BACKGROUND
[0001] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. In conventional combustion engines,
the walls delimiting combustion chambers are of a cylindrical shape and closed on
one end with a cylinder head. A piston is moveably guided through the other end into
the cylinder. Internal combustion engines have 4 basic steps: (1) intake; (2) compression;
(3) combustion and expansion; and (4) exhaust. During the intake step, combustible
mixtures are injected into the combustion chamber. This mixture is placed under pressure
by the compression of the piston into the cylinder. The mixture is then ignited and
burnt. The hot combustion products ultimately expand, forcing the piston to move in
the opposite direction and causing the transfer of energy to mechanical components
that are coupled or connected to the piston, such as a crankshaft. The cooled combustion
products are finally exhausted and the combustion cycle restarts. Typical combustion
engines operate according to this principle may function in two cycles or four cycles,
such as in Otto and diesel engines.
[0002] There exists a continuing issue related to the relatively low efficiency exhibited
by conventional combustion engines. Engine efficiency is usually defined by comparing
the theoretical chemical energy in the fuels against the useful energy abstracted
from the fuels in the form of the kinetic energy transferred through the engine. Although
the thermodynamic limit for abstracting energy from a typical fuel is about 80%, typical
combustion engines exhibit an average efficiency of only about 20-40%. Therefore,
there remains substantial room for improvement in efficiency over conventional internal
combustion engines.
US 2008/314350 A1 discloses a rotary internal combustion engine having multiple combustion chambers
delimited by piston heads and an engine housing wall that defines at least a section
of a torus.
SUMMARY
[0003] It is the object of the present application to provide an improved system comprising
an orbiting planetary gearing system and an internal combustion engine employing the
same. These objects are solved by the system with the features of claim 1 and the
internal combustion engine with the features of claim 4.
[0004] According to the invention, a system comprising an intermediate member sub-assembly
with an orbiting planetary gearing system and at least one crankshaft coupled to the
intermediate member sub-assembly is provided, wherein the orbiting planetary gearing
system couples linear motion of the intermediate member sub-assembly to rotational
motion of the at least one crankshaft, the system having the features of claim 1,
which can provide multiple advantages. These advantages can include improved structural
integrity, reduced manufacturing and assembly costs, reduced friction and stress,
and reduced unnecessary motion (tilting, tipping, vibration, etc.).
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide
a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of
the innovation or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to
present some concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] In one aspect, the innovation comprises one or more embodiments of an internal-combustion
engine, the engine comprising an engine housing that can have a first wall delimiting
a first combustion chamber, a first primary member that can have a first piston and
a second primary member that can have a second piston. The pistons can also delimit
a first combustion chamber. The first wall can define at least a section of a toroid
(e.g., a shape such as a torus, but with substantially any cross-sectional shape,
not just circular, etc.), and the pistons can be guided along a curved path defined
by that section of the toroid.
[0007] Various aspects of the subject innovation can provide a combustion engine that is
compact and simple in construction. In one or more embodiments, the subject innovation
can include a combustion engine comprising an intermediate member that is coupled
to the primary members, which can travel along a predetermined path, and which can
be coupled to the crankshaft. When compared with conventional internal combustion
engines, embodiments of the subject innovation are more compact in size, lighter in
weight, have a reduced need for internal lubrication, and can be capable of being
easily manufactured.
[0008] In contrast to conventional combustion engines, combustion engines in accordance
with various embodiments of the subject innovation can have a combustion chamber which
is not only delimited by a wall of the engine housing and a first piston, but also
by a second piston. The pistons can be provided as separate parts that are attached
to the primary members. The pistons can also be integral parts of the primary members.
The wall of the engine housing can define at least a section of a toroid in which
the pistons are guided, so that the pistons can travel along a curved path. When the
combustion gas is ignited in a combustion chamber that is delimited as described,
the two pistons are driven in opposite directions, i.e., forced apart. The gases expanding
in the combustion chamber thereby drive not only one, but two pistons to substantially
increase the efficiency of the engine, by enlarging the surface area on which the
combustion gases can act. This reduces fuel consumption and improves emission values.
