Opposed Piston Engine Timing via Helical Phase Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engine designs with opposed pistons and reciprocating sleeves lack the ability to adjust timing between pistons and sleeves without a secondary shaft and cannot control the overlap between intake/exhaust ports and ported slots effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates pivotably connected sleeve couplers and eccentrically rotatable phase couplers that allow for helical movement about crankshafts or eccentric shafts, enabling adjustable timing and overlap control between pistons and sleeves through a system of slotted protrusions and disk engagements, eliminating the need for a secondary shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If reciprocating sleeves are connected to the same crankshaft as pistons, then the engine structure is simplified, but the timing of sleeves with respect to pistons cannot be adjusted to maximize efficiency and power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the crankshaft and piston sleeves adjustable rather than fixed. The phase coupler mechanism allows the timing relationship between pistons and sleeves to be dynamically changed during operation, enabling optimization of engine performance while maintaining a relatively simple single-crankshaft structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary shaft is added to adjust timing between pistons and sleeves, then timing adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the phase coupler mechanism to perform multiple functions: it adjusts the timing between pistons and sleeves, controls the overlap between ports and slots, and maintains the mechanical connection between the single crankshaft and the piston-sleeve assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate secondary shaft while achieving the desired timing adjustment capability.
3Device complexity
If fixed timing is used between pistons and sleeves, then the engine structure is simpler, but engine efficiency and power output cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an adjustable timing mechanism through the phase coupler, allowing the engine to optimize its efficiency and power output by varying the timing between piston and sleeve movement according to different operating conditions, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 configuration allows for flexible timing adjustment and overlap control between pistons and sleeves, enhancing engine efficiency and power output by optimizing port interactions without requiring additional mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of phase couplers are helically moveable about their respective crankshafts. Helical movement of the phase couplers about their respective crankshafts changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves.
Implementation Method 2
Each phase coupler moves in a helical motion due to a helical or liner slot and each crankshaft includes at least one protrusion disposed within each slot. Each protrusion is slidable relative to its respective slot.
Implementation Method 3
A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective crankshafts.
Data Source
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AI summary
An engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder, an intake and exhaust port, and two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder around each piston and connected relative to their respective crankshafts. Each piston sleeve includes a slotted port in communication with either the intake or exhaust port. A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective crankshafts. A pair of eccentric inserts include an outside circumferential surface concentrically offset from an inside circumferential surface aperture. Each inside circumferential surface aperture is pivotable about its respective crankshaft. Each outside circumferential surface is rotatable relative to its respective sleeve coupler. A pair of phase couplers are helically moveable about their respective crankshafts and are also pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric inserts.