Dual-Crankshaft Piston Layout for Linear Internal Combustion Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reciprocating internal combustion engines face challenges in optimizing the layout and efficiency of cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, and crankshafts, leading to increased wear, friction, and energy losses due to non-linear piston movements and complex valve train mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a uniblock design that combines the cylinder block and cylinder head into a single component, along with dual crankshafts and crossheads, constraining piston movements to be linear, and incorporating an added piston for scavenging and supercharging functions, reducing side forces and stress on components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional reciprocating internal combustion engine layout is used, then engine structure is simple, but wear, friction, and energy losses increase due to non-linear piston movements and complex valve train mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine structureVSAvoidenergy losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional complex valve train mechanism with a direct injection system and optimized combustion chamber design, eliminating mechanical pushrods, rocker arms, and valve springs. This substitution reduces mechanical friction and energy losses while maintaining engine structure simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the piston movement parameter from non-linear to linear through the use of a Wankel-like rotary mechanism combined with reciprocating motion constraints. This parameter change reduces side forces and wear on cylinder walls while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional reciprocating internal combustion engine layout is used, then engine structure is simple, but wear and friction increase due to non-linear piston movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine structureVSAvoidwear

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the conventional complex valve train with a direct injection system and optimized combustion chamber, reducing mechanical contact points and potential wear areas while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved and optimized combustion chamber geometry that facilitates smoother piston motion and reduces stress concentrations, thereby reducing wear while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If linear piston movement is constrained, then side forces and stress on components are reduced, but device complexity increases due to uniblock design and dual crankshafts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent stressVSAvoiduniblock design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cylinder block and cylinder head into a single uniblock structure, which simplifies the overall design by eliminating the need for separate components and complex mounting arrangements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the benefits of linear piston movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The uniblock structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the cylinder block and cylinder head, provides structural support, and facilitates linear piston movement constraints. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, offsetting the increased complexity from the dual crankshaft arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If dual crankshafts and crossheads are used, then linear piston motion is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiston motionVSAvoidcrankshaft arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the dual crankshafts and crossheads into a more integrated arrangement where the crossheads serve as both motion converters and structural supports for the uniblock design, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crossheads in the patent serve multiple functions: they convert rotary motion to linear piston motion, support the weight of the pistons and connecting rods, and provide mounting points for the uniblock structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260043373A1Internal combustion engine

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 GAZIANO PHILIP FRANKLIN

AI summary

A piston can include a piston body formed of a first portion and a second portion. The second portion can include a crown and an outer wall having a perimeter defined by a first circle overlapping with a second circle. The piston can be included in an internal combustion engine and configured as a primary piston, an added piston, or both.