[0009] Since the pistons travel along a curved path, the combustion engine of the subject
innovation can be very compact for a given combustion chamber volume.
[0010] In other aspects, the innovation can include an intermediate member capable of transforming
linear or rotational motion (e.g., the rotational motion of pistons described herein,
a linear component of that motion, or other linear or rotational motion, etc.) into
rotational motion, e.g., to drive a crankshaft, etc., or vice versa. In one example,
the intermediate member can accept the motion of pistons such as those described herein
and can transmit this motion to a crankshaft such as the one described herein. The
intermediate member and a single crankshaft can thereby replace two crankshafts and
further means for coupling the two crankshafts when employed in an engine such as
described herein, providing for a very compact and easy to manufacture engine, although
in some such aspects the intermediate member can alternatively be coupled to more
than one crankshaft.
[0011] As described herein, the pistons of an engine in accordance with aspects of the subject
innovation can simultaneously move in opposite directions during expansion of the
combustion gases, and therefore the forces and torques generated can be largely compensated
for. Vibrations can thereby be almost completely compensated for, alleviating a need
for special devices such as balancer shafts, etc.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first primary member can comprise a third piston and the
second primary member can comprise a fourth piston, wherein the third piston and the
fourth piston can delimit a second combustion chamber. This can allow for a very compact
arrangement of two combustion chambers. Each primary member can delimit a first combustion
chamber at one end by means of a piston and a second combustion chamber at its other
end by means of another piston. Therefore, a stroke decreasing the size of one combustion
chamber can increase the size of the other combustion chamber and vice versa. Idle
strokes of the pistons can thereby be avoided, increasing efficiency and minimizing
corresponding losses due to friction.
[0013] A wall having the shape of a toroid can delimit the first and the second combustion
chambers. The second combustion chamber can also be delimited by a separate, second
wall which can also define at least a section of the toroid. As used herein, a toroid
is defined as a ring-shaped body, which can have any cross sectional shape, e.g.,
circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, irregular, etc.
[0014] The two primary members can pivot about a common pivot axis. This can reduce the
size of the engine and minimize the number of parts needed to position the pistons.
The two combustion chambers and the two interposed primary members can be arranged
in a symmetrical manner to minimize engine vibrations.
[0015] In some aspects, the crankshaft can rotate around a rotation axis that is coaxial
with the pivot axis, whereas in other aspects it can rotate around a separate axis.
In coaxial embodiments, the motion of the pistons and the primary members can be transferred
to the intermediate member and from there to the crankshaft in a symmetrical manner.
The coaxial arrangement of the pivot axis and the rotation axis of the crankshaft
can contribute to a very compact construction of the engine.
[0016] In aspects of the innovation, the intermediate member can be interposed between planes
defined by the pivoting motion of the primary members. In this manner, forces acting
in transverse directions and thereby inducing unwanted torques and loads can be minimized.
[0017] In some embodiments of the innovation, the primary members and the intermediate member
can be coupled to each other via a turning and sliding joint. Each joint can be disposed
between a primary member and the intermediate member, to allow turning and sliding
of each primary member with respect to the intermediate member. The intermediate member
can be coupled to the crankshaft in a similar manner. The intermediate member can
have a receiving area for accommodating corresponding engaging members of the primary
members. The engaging members can be bolts that are received in a slot-like area provided
in or at the intermediate member. This can provide for a very robust and reliable
transfer of motion and forces from the primary members to the intermediate member.
In other aspects, the coupling of primary members and the intermediate member can
be accomplished via rollers that can provide for motion of the intermediate member
in a single linear dimension based upon the rotation of the primary member or primary
members. The intermediate member can comprise an engagement member (e.g., pin, etc.)
that can be received in corresponding receiving areas of the primary members.
[0018] The intermediate member can have a receiving area for receiving a corresponding engaging
member of the crankshaft in order to transfer motion and forces from the intermediate
member to the crank shaft. In some embodiments, this receiving area can be the same
as the receiving area provided for the engaging members of the primary members. According
to an alternative embodiment of the innovation, the intermediate member can comprise
an engagement member that can be received in a corresponding receiving area of the
crankshaft.
