from the first body. The engine system also includes an oil ring biasing member contacting each of the first body and the second body. The oil ring biasing member is configured to exert a first force on the first body moving the first body a first distance and causing a first seal to form between the first body and the groove and exert a second force on the second body moving the second body a second distance and causing a second seal to form between the second body and the groove.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements unless otherwise indicated, in which:

[0008] FIG. l is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an internal combustion engine according to one embodiment; and

[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an oil ring assembly of an internal combustion engine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0010] It will be recognized that the Figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The Figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that the Figures will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, and apparatuses, of an oil ring assembly for an internal combustion engine. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of a number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.I. Overview

[0012] Internal combustion (IC) engines (e.g., hydrogen IC engines, etc.) utilize lubricant, such as oil, to facilitate repeated movement of pistons within cylinders. An oil ring is positioned on the piston (e.g., the piston head, etc.). The oil ring can include rails that are in contact with the inner wall of a cylinder. As the piston moves (e.g., vertically, etc.) within the cylinder, the oil ring moves with the piston scraping excess oil from the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0013] Implementations herein relate to an oil ring assembly that includes an oil ring and an oil ring biasing member or spring that is received within the oil ring. The oil ring includes a first body and a second body. The second body is positioned a distance from the first body such that there is a gap (e.g., a distance, a space, etc.) between the first body and the second body. The first body includes at least one first rail on a first body outer surface of the oil ring. The second body includes at least one second rail on a second body outer surface of the oil ring.IL Internal Combustion Engine with Example Oil Ring Assembly

[0014] Figure 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an internal combustion engine 100 (e.g., diesel internal combustion engine, gasoline internal combustion engine, hybrid internal combustion engine, liquid natural gas internal combustion engine, propane internal combustion engine, hydrogen internal combustion engines, other fuel engines, etc.).

[0015] An engine system includes a cylinder 102, and a piston assembly 104 positioned within the cylinder 102. The piston assembly 104 includes a piston 108 defining a groove 128. The engine system 100 also includes an oil ring assembly 122 positioned in the groove 128. The oil ring assembly 122 includes a first body 202 and a second body 204. The second body 204 is positioned a distance away from the first body 202. The engine system 100 also includes an oil ring biasing member 132 contacting each of the first body 202 and the second body 204. The oil ring biasing member 132 is configured to exert a first force on the first body 202 moving the first body 202 a first distance and causing a first seal to form between the first body 202 and the groove 128 and exert a second force on the second body 204 moving the second body 204 a second distance and causing a second seal to form between the second body 204 and the groove 128.

[0016] The internal combustion engine 100 includes a plurality of the cylinders 102 and a plurality of the piston assemblies 104. For example, each piston assembly 104 is positioned within one of the cylinders 102. Thus, the internal combustion engine 100 includes the same number of cylinders 102 and piston assemblies 104. In various embodiments, the internal combustion engine 100 includes two, four, five, six, eight, ten, twelve, sixteen, twenty-four, or other numbers of cylinders 102 and therefore of piston assemblies 104.

[0017] Each cylinder 102 includes a combustion chamber 106. The combustion chamber 106 is defined by the piston assembly 104. For example, the combustion chamber 106 can be defined as the distance from the piston assembly 104 (e.g., the piston, the piston head, etc.) to an end (e.g., a top end, etc.) of the cylinder 102. Thus, the internal combustion engine 100 includes the samenumber of combustion chambers 106 as cylinders 102, with each combustion chamber 106 contiguous with one of the cylinders 102.

[0018] Each of the piston assemblies 104 include a respective piston 108 (e.g., piston head, etc.) and a connecting rod 110. The piston 108 is received within (e.g., positioned within, etc.) one of the cylinders 102. The piston 108 is configured to be selectively repositioned within the cylinder 102. For example, the piston 108 may selectively move from a first position to a second position within the cylinder 102.

