Modular engine
OwnerClive William Effordinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular engine has a plurality of engine sections, with each of the engine sections having a power module, which power modules are bolted to one another in a selected positional relationship. A link-up device is selectively able to couple any number of the engine sections to one or more output shafts. An engine management system controls the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of the engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, such that the single overall engine is able to utilize power from any number of the power modules of the engine sections (e.g., three or more) for driving the output shaft(s).
Claims17
A single engine having at least one output shaft, comprising:
- a plurality of engine sections, each of said engine sections comprising a power module;
- means for bolting said plurality of engine sections together in a selected positional relationship;
- means including an enclosed link-up device for selectively coupling any number of said engine sections to the, at least one, output shaft;
- and,
- an engine management system having means for controlling the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of said plurality of engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, wherein the single engine is capable of utilizing power from any number of said power modules of said engine sections for driving the, at least one, output shaft.
A single engine having at least one output shaft, comprising:
- at least three engine sections, each of said engine sections comprising a power module;
- means for bolting said engine sections together in a selected positional relationship;
- means including an enclosed link-up device for selectively coupling any number of said engine sections to the, at least one, output shaft;
- and,
- an engine management system having means for controlling the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of said at least three engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, wherein the single engine is capable of utilizing power from any number of said power modules of said engine sections for driving the, at least one, output shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.