Piston Pin Assembly for Dynamic Compression Ratio Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for dynamically adjusting the compression ratio in internal combustion piston engines are complex and unreliable, lacking a simple and well-controllable mechanism for varying the compression ratio during engine operation.

Innovation Solution

A piston pin assembly with offset central axes, featuring a rotatable eccentric sleeve and a coupling system that synchronizes the power transmission and locking mechanisms, allowing for selective locking and unlocking of the piston pin's rotational movement, enabling efficient adjustment of the compression ratio through a clutch system and hydraulic actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing solutions for dynamically adjusting compression ratio are implemented, then compression ratio adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression ratio adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston pin is divided into multiple functional segments: a first pin portion with a first central axis for connection to the piston, a second pin portion with a second central axis offset from the first axis to provide eccentricity for compression ratio adjustment, and a third pin portion for connection to the connecting rod. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The piston pin assembly serves multiple functions within a single component: it connects the piston to the connecting rod, provides rotational movement capability, enables compression ratio adjustment through eccentricity, and allows selective locking of the pin in different positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing solutions for dynamically adjusting compression ratio are implemented, then compression ratio adjustment capability is improved, but operational reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression ratio adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piston pin assembly is designed to automatically lock into specific positions during operation through its eccentric geometry and the interaction between the pin portions. The offset central axis creates natural stopping positions where the pin aligns with the piston and connecting rod, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The piston pin is designed to rotate freely between the piston and connecting rod during normal engine operation, allowing dynamic adjustment of the compression ratio. The pin can rotate to different angular positions, each corresponding to a different compression ratio, enabling the system to adapt to varying operational requirements while maintaining reliability through simple rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a locked pin is used to adjust compression ratio, then compression ratio control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression ratio controlVSAvoidoperational ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The piston pin is designed to rotate periodically between different angular positions during engine operation, with each position corresponding to a different compression ratio. The eccentric geometry creates natural periodic stopping positions where the pin aligns with the piston and connecting rod, allowing the system to cycle through different compression ratios automatically based on engine operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and controllable means to adjust the compression ratio, optimizing engine performance for dual-fuel operation and addressing knocking limits, while ensuring smooth operation and efficient power transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the first and the second ends having a common first central axis and the center area having a second central axis which axes are offset at a distance from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2831471B1A piston pin assembly
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 WARTSILA FINLAND OY
  • EP2831471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2831471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2831471B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Invention relates to a piston pin assembly for an internal combustion piston engine, which piston pin assembly comprises a piston pin having at its first end (14.1) and its second end (14.2) a first and a second affixing area for attaching the piston pin to a piston and be- tween the first and the second ends, at a center area (14.3), a third area for attaching the piston pin (14) to a connecting rod (14),the assembly comprises a power transmission system (102) engageable to a connecting rod(14)to receive work from rotational movement of the connecting rod in respect to a piston while installed to an engine and the engine is cranked or operated,a locking system(200)which selectively locks or unlocks the rotational movement of at least the third area (14.3) of the piston pin in respect to the piston.