[0019] The connecting rod 110 is coupled to the piston 108 (e.g., via a wrist pin, etc.). The connecting rod 110 is configured to extend within the cylinder 102 moving the piston 108. The connecting rod 110 is also coupled to a crankshaft.

[0020] When the internal combustion engine 100 is in operation, air and fuel are provided into the combustion chamber 106 (e.g., via injectors, via valves, etc.) such that the air and fuel are located adjacent a combustion surface 112 (e.g., face, etc.) of the piston 108. The air and fuel are caused to combust (e.g., due to compression provided by the piston 108, due to a spark, etc.) and exhaust gas is produced. This production of the exhaust gas causes pressure against the combustion surface 112, which causes the piston 108 to be translated within the cylinder 102 and away from the combustion chamber 106. Translation of the piston 108 causes translation of the connecting rod 110. Translation of the connecting rod 110 causes rotation of the crank shaft.Rotation of the crankshaft is translated into rotational energy produced by the engine and utilized by other systems (e.g., driveshafts, pulleys, etc.).

[0021] The piston 108 includes an outer piston surface 114. The outer piston surface 114 is spaced apart from, and in confronting relation with, an interfacing surface (e.g., an inner surface, an inner wall, etc.) 116 of the cylinder 102. As the piston 108 is translated within the cylinder 102, the outer piston surface 114 is also translated. The internal combustion engine 100 includes a lubrication system (e.g., oil circulation system, etc.) that provides a lubricant (e.g., oil, etc.) into the cylinder 102 between the outer piston surface 114 and the interfacing surface 116. Thelubricant may reduce friction between the outer piston surface 114 and the interfacing surface 116.

[0022] The piston assembly 104 also includes a first compression ring 118 (e.g., o-ring, seal, etc ), a second compression ring 120 (e.g., o-ring, seal, etc.), and the oil ring assembly 122.

[0023] The oil ring assembly 122 comprises the first body 202 comprising a first body outer surface 206, a first body inner surface 216 positioned substantially opposite the first body outer surface 206, and a first body biasing member contact surface 218 extending outward at a first angle Ai from the first body inner surface 216 toward the first body outer surface 206. The oil ring assembly 122 comprises a first rail 208 extending from the first body outer surface 206. The oil ring assembly 122 comprises the second body 204 comprising a second body outer surface 228, a second body inner surface 238 positioned substantially opposite the second body outer surface 228, and a second body biasing member contact surface 240 extending outward at a second angle A2 from the second body inner surface 238 toward the second body outer surface 228. The oil ring assembly 122 comprises a second rail 230 extending from the second body outer surface 228. The second body 204 is positioned a distance from the first body 202 and the second body 204 is independently movable relative to the first body 202.

[0024] As is explained in more detail herein, the first compression ring 118, the second compression ring 120, and the oil ring assembly 122 cooperate to ensure oil is circulated along the outer piston surface 114. In some embodiments, the piston assembly 104 can include any number of compression rings 118, 120.

[0025] The outer piston surface 114 includes a first compression ring groove 124 (e.g., cavity, a recess, etc.). The first compression ring groove 124 is configured to receive the first compression ring 118, The first compression ring 118 is positioned within the first compression ring groove 124 and is maintained within the first compression ring groove 124 during translation of the piston assembly 104 within the cylinder 102.

[0026] The outer piston surface 114 also includes a second compression ring groove 126 (e.g., cavity, etc.). The second compression ring groove 126 is positioned within the second compression ring 120 and is maintained within the second compression ring groove 126 during translation of the piston assembly 104 within the cylinder 102.

[0027] The outer piston surface 114 also includes the oil ring assembly groove 128 (e.g., cavity, recess, etc.). The oil ring assembly groove 128 is configured to receive the oil ring assembly 122. The oil ring assembly 122 is positioned within the oil ring assembly groove 128 and is configured such that the oil ring assembly 122 is maintained within the oil ring assembly groove 128 during translation of the piston assembly 104 within the cylinder 102.

