US 7,007,640 B2 · Engine with a variable compression ratio

Abstract

The engine is equipped with a crankshaft that is rotatably connected to pistons through connecting rods, and a driveshaft, which is used as the means for outputting the torque produced by the engine. The variable compression ratio mechanism of the preferred embodiment includes at least one crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly, at least one crankshaft support assembly, and at least one jackscrew assembly. The crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly ensures that the axis of the crankshaft when it is lifted will follow a circular arc with a fixed radius that centers the rotational axis of the driveshaft. The crankshaft-driveshaft arm assemblies and the crankshaft support plate assemblies are connected together by metal plates. A transmission assembly transmits the torque from the crankshaft to the driveshaft. The jackscrew assembly lifts up and down the crankshaft, and it does not require a locking mechanism.

Claims9

Dependent claims

An internal combustion engine having a variable compression ratio including a crankshaft, a driveshaft, at least one crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly, a transmission assembly, and a means to lift up and down said crankshaft, wherein

said crankshaft being parallel to said driveshaft,
said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly having an arm member, and first and second bearings,
said first and second bearings of said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly affixed to said arm member,
said first bearing rotatably receiving said crankshaft and said second bearing rotatably receiving said driveshaft, and
said transmission assembly having first and second gears wherein said first gear is affixed to said crankshaft, and said second gear affixed to said driveshaft.

2 more elements

An internal combustion engine having a variable compression ratio including a crankshaft, a driveshaft, at least one crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly, at least one transmission assembly, wherein

said crankshaft being parallel to said driveshaft,
said crankshaft being rotatably connected to said piston by said connecting rod,
said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly having an arm member, and first and second bearings,
said first and second bearings of said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly affixed to said arm member,
said first bearing rotatably receiving said crankshaft and said second bearing rotatably receiving said driveshaft,
said crankshaft support plate assembly having an arm member, and a bearing,
said bearing of said crankshaft support plate assembly affixed to said arm member,
said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assemblies and said crankshaft support plate assemblies being connected together by said connecting metal plates,
said arm member of said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly having a partial cylindrical surface,
said partial cylindrical surface of said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly having worm gear teeth,
said arm member of said crankshaft support plate assembly having a partial cylindrical surface,
said partial cylindrical surface of said crankshaft support plate assembly having worm gear teeth,
said worm gear assembly having a worm and a shaft,
said worm of said worm gear assembly and partial cylindrical surface of said arm member of said crankshaft-driveshaft arm assembly form a worm gear set,
said worm of said worm gear assembly and partial cylindrical surface of said arm member of said crankshaft support plate assembly form a worm gear set, and
said worm has a larger pitch diameter at two ends than at mid-section.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Engine with a variable compression ratio

Life of this patent

Engine with a variable compression ratio

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9