[0019] In some aspects, the intermediate member can be guided by guiding means extending
parallel to an axis along which the intermediate member travels. These guiding means
can comprise parallel columns, along which the intermediate member can slide and travel
back and forth between its end positions.
[0020] In various aspects, the subject innovation can be employed as or in connection with
a combustion engine that is a two-cycle or four-cycle engine, and both the Otto principle
as well as the diesel principle may be used in various embodiments.
[0021] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects
of the innovation are described herein in connection with the following description
and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the
various ways in which the principles of the innovation can be employed and the subject
innovation is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages
and novel features of the innovation will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022]
FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic side view of a combustion engine according to the
prior art.
FIG. 1B illustrates a section taken along the line II-II as indicated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an internal combustion engine
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view and a side view of an embodiment of an internal
combustion engine in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 4 illustrates front and back views of the example embodiment of an internal combustion
engine in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an example crank sub-assembly in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 6 presents side and top views of the example crank sub-assembly in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 7 illustrates a top and perspective view of an example second crankshaft in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 8 illustrates a top and perspective view of an example first crankshaft in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 9 illustrates perspective views of example primary member bearings in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 10 illustrates perspective, side, and bottom views of an example counterweight
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 11 illustrates side and perspective views of an example crank spur gear in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 12 illustrates perspective and side views of an example crank washer in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 13 illustrates perspective views of example crank bearing race and crank spacer
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of an example intermediate subassembly in accordance
with aspects of the innovation.
FIG. 15 illustrates top and front views of the intermediate sub-assembly, and front
and perspective views of the intermediate member, in accordance with aspects of the
innovation.
FIG. 16 illustrates top, perspective, and front views of an example planet carrier
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 17 illustrates perspective and front views of an example planet carrier cap in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 18 illustrates perspective views of planet carrier bearing and intermediate member
(IM) roller bearings in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 19 illustrates side and perspective views of an IM roller in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 20 illustrates top, perspective, and side views of a slider in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 21 illustrates perspective views of a planet carrier rod, slider rod, and slider
bearing, in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 22 illustrates a front and perspective view of a planet gear in accordance with
aspects of the innovation.
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective and front view of a ring gear in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of an IM roller cap, and perspective views of an
outer rail bearing and an inner rail bearing cap, in accordance with aspects of the
subject innovation.
FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of an example primary member subassembly in accordance
with aspects of the innovation.
FIG. 26 illustrates perspective, top, and back views of a first primary member component
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective, top, and front view of a second primary member
component in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a first piston and a side view of a second
piston in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 29 illustrates perspective views of a piston insert and an intermediate member
roller shaft in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 30 illustrates side and perspective views of a piston insert cap in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 31 illustrates perspective views of an IM roller shaft bearing and primary member
washer in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded view of an example bottom plate subassembly in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 33 is a top view of an example bottom plate sub-assembly in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation.
FIG. 34 is a back view of an example bottom plate sub-assembly in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 35 shows back, perspective, and side views of a bottom cylinder liner in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 36 shows side, back perspective, and front perspective views of a side plate
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 37 illustrates side and perspective views of a fluid reservoir in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 38 illustrates perspective and front views of a first bottom plate in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 39 illustrates perspective and side views of a first cylinder liner insert and
a second cylinder liner insert in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 40 illustrates front and perspective views of a second bottom plate, and perspective
views of an associated adjustment rod and adjustment rod nut, in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation.
FIG. 41 illustrates perspective views of an injector insert, an injector gasket, an
injection adapter, and an injector plate in accordance with aspects of the subject
innovation.