[0028] An oil ring system includes the oil ring assembly 122. The oil ring assembly 122 includes the first body 202 including the first rail 208, and the second body 204 positioned the distance from the first body 202 and including the second rail 230. The second body 204 is independently movable relative to the first body 202. The oil ring system also includes an oil ring biasing member 132 configured to exert the first force on the first body 202 causing the first body 202 to move the first distance and exert the second force on the second body 204 causing the second body 204 to move the second distance.

[0029] The oil ring assembly 122 includes the oil ring 130 and the oil ring biasing member 132 (e.g., a spring such as a coil spring, etc.). The oil ring 130 and the oil ring biasing member 132 are each received by the oil ring assembly groove 128. For example, the oil ring 130 can define a groove or channel for positioning (e.g., encapsulating, surrounding, etc.) the oil ring biasing member 132 within the oil ring assembly groove 128. The oil ring biasing member 132 is configured to exert a force on the oil ring 130 causing the oil ring 130 to a move distance out of the oil ring assembly groove 128 toward the interfacing surface 116. For example, the oil ring biasing member 132 partially separates the oil ring 130 from the outer piston surface 114. The oil ring biasing member 132 operates to mitigate deformation of the oil ring 130 into the oil ring assembly groove 128.III. Oil Ring Assembly

[0030] Now referring to FIG. 2, is an illustration of the oil ring assembly 122 shown according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the oil ring 130 includes the first body 202 and the second body 204.

[0031] The oil ring assembly 122 includes the first body 202. The first body 202 includes the first body outer surface 206, the first body inner surface 216 positioned substantially opposite the first body outer surface 206, and the first body biasing member contact surface 218 extending outward at the first angle Ai from the first body inner surface 216 toward the first body outer surface 206. The oil ring assembly 122 also includes the first rail 208 extending from the first body outer surface 206.

[0032] The oil ring assembly 122 further includes the second body 204 including the second body outer surface 228, the second body inner surface 238 positioned substantially opposite the second body outer surface 228, and the second body biasing member contact surface 240 extending outward at the second angle A from the second body inner surface 238 toward the second body outer surface 228. The oil ring assembly 122 also includes the second rail 230 extending from the second body outer surface 228. The second body 204 is positioned a distance from the first body 202 and the second body 204 is independently movable relative to the first body 202.

[0033] Each of the first body 202 and the second body 204 are positioned within the oil ring assembly groove 128. The first body 202 is positioned a distance (e.g., a split distance, for example a gap of at least 0.5 mm to allow for oil flow and draining, etc.) away from the second body 204. The first body 202 and the second body 204 are configured to move independently (e.g., laterally, horizontally, vertically, etc.) inward (e.g., toward the piston 108, etc.) and outwards (e.g., toward the interfacing surface 116, etc.) of the oil ring assembly groove 128.

[0034] The first body 202 includes the first body outer surface 206. The first body outer surface 206 is positioned adjacent to the interfacing surface 116 of the cylinder 102. The first body outer surface 206 includes a first rail 208 extending outward from the first body outer surface 206 toward the interfacing surface 116. The first rail 208 can be substantially trapezoidal in shape.For example, the first rail 208 can include a first rail side 210 and a second rail side 212. The first rail side 210 and the second rail side 212 can extend from the first body outer surface 206 at an angle. Each of the first rail side 210 and the second rail side 212 extend to a first rail contact surface 214. For example, the first rail contact surface 214 can be a flat surface configured to contact the interfacing surface 116. The first rail contact surface 214 is configured to scrape oil from the interfacing surface 116 as the piston assembly 104 moves within the cylinder 102.

[0035] The first body 202 further includes the first body inner surface 216. The first body inner surface 216 is positioned opposite the first body outer surface 206. For example, the first body inner surface 216 can extend along a plane parallel to the first body outer surface 206.

