Combustion Chamber Intake and Exhaust Shutter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving compactness, efficiency, and low emissions while maintaining effective combustion control, particularly in controlling intake and exhaust processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movable shutter system outside the combustion chamber wall, actuated by the reciprocating piston, which controls fluid flow through intake and exhaust ports, allowing for efficient communication paths and flexible positioning to manage combustion processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve mechanisms are used to control intake and exhaust ports, then reliable fluid flow control is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional valve mechanism from the combustion chamber and extracts only the essential function of fluid flow control. This is achieved by using a simplified shutter system that opens and closes intake and exhaust ports without complex valve trains, cam mechanisms, or actuating systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using movable valves to open passages through solid material, the patent inverts the approach by using fixed passages with movable shutters that block flow. This reversal simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for valves to cut through缸 heads and reduces the complexity of valve actuation systems
2Reliability
If traditional engine designs are used, then adequate combustion control is achieved, but engine size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the combustion chamber into multiple smaller chambers, each with its own piston and shutters. This segmentation allows for compact arrangement of multiple combustion events within a smaller overall engine envelope, reducing engine size and weight while maintaining effective combustion control through independent chamber management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where multiple pistons operate within a common cylinder, and shutters are positioned within the combustion chamber space. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available space, allowing multiple combustion events to occur in a compact volume, thereby reducing overall engine size and weight
3Reliability
If shutters are positioned inside the combustion chamber, then effective flow control is achieved, but compression ratio and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the shutters from an internal position within the combustion chamber to an external position on the cylinder wall. This dimensional relocation allows the shutters to control flow at the chamber boundary without occupying space that would otherwise be available for compression, thereby maintaining high compression ratios and improving brake thermal efficiency while still achieving effective flow control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution results in extremely compact, highly efficient engines with reduced vibration, low NOx emissions, and improved brake thermal efficiency, capable of operating with various fuels and achieving high compression ratios.
Implementation Method 1
A shutter is outside the wall and is movable between a first position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port but not blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port and a second position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port but not blocking flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port
Implementation Method 2
fuel and an oxidizing agent, such as air, undergo combustion in a combustion chamber. The resulting expansion of high pressure and high temperature gases applies a force to a movable component of the engine, such as a piston, causing the movable component to move, thereby, resulting in mechanical energy
Implementation Method 3
An actuator causes the shutter to move between the first position and the second position in response to the first piston reciprocating relative to the engine casing
Data Source
AI summary
An engine includes an engine casing and a first piston configured to reciprocate relative to the engine casing. The first piston has a wall that defines a substantially cylindrical chamber. One or more second pistons are configured to reciprocate inside the substantially cylindrical chamber. A combustion chamber intake port and a combustion chamber exhaust port extend through the wall. A shutter is outside the wall and is movable between a first position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port but not blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port and a second position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port but not blocking flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port. An actuator causes the shutter to move between the first position and the second position in response to the first piston reciprocating relative to the engine casing.