FIG. 42 illustrates perspective and front views of a bottom plate cover in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 43 illustrates perspective views of first and second bottom plate seals and a
piston seal in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 44 illustrates an exploded view of an example top plate sub-assembly in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 45 illustrates perspective and side views of a top plate sub-assembly, and a
perspective view of a top plate in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 46 illustrates front views of a top plate and a top plate sub-assembly in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 47 illustrates front, back, and perspective views of a top cylinder liner in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 48 illustrates a side view of an exhaust manifold and a perspective view of an
intake manifold in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 49 illustrates perspective and side views of the third and fourth cylinder liner
inserts in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 50 illustrates front and exploded views of an example front-end subassembly in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 51 illustrates perspective views of a flywheel and ring gear in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 52 illustrates perspective views of a front-end pulley cover and a front-end
pulley in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 53 illustrates perspective views of a coupling plate and a washer in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 54 illustrates side and exploded views of an example back-end subassembly in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 55 illustrates perspective and side views of a back-end pulley in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
[FIG. 56 illustrates a perspective view of an inner rail in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation.
FIG. 57 illustrates perspective and back views of an outer rail in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description,
for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide
a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that
the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to
facilitate describing the innovation.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates the main parts of a an internal combustion engine 2 as disclosed
for example in patent
US 7,600,490 B2. Although embodiments of internal combustion engines in accordance with the invention
differ from that described in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is to be understood
that differing embodiments can have similar structure and functionality where aspects
are not specifically identified as distinct. The internal combustion engine 2 shown
in Figs. 1A and 1B comprises two combustion chambers, a first combustion chamber 4
and a second combustion chamber 6 (not illustrated in the drawing), which are arranged
symmetrically opposite the first combustion chamber 4. The engine 2 has a first primary
member 8 and a second primary member 10, which are arranged in a symmetrical manner.
The first primary member 8 comprises a first piston 12 at one end and a third piston
16 at its other end. The second primary member 10 comprises a second piston 14 at
one end and a fourth piston 18 at its other end. The pistons 16 and 18 are not illustrated
in the drawing; they can be identical to the pistons 12 and 14.
[0025] The pistons 12 to 18 have a toroidal shape and are an integral part of the primary
members 8 and 10. Alternative embodiments of primary members with pistons that are
provided as separate parts are described below.
[0026] The first combustion chamber 4 is not only delimited by the pistons 12 and 14, but
also by a first wall 20, which is provided by a housing of the engine. The second
combustion chamber 6 is delimited accordingly by a second wall 22. The walls 20 and
22 have the shape of a section of a toroid and the ends of these sections guide the
ends of the primary members 8 and 10 on which the pistons 12 to 18 are disposed.
[0027] The primary member 8 have a pivot arm 24, which extends in a radial direction towards
the center of the engine 2. The primary member 10 has a corresponding pivot arm 26.
The pivot arms 24 and 26 pivot around a common pivot axis 28. The pivot axis 28 extends
in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
[0028] The pivot arm 24 of the primary member 8 is held at a bearing 30 that runs on a crank
shaft 42. Accordingly, the pivot arm 26 of the primary member 10 is held at a bearing
32 that runs on the crank shaft 42 (FIG. 1B and the accompanying discussion below
provide further details).
[0029] When the primary members 8 and 10 pivot around the common pivot axis 28 as illustrated
by arrows 34, they can move in such a way that they compress gas contained in combustion
chamber 4. The primary members 8 and 10 can also pivot in opposite directions, as
illustrated by arrows 36. When the primary members 8 and 10 pivot back and forth according
to directions 34 and 36, they can move within corresponding planes 38 and 40, as indicated
in FIG. 1B.
[0030] The crankshaft 42 extends in a direction perpendicular to these planes 38 and 40
and rotates around a rotation axis 44, which is coaxial with the pivot axis 28.
[0031] The crankshaft 42 comprises a lobe 46, which is arranged in a plane 48, which is
interposed between the planes 38 and 40.
[0032] The pivot arm 24 of the primary member 8 comprises a bolt-shaped engaging member
52, which is disposed at the end of the pivot arm 24, which faces the primary member
10. Accordingly, the pivot arm 26 of the primary member 10 carries a bolt-shaped engaging
member 50, which is disposed at the end of the pivot arm 26 facing the primary member
8. The central axis of the engaging members 50 and 52 are designated 54 and 56, respectively.
These central axes are turning axes, when the engaging members 50 and 52 are rotatably
disposed at the pivot arms 24 and 26, respectively.