[0036] The first body 202 also includes the first body biasing member contact surface 218 and a first body split surface 220. The first body biasing member contact surface 218 extends at the first angle Ai (e.g., an oblique angle, etc.) from the first body inner surface 216 toward the interfacing surface 116. For example, the first angle Ai can be in a range between 95 degrees to 175 degrees relative to the first body inner surface 216. The first body biasing member contact surface 218 is in contact with the oil ring biasing member 132. The first body biasing member contact surface 218 is configured to receive a force (e.g., a first force, etc.) exerted on the first body 202 by the oil ring biasing member 132. The force exerted on the first body biasing member contact surface 218 causes the first body 202 to move (e.g., move laterally, horizontally, etc.) toward the interfacing surface 116. For example, the first body 202 can move a first distance toward the interfacing surface 116.

[0037] The first body split surface 220 extends from the first body outer surface 206 to an end of the first body biasing member contact surface 218 opposite the end extending from the first body inner surface 216. For example, the first body split surface 220 can be perpendicular to the first body outer surface 206.

[0038] The first body 202 further includes a first body groove interfacing surface 222. The first body groove interfacing surface 222 is positioned adjacent to each of the first body outer surface 206 and the first body inner surface 216 (e.g., between the first body outer surface and the firstbody inner surface, etc.) and opposite the first body split surface 220 (e.g., the first body groove interfacing surface 222 extends in a plane parallel to the first body split surface 220). The first body groove interfacing surface 222 is in contact with a first inner groove surface 224 of the oil ring assembly groove 128.

[0039] A seal is formed between the first body groove interfacing surface 222 and the first inner groove surface 224 (represented as 226). The formed seal impedes (e.g., prevents, blocks, etc.) flow (e.g., fuel, air, exhaust, etc.) into the oil ring assembly groove 128 between the first body groove interfacing surface 222 and the first inner groove surface 224 (e.g., impedes forward and reverse flow into and out of the groove, prevents leakage, etc.).

[0040] The second body 204 includes the second body outer surface 228. The second body outer surface 228 is positioned adjacent to the interfacing surface 116 of the cylinder 102. The second body outer surface 228 includes the second rail 230 extending outward from the second body outer surface 228 toward the interfacing surface 116. Similar to the first rail 208, the second rail 230 can be substantially trapezoidal in shape. For example, the second rail 230 can include a first rail side 232 and a second rail side 234.

[0041] The first rail side 232 and the second rail side 234 can extend from the second body outer surface 228 toward the interfacing surface 116 at an angle (e.g., a non-zero angle, an oblique angle, etc.) relative to each of the first body outer surface 206 and the second body outer surface 228, respectively.

[0042] Each of the first rail side 232 and the second rail side 234 extend to a second rail contact surface 236. For example, the second rail contact surface 236 can be a flat surface configured to contact the interfacing surface 116. The second rail contact surface 236 is configured to scrape oil from the interfacing surface 116 as the piston assembly 104 moves within the cylinder 102, For example, each of the first rail contact surface 214 and the second rail contact surface 236 are in contact with the interfacing surface 116 such that the first rail contact surface 214 and the second rail contact surface 236 simultaneously scrape oil from the interfacing surface 116.

[0043] The second body 204 further includes the second body inner surface 238. The second body inner surface 238 is positioned opposite the second body outer surface 228. For example, the second body inner surface 238 can extend along a plane parallel to each of the second body outer surface 228 and the first body outer surface 206.

[0044] The second body 204 also includes the second body biasing member contact surface 240 and a second body split surface 242. The second body biasing member contact surface 240 extends at the second angle A2 (e.g., a non-zero angle, an oblique angle, etc.) from the second body inner surface 238 toward the interfacing surface 116. For example, the second angle A2 can be in a range between 95 degrees to 175 degrees relative to the second body inner surface 238.

