VARIABLE COMPRESSION RATIO ENGINE

摘要

A system and method for providing a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system can include a crankshaft pivotally coupled to a standard engine block using a plurality of pivoting main bearing caps. The system can pivot the main bearing caps, and thus the crankshaft, to increase or decrease the compression ratio of the engine. The system can also include a plurality of actuators to move one end of the main bearing caps. The crankshaft can comprise one or more flexible joints to enable the crankshaft to move, while the output(s) of the crankshaft remain stationary to enable conventional sealing and power take-off. The compression ratio can be varied continuously during use and can be included in an overall engine management system.

主权项

1. A crankshaft for an internal combustion engine comprising:
a first, fixed output comprising a first end and a second end; a central portion, with a first end and a second end, comprising one or more crankpins and two or more main bearing journals; a second, fixed output comprising a first end and a second end; a first flex joint for flexible coupling the second end of the first output to the first end of the central portion; and a second flex joint for flexibly coupling the first end of the second output to the second end of the central portion; wherein the first and second outputs rotate about a fixed longitudinal axis; and wherein the central portion is pivotable about a first radius.