| 摘要 |
The compression ratio of an engine is controlled to optimize efficiency or performance, or both. The effective length of the piston is varied to change the compression ratio, by means of one of several piston configurations for adjusting the effective piston length as measured from the wrist pin. The piston length is hydraulically controlled, by hydraulic fluid introduced into a control chamber of the piston by a conduit connected to the piston and extending through the side of the engine. The conduit is designed to accommodate the reciprocal motion of the piston, and may be in a form of a flexible helix or other suitable configuration. Multiple hydraulic fluid channels may be provided in the conduit to permit circulation of the fluid or to permit the monitoring of critical parameters. The compression ratio is preferably controlled externally to the engine; valving and other controls linked to the hydraulic conduits extending from the engine may be linked to a computer. Input information to the computer may include throttle position engine rpm, intake manifold pressure, air temperature, exhaust temperature and octane rating of the fuel. From these and other parameters, optimum compression ratio may be determined and effected by the control mechanism, for optimum performance and efficiency. With the addition of a supercharger, larger fuel charges may be introduced into the engine under conditions of heavy load, with compression ratio held at a low value, producing substantially greater power for a given size engine. Then, under normal conditions of lighter load, the compression ratio may be maximized for optimum efficiency, when less power is required. Thus, a substantially smaller engine may be used in a given vehicle than ordinarily used due to power requirements. Significant increase in efficiency results.
|