[0045] The second body biasing member contact surface 240 is in contact with the oil ring biasing member 132. The second body biasing member contact surface 240 is configured to receive a force (e.g., a first force, etc.) exerted on the second body 204 by the oil ring biasing member 132. The force exerted on the second body biasing member contact surface 240 causes the second body 204 to move (e.g., move laterally, horizontally, vertically, etc.) toward the interfacing surface 116. For example, the second body 204 can move a second distance toward the interfacing surface 116.

[0046] Together, the first body biasing member contact surface 218 and the second body biasing member contact surface 240 cooperate to form a channel that is configured to receive the oil ring biasing member 132.

[0047] The second body split surface 242 extends from the second body outer surface 228 to an end of the second body biasing member contact surface 240 opposite the end extending from the second body inner surface 238. For example, the second body split surface 242 can be perpendicular to the second body outer surface 228.

[0048] The second body 204 further includes a second body groove interfacing surface 244. The second body groove interfacing surface 244 is positioned adjacent to each of the second body outer surface 228 and the second body inner surface 238 (e.g., between the second body outersurface 228 and the second body inner surface 238, etc.) and opposite the second body split surface 242 (e.g., the second body groove interfacing surface 244 extends in a plane parallel to each of the second body split surface 242 and the first body groove interfacing surface 222, etc.). The second body groove interfacing surface 244 is in contact with a second inner groove surface 246 of the oil ring assembly groove 128.

[0049] A seal is formed between the second body groove interfacing surface 244 and the second inner groove surface 246 (represented as 248). The formed seal impedes (e.g., prevents, blocks, etc.) flow (e.g., fuel, air, exhaust, etc.) into the oil ring assembly groove 128 between the second body groove interfacing surface 244 and the second inner groove surface 246 (e.g., impedes forward and reverse flow into and out of the groove, prevents leakage, etc ).

[0050] The oil ring biasing member 132 is configured to exert a force on each of the first body 202 and the second body 204 simultaneously. For example, the oil ring biasing member 132 is in contact with each of the first body biasing member contact surface 218 and the second body biasing member contact surface 240 and is configured to provide a force to each of the first body 202 and the second body 204. According to this embodiment, the force exerted by the oil ring biasing member 132 is substantially equally and unfirmly applied to each of the first body 202 and the second body 204.

[0051] For example, according to one embodiment, the oil ring assembly system includes the first body 202. The first body 202 includes the first body outer surface 206, the first body inner surface 216 positioned opposite the first body outer surface 206, and the first body biasing member contact surface 218 extending outward at the first angle Ai from the first body inner surface 216 toward the first body outer surface 206. The first rail 208 extends from the first body outer surface 206. The second body 204 is positioned a gap distance from the first body 202. The second body 204 includes the second body outer surface 228, the second body inner surface 238 positioned opposite the second body outer surface 228, and the second body biasing member contact surface 240 extending outward at the second angle A2 from the second body inner surface 238 toward the second body outer surface 228. The second rail 230 extends from thesecond body outer surface 228. The oil ring biasing member 132 contacting each of the first body biasing member contact surface 218 and the second body biasing member contact surface 240. The oil ring biasing member 132 is configured to exert a first force on the first body 202 moving the first body 202 a first distance and exert a second force on the second body 204 moving the second body 204 a second distance.

[0052] The oil ring biasing member 132 can exert a force on each the first body 202 and the second body 204 such that the first body 202 moves the first distance and the second body 204 moves the second distance different from the first distance such that each of the first rail 208 and the second rail 230 contact the interfacing surface 116. For example, each of the first rail 208 and the second rail 230 can be manufactured (e.g., form grinded, machined, grinded, molded, etc.) to be a desired width W (e.g., 0.11 mm) such that each of the first rail 208 and the second rail 230 have substantially equal (e.g., substantially the same, similar, etc.) widths. In some embodiments, the first rail 208 can have a first width Wi and the second rail 230 can have a second width W2. The first width Wi is a distance measured from a first end of the first rail contact surface 214 to a second end of the first rail contact surface 214 (e.g., the length of the first rail contact surface, etc ). Similarly, the second width W2 is a distance measured from a first end of the second rail contact surface 236 to a second end of the second rail contact surface 236 (e.g., a length of the second rail contact surface, etc.).

