Variable compression ratio engine

A connecting rod assembly for varying a compression ratio of an internal combustion engine, the engine including a cylinder, a reciprocating piston disposed within the cylinder, and a crankshaft having a crankpin, the connecting rod comprising:

• a bearing retainer adapted to be connected to the crankpin and having first and second ends, the bearing retainer further having a first cylindrical bore and a first slot disposed proximate the first end, and a second cylindrical bore and a second slot disposed proximate the second end;
• a body portion adapted to be connected to the piston, the body portion having a longitudinal body portion axis and being axially movable with respect to the bearing retainer to effect a selective displacement of the body portion relative to the bearing retainer, the displacement causing a change in the effective length of the body portion and the compression ratio of the engine;
• a first locking mechanism including a first locking element that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the first locking element having a first cylindrical portion and a first projection extending from the first cylindrical portion, the first cylindrical portion being disposed in the first cylindrical bore and having a first aperture, and the first projection extending through the first slot, the first locking mechanism further including a first spring disposed at least partially in the first aperture and engaged with the first locking element for urging the first locking element toward the locked position;
• and
• a second locking mechanism including a second locking element that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the second locking element having a second cylindrical portion and a second projection extending from the second cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion being disposed in the second cylindrical bore and having a second aperture, and the second projection extending through the second slot, the second locking mechanism further including a second spring disposed at least partially in the second aperture and engaged with the second locking element for urging the second locking element toward the locked position;
• wherein the first locking element is configured to lock the body portion at a first position relative to the bearing retainer when the first locking element is in the locked position and the second locking element is in the unlocked position, the first position corresponding to a first compression ratio of the engine, and the second locking element is configured to lock the body portion at a second position relative to the bearing retainer when the second locking element is in the locked position and the first locking element is in the unlocked position, the second position corresponding to a second compression ratio of the engine, and wherein the second compression ratio is larger than the first compression ratio.