Hydraulic Piston Crown for Compression Ratio Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine technologies lack a reliable method to control and adjust the compression ratio of internal combustion engines, particularly in diesel engines, which affects fuel efficiency and emissions, as they either rely on mechanical devices that increase oscillating masses or fail to provide control over the eccentric bushing after locking.
Innovation Solution
A piston with a modular design and hydraulic adjusting device that allows the piston crown to move within a chamber, adjusting the compression ratio by varying fluid pressure, thereby dividing the combustion chamber into separate volumes to increase or decrease the compression ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical locking device with eccentric bushing is used to adjust compression ratio, then the compression ratio can be changed, but the oscillating masses increase and control over the bushing rotation is lost after locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking device with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly is used to push the eccentric bushing into the large connecting rod eye, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locking mechanisms while maintaining compression ratio adjustability and reducing oscillating masses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using pressurized fluid to actuate the piston that pushes the eccentric bushing into position. This hydraulic approach provides smooth, controlled adjustment of the compression ratio without the mechanical complexity and mass associated with traditional mechanical locking devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an eccentric bushing is used to adjust compression ratio, then the compression ratio can be varied, but there is no control over the rotation process of the bushing after release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces uncontrolled mechanical bushing rotation with a controlled hydraulic piston actuation system. The hydraulic piston provides precise control over the bushing's movement into and within the large connecting rod eye, enabling controlled compression ratio adjustment without relying on uncontrolled rotational mechanisms.
3Productivity
If a hydraulic piston is used to move the piston crown, then the compression ratio can be adjusted efficiently, but a fluid supply system with check valves and pressure control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the hydraulic piston crown multi-functional by integrating it with the existing piston structure. The piston crown serves both as the combustion chamber separator and as the actuator for compression ratio adjustment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the hydraulic fluid supply requirements.
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 enables efficient adjustment of the compression ratio, reducing fuel consumption and emissions by minimizing oscillating masses and mechanical complexity, while maintaining control over the piston movement, thus improving engine efficiency and emissions performance.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic adjusting device (8) is provided for moving the first piston segment (1a) along the piston longitudinal axis (6). The first piston segment (1a) is movable along the piston longitudinal axis (6) between a lower stop (7a) and an upper stop (7b).
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a piston. In one example, system may comprise a piston comprising a chamber in which a piston bowl may actuated independent of an oscillation of the piston. The chamber may receive a hydraulic fluid in order to adjust a position of the piston bowl within the chamber, thereby adjusting a compression ratio of a combustion chamber in which the piston may oscillate.