[0053] Each of the first rail 208 and the second rail 230 can also be manufactured to be a desired depth D (e.g., 0.3-3 mm, etc.). For example, the depth D of the first rail 208 and the second rail 230 can be substantially equal (e.g., the same, similar, etc.). In some embodiments, the first rail 208 can be a first depth Di and the second rail 230 can be a second depth D2 (e.g., differences occur during the manufacturing process, grinding process includes separate wheel grooves of different sizes, etc.). The first depth Di of the first rail 208 is a distance measured from the first rail contact surface 214 to the first body outer surface 206. Similarly, the second depth D2 is a distance measured from the second rail contact surface 236 to the second body outer surface 228.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first rail 208 can be a first width Wi and the second rail 230 can be a second width W2 substantially equal (e.g., the same as, similar to, etc.) to the first width Wi. Further, the first rail 208 can be a first depth Di and the second rail 230 can be a second depth D2 different from the first depth Di. For example, the second depth D2 may be less than the first depth Di. The oil ring biasing member 132 can exert a force on each of the first body 202 and the second body 204 moving the first body 202 a first distance and the second body 204 a second distance that is greater than the first distance. For example, the second body 204 can move the second distance that is greater than the first distance because the second rail 230 can have a depth D2that is less than the first rail 208 depth Di. Thus, the second body 204 can move the second distance independently from the first body 202 such that the second rail 230 is continuously (e.g., consistently.) in contact with the interfacing surface 116 to provide for efficient scraping.

[0055] In other embodiments, the first rail 208 can be a first width Wi and a first depth Di and the second rail 230 can be a second width W2 and a second depth D2 that is greater than the first depth D2. Similarly, as described above, in this embodiment, the oil ring biasing member 132 can exert a force on each of the first body 202 and the second body 204 such that the first body 202 move a first distance and the second body moves a second distance, and the first distance is greater than the second distance. For example, the first body 202 and the second body 204 are configured to move independently inward and outwards of the oil ring assembly groove 128 to advantageously account for any uneven matching of parts (e.g., unlatching width or depth of the first rail 208 and the second rail 230, etc.)IV. Construction of Example Embodiments

[0056] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementationcan also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

[0057] As utilized herein, the terms “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] The term “coupled” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, with the two components, or with the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0059] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and / or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0060] Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0061] Additionally, the use of ranges of values (e.g., W to P, etc.) herein are inclusive of their maximum values and minimum values (e.g., W to P includes W and includes P, etc.), unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, a range of values (e.g., W to P, etc.) does not necessarily require the inclusion of intermediate values within the range of values (e.g., W to P can include only W and P, etc.), unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An oil ring assembly comprising: a first body comprising a first body outer surface, a first body inner surface positioned substantially opposite the first body outer surface, and a first body biasing member contact surface extending outward at a first angle from the first body inner surface toward the first body outer surface; a first rail extending from the first body outer surface, a second body comprising a second body outer surface, a second body inner surface positioned substantially opposite the second body outer surface, and a second body biasing member contact surface extending outward at a second angle from the second body inner surface toward the second body outer surface; and a second rail extending from the second body outer surface; wherein the second body is positioned a distance from the first body and the second body is independently movable relative to the first body.

2. The oil ring assembly of claim 1, wherein a first seal is formed between a first body groove interfacing surface and a first inner groove surface, the first body groove interfacing surface adjacent to each of the first body inner surface and the first body outer surface.

3. The oil ring assembly of claim 2, wherein a second seal is formed between a second inner groove surface and a second body groove interfacing surface, the second body groove interfacing surface adjacent to each of the second body inner surface and the second body outer surface.