[0033] In various embodiments, the engaging member 50 could also be arranged closer to the
primary member 8, e.g. at the central axis 56. Accordingly, the engaging member 52
could also be arranged closer to the primary member 10, e.g. at the central axis 54.
[0034] With respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the engine 2 comprise an intermediate member 58,
which has the shape of a frame. This frame is arranged within the plane 48. The intermediate
member 58 has an open receiving area 60, in which the engaging members 50 and 52 and
the lobe 46 of the crankshaft 42 are disposed. In alternate embodiments, as described
in greater detail below, in accordance with the invention the intermediate member
includes an orbiting planetary gearing system described herein.
[0035] The engine 2 also comprises guiding means 62, which include two or more parallel
columns. These are received in bearing parts 64, which is integrated at the side ends
of the intermediate member 58, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The intermediate member
58 can move along an axis 66, which extends in a direction parallel to the direction
in which the guiding means 62 extend. The intermediate member 58 can therefore move
along the axis 66 in an upward direction 68 or in downward direction 70.
[0036] In the embodiment according to the prior art, motion of the primary members 8 and
10 is transferred to the crankshaft 42 as follows: When primary members 8 and 10 move
in pivot direction 34 (to thereby decrease the size of the combustion chamber 4 and
increase the size of opposite combustion chamber 6), the engaging members 50 and 52
travel along a circular path in a substantially upward direction. The displacement
of the engaging members 50 and 52 is illustrated in FIG. 1 by means of dashed lines
(original position) and dashed-dotted lines (after pivot movement in direction 36).
The engaging members 50 and 52 engage the receiving area 60 of the intermediate member
58 and thereby drive the intermediate member 58 in an upward direction 68. The corresponding
displacement of the intermediate member 58 is illustrated in FIG. 1 by means of dashed
and dashed-dotted lines.
[0037] The intermediate member 58 with its receiving area 60 is also in contact with the
lobe 46 of the crankshaft 42. Therefore, when the intermediate member 58 travels in
the upward direction 68, the lobe 46 is displaced accordingly, which is indicated
by dashed-dotted lines. The displacement of the lobe 46 can cause a rotational movement
72 of the crankshaft 42.
[0038] The subject innovation relates to a system with an intermediate member sub-assembly
comprising an orbiting planetary gearing system, as well as to an internal combustion
engine employing such a system comprising an orbiting planetary gearing system to
drive a crankshaft. In various embodiments, the orbiting planetary gearing system
and associated intermediate member sub-assembly can be used either in connection with
an engine such as described herein, or in other contexts. Embodiments employing such
an orbiting planetary gearing system can provide multiple advantages over conventional
engines as well as embodiments discussed herein. Such advantages include but are not
limited to the following: improved structural integrity, reduced manufacturing cost,
and reduced assembly cost. One or more such embodiments are discussed below.
[0039] The prior art embodiment described above comprises an intermediate member assembly
(including guiding means 62, intermediate member 58, etc.) of which a halter (e.g.,
intermediate member 58) slides from one end position to another (mid positions) to
each respective mid positions of travel (top dead center (TDC) and bottom dead center
(BDC)) on the intermediate member assembly. However, this directional translation
of the halter on the intermediate member assembly can bring about the following: high
frictional values, a tilting and tipping of the entire intermediate member assembly,
etc.
[0040] Due to the tipping of the intermediate member assembly, high stresses can be induced
on various components, including those that can, in some embodiments, comprise ceramic
components (e.g., bearings, etc.).
[0041] Embodiments in accordance with the invention employing an orbiting planetary gearing
system, however, do not have a part such as the aforementioned halter in their intermediate
member sub-assembly. One advantage of such embodiments is to reduce the "tilting"
of the intermediate member sub-assembly when compared with prior art embodiments.
To achieve a reduction in the aforementioned forces, various embodiments can employ
an orbiting planetary gearing system.
