Variable Compression Piston Rod Grooves for Compression Ratio Increase

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In engine systems with compression adjustment devices, it is challenging to move the piston rod away from the bottom surface of the fluid chamber due to a small pressure receiving area, making it difficult to increase the compression ratio effectively.

Innovation Solution

A variable compression device with a grooved flow path on the bottom surface of the fluid chamber and a concave part on the piston rod, allowing the working fluid to flow into the grooved path and increase the contact area, facilitating the upward movement of the piston rod.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the piston rod is disposed on the bottom surface of the fluid chamber, then the structure is simplified, but the pressure receiving area becomes small making it difficult to move the piston rod upward

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidpressure receiving area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a grooved flow path that extends in the radial direction from the bottom surface of the fluid chamber toward the piston rod. This transforms the pressure application from a purely axial dimension to include radial dimension, allowing the working fluid to access the piston rod through both axial and radial pathways, thereby increasing the effective pressure receiving area without changing the basic bottom-surface disposal structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the piston rod contacts the bottom surface of the fluid chamber, then the compression ratio can be minimized, but the working fluid cannot effectively push the piston rod upward to increase compression ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression ratio adjustment rangeVSAvoidpiston rod movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grooved flow path acts as an intermediary structure between the working fluid and the piston rod. When the piston rod contacts the bottom surface, the grooved flow path provides an alternative pathway for the working fluid to flow radially and reach the piston rod's lateral surfaces, enabling continued upward movement even when axial contact occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The increased contact area with the working fluid enables easier upward movement of the piston rod, allowing for effective adjustment of the compression ratio even when the piston rod contacts the bottom surface, enhancing the engine's operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a grooved flow path is formed in a bottom surface of the fluid chamber or a contact surface of the movable piston in contact with the bottom surface of the fluid chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3715600B1Variable compression device and engine system
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 IHI CORP
  • EP3715600B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715600B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715600B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A variable compression device includes: a piston rod (6); and a fluid chamber (R3) in which, when a pressurized working fluid is supplied thereinto, the piston rod (6) is caused to move in a direction in which a compression ratio increases. A grooved flow path (R6) is formed in a bottom surface of the fluid chamber (R3) or a contact surface of the piston rod (6) in contact with the bottom surface of the fluid chamber (R3).