4. The oil ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rail comprises a first depth, the first depth measured from the first body inner surface to a first rail contact surface, and the second rail comprises a second depth, the second depth measured from the second body inner surface to a second rail contact surface, and wherein the first depth is substantially equal to the second depth.

5. The oil ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the first angle is substantially equal to the second angle.

6. The oil ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the first body biasing member contact surface and the second body biasing member contact surface cooperate to define a channel configured to receive an oil ring biasing member.

7. The oil ring assembly of claim 1, further comprising an oil ring biasing member contacting each of the first body biasing member contact surface and the second biasing member contact surface, the oil ring biasing member exerting a first force on the first body moving the first body a first distance and a second force on the second body moving the second body a second distance.

8. The oil ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rail comprises a first depth, the first depth measured from the first body inner surface to a first rail contact surface, and the second rail comprises a second depth, the second depth measured from the second body inner surface to a second rail contact surface, and wherein the first depth is less than the second depth.

9. The oil ring assembly of claim 8, further comprising an oil ring biasing member contacting each of the first body biasing member contact surface and the second biasing member contact surface, the oil ring biasing member exerting a first force on the first body moving the first body a first distance and a second force on the second body moving the second body a second distance, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

10. The oil ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rail comprises: a first contact surface configured to contact an interfacing surface of a cylinder, the contact surface defining a first length, a first rail first side extending from the outer surface to the first contact surface, and a first rail second side extending from the outer surface to the first contact surface.

11. The oil ring assembly of claim 10, wherein the first rail and the second rail are substantially trapezoidal.

12. The oil ring assembly of claim 10, wherein the second rail comprises: a second contact surface configured to contact an interfacing surface of a cylinder, the contact surface defining a second length, a second rail first side extending from the outer surface to the second contact surface, and a second rail second side extending from the outer surface to the second contact surface.

13. The oil ring assembly of claim 12, wherein the first length is substantially equal to the second length.

14. An oil ring system comprising: an oil ring assembly comprising: a first body comprising a first rail, and a second body positioned a distance from the first body and comprising a second rail, the second body being independently movable relative to the first body; and an oil ring biasing member configured to exert a first force on the first body causing the first body to move a first distance and exert a second force on the second body causing the second body to move a second distance.

15. The oil ring system of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the oil ring biasing member is positioned between the first body and the second body.

16. The oil ring system of claim 14, wherein: the first rail comprises a first width and the second rail comprises a second width greater than the first distance, and the second distance is less than the first distance.

17. An engine system comprising: a cylinder; a piston assembly positioned within the cylinder, the piston assembly comprising a piston defining a groove; an oil ring assembly positioned in the groove, the oil ring assembly comprising: a first body, and a second body positioned a distance away from the first body; andan oil ring biasing member contacting each of the first body and the second body, the oil ring biasing member configured to: exert a first force on the first body moving the first body a first distance and causing a first seal to form between the first body and the groove, and exert a second force on the second body moving the second body a second distance and causing a second seal to form between the second body and the groove.

18. The engine system of claim 17, wherein: the first body comprises a first body outer surface, a first body inner surface positioned substantially opposite the first body outer surface, and a first body biasing member contact surface extending outward at a first angle from the first body inner surface toward the first body outer surface, and the second body comprises a second body outer surface, a second body inner surface positioned substantially opposite the second body outer surface, and a second body biasing member contact surface extending outward at a second angle from the second body inner surface toward the second body outer surface.

19. The engine system of claim 18, wherein the oil ring assembly is further comprising: a first rail comprising a first depth, the first depth measured from the first body inner surface to a first rail contact surface; and a second rail comprising a second depth, the second depth measured from the second body inner surface to a second rail contact surface, wherein the first depth is less than the second depth and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

20. The engine system of claim 17, wherein the piston defines a plurality of grooves and a plurality of oil ring assemblies positioned in each of the plurality of grooves.

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