FREE PISTON INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH AN INDEPENDENTLY DRIVEN CAM

摘要

The engine comprises one or more units having a pair of pistons on a common shaft connecting two opposed cylinders and driving the permanent-magnet moving part of a linear alternator. The shaft carries two robust pegs engaging the rim of a cam driven by an independent eccentric motor. The cam rotates substantially in synchronism with the engine so that the pegs are in virtual contact with it and no energy loss is implied. The contact becomes positive if the piston rod overruns or if one cylinder misfiring fails to initiate compression in the other. The engine can be started by means of the independent motor without recourse to compressed air or use of the linear alternator as a starter motor.