[0042] The planetary gearing system can have a sun gear called the crank spur gear. The
crank spur gear can be rigidly fixed to the crank pin of the crankshaft, for example,
by means of male and female spline pairs. It is to be noted that the crank pin's axis
can still be located at an offset to the global rotational axis of the crank shaft
pair (e.g., common internal combustion engine style). The crankshafts can consist
of a male and female crankshaft (e.g., the first and second crankshafts discussed
herein, etc.), which can be coupled together by spline pairs.
[0043] Not only can the crank pin rigidly couple two crank spur gears, but it also can define
the orbiting motion of a planet carrier. The planet carrier can ride on the crank
pin by means of bearings. The position of the planet carrier on the crank pin can
be defined by the location of the crank spur gears, since a crank spur gear can be
located on either side of the planet carrier.
[0044] The planet carrier' s rotational axis can coincide with the offset axis of the crank
pin, thus allowing it to freely rotate around the same. However, the rotational motion
of the planet carrier can be restricted. The rotation in R
z can be restricted by the inclusion of rods (e.g., slider rods, etc.). These rails
can lock the planet carrier's horizontal axis in parallel motion to the horizontal
axis of the intermediate member assembly. This can result in a constraint set that
limits the motion of the planet carrier to x and y translation in respect to the intermediate
member assembly's global coordinate system.
[0045] The planet carrier can have, in addition to one global rotational axis, which when
assembled coincides with the offset axis of the crank pin of a first crankshaft, a
plurality (e.g., six, as illustrated, or a larger or smaller number, e.g., three or
more) of other rotational axis, which can be located on a circular perimeter around
the aforementioned main global rotational axis. These axes define the position of
cylindrical extrude features, two for each other rotational axis (twelve in the example
embodiments illustrated), with half (six in the example) on one side of the planet
carrier and another half (six in the example) on the respective other side. The planet
carrier can be symmetrical in design and in the illustrated embodiment resembles a
cylinder in overall shape.
[0046] The planet carrier can be directly connected to the crank spur gears by means of
planet gears which can be guided by the (twelve in the example illustrated) cylindrical
extrude features of the planet carrier. Thus when the crankshaft rotates, the crank
pin can orbit. This orbiting motion, along with the orbiting motion of the crank spur
gears, can allow a torque transmission to be carried through from the crankshaft to
the crank spur gears and into the planet gears. It is to be noted that the planet
gears will rotate in the opposite direction of the rotational direction of the crankshafts.
[0047] The planet gears can furthermore be connected to a ring gear with an internal gear
set (i.e., with gear teeth on the inside of the ring). Being an internal gear pair
with the planet gears, the direction of rotation of the ring gear will be identical
to that of the planet gears, and opposite the rotational direction of the crankshafts.
[0048] The ring gear, which can have the general shape of a cylinder with another cylindrical
extrude at an offset to the origin of the larger extrude, can act as an "excenter"
for the intermediate member assembly, wherein the respective axes are offset relative
to one another, and not coaxial. The second cylindrical extrude can act as the ring
gear with its internal gearing. The aforementioned offset of the second extrude should
closely match the crank pin offset value to facilitate proper functioning.
[0049] As an example of the operation of an embodiment employing the orbiting planetary
gearing system described herein, if a first crankshaft rotates ccw
(counterclockwise), the crank spur gears will do the same, since they are connected
to the crank pin of the first crankshaft. The planet carrier will not rotate, but
will translate in x and y, the orbiting motion of the crank pin offset. The planet
gears (twelve in the example illustrated) will rotate cw (clockwise) on the respective
extrude features on the planet carrier, and the planet gears will cause the ring gear
to rotate cw as well.
[0050] In such an embodiment, in hierarchal order, the following components can depend on
one another. The planet carrier can be moving in x and y on the crank pin. The ring
gear can be moving in x and y along with the planet carrier and can be rotating on
the planet carrier. The ring gear can be directly connected to the intermediate member
by a cylindrical extrude cut feature in the intermediate member. The ring gear can
be rotating the intermediate member assembly in top dead center (TDC) and bottom dead
center (BDC) positions respectively.
