Variable Compression Ratio Engine Locking Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable compression ratio (VCR) engines face issues with maintaining the desired compression ratio due to hydraulic retention devices prone to slippage and component degradation from vibrations and pressure fluctuations, which affects fuel efficiency and power output.
Innovation Solution
A VCR mechanism incorporating an S-link with apertures and a locking pin, controlled by a two-position valve, allows for hydraulic maintenance of the compression ratio without continuous electric motor use, using hydraulic pressure to hold the locking pin in place and adjust piston positions within the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric motor is used to maintain the compression ratio in a VCR engine, then the desired compression ratio can be held, but fuel economy is reduced due to continuous motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates only when compression ratio adjustment is needed, then deactivates once the hydraulic retention device engages to hold the position. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining the desired compression ratio when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic retention device is introduced to mechanically hold the compression ratio position without requiring continuous electric motor power. The hydraulic system provides a passive retention mechanism that maintains the compression ratio once achieved, eliminating the need for continuous motor operation and improving fuel economy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a hydraulic retention device is used to hold the compression ratio, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device is prone to slippage and component degradation from vibrations and pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system design anticipates the challenges of hydraulic retention under vibration and pressure fluctuations by carefully selecting hydraulic components and positioning the retention device to minimize exposure to these adverse conditions. The hydraulic system is designed with sufficient pressure margin and appropriate component selection to prevent slippage despite the challenging engine environment.
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 enhances fuel economy by reducing energy consumption from the electric motor and minimizes deviations in the compression ratio, maintaining optimal engine performance across varying loads and speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic device configured to selectively maintain the locking pin in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a VCR engine. In one example, the VCR engine includes a VCR mechanism that relies on electric power to adjust a compression ratio of the VCR engine. The compression ratio is maintained by hydraulically-assisted engagement of a mechanical locking pin with an S-link of the VCR mechanism, holding a position of the VCR mechanism while an electric motor, used to adjust a position of the S-link, may be deactivated.