[0051] In various embodiments, the intermediate member's motion can be restricted to only
translating into the y axis (up and down motion). This restriction can be obtained
by inclusion of outer rails and inner rails. These rails can directly connect with
the housing (plates and cylinder liners) of the engine. To eliminate any other sliding
motion in the intermediate sub-assembly (such as can occur in the halter embodiments
discussed above), the intermediate member can also house cylindrical connecting means
for the oscillating members (primary members, such as those described herein). These
cylindrical connecting means, two of them in total - one on either side of the ring
gear extrude cut - are called intermediate member rollers (or IM rollers). The IM
roller can be a cylindrical cylinder with a cylindrical extrude cut at an offset to
its central axis such as the example described below. The cylindrical extrude cut
can allow the IM roller to be coupled to the primary members by pin connections. The
IM rollers can be positioned at an offset to the center axis (x axis) of the intermediate
member. This can allow the IM roller's extrude cut to rotate to accommodate an x and
y translation of the primary member pin connection. In various embodiments, the IM
rollers can be designed in terms of their cylindrical cut offsets to allow only a
slight rotation within the intermediate member while the primary members are moving
from BDC to TDC, so that the pin connections are only moving within one quadrant of
the Cartesian coordinate system of each IM roller itself.
[0052] Turning to a specific example embodiment that can implement such features, FIG. 2
illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an internal combustion engine 100
that employs an orbiting planetary gearing system in accordance with aspects of the
subject innovation. Although multiple specific components and features are described
in connection with internal combustion engine 100, it is to be understood that these
details are included for the purposes of illustrating concepts and features of the
innovation, which is not limited to the specific example embodiments provided herein.
Thus, while this example embodiment is provided with specific details and components
to provide a detailed illustration of a few specific embodiments of the subject innovation,
it is to be appreciated that many of the specific components or features disclosed
in connection with example internal combustion engine 100 are optional, and in other
embodiments such components or features may be absent or, alternatively, may be replaced
with other components or features.
[0053] In some embodiments, internal combustion engine 100 can comprise a crank sub-assembly
200, intermediate sub-assembly 300, primary member subassembly 400, bottom plate sub-assembly
500, top plate sub-assembly 600, front-end sub-assembly 700, back-end sub-assembly
800, inner rails 902, and outer rails 904. Each of these assemblies or components
is described in greater detail herein. As with internal combustion engine 2, internal
combustion engine 100 can comprise two combustion chambers, a first (or upper) combustion
chamber and a second (or lower) combustion chamber that can be delimited or defined
by pistons of the primary member sub-assembly 400, and cylinder liners of the bottom
plate sub-assembly 500 and top plate sub-assembly 600. Primary members of the primary
member subassembly 400 can be coupled to the intermediate sub-assembly 300, and rotation
of the primary members can cause motion of the intermediate sub-assembly 300 along
the inner rails 902 and outer rails 904. This motion can drive rotation of the crank
sub-assembly 200 and can also drive pulleys of front-end assembly 700 and back-end
assembly 800, as well as a flywheel of front-end assembly 700, generating mechanical
energy that can be used for substantially any application of an internal combustion
engine (e.g., for locomotion of a vehicle, to run vehicle accessories, for stationary
applications, etc.).
[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view and a side view of an embodiment of internal
combustion engine 100 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. Multiple
components that can be included in at least one of internal combustion engine 100
or subassemblies thereof can be seen in FIG. 3. A first crankshaft 202 and a second
crankshaft 204 can be coupled to the motion of an intermediate subassembly 300 (not
illustrated in FIG. 3). Multiple components that can be included in a bottom plate
sub-assembly 500 are illustrated in FIG. 3, including a bottom cylinder liner 502
that can partly define a combustion chamber, a side plate 504, a fluid reservoir 506
(e.g., for storing engine oil, etc.), a first bottom plate 508, second bottom plates
510, injection adapters 512 that can inject fuel into the combustion chambers, and
a bottom plate cover 514. Components visible in FIG. 3 that can be included in a top
plate sub-assembly 600 are a top cylinder liner 602 that can partly define a combustion
chamber, an intake manifold 604, and an exhaust manifold 606. Components that can
be included in a front-end sub-assembly 700 which can be seen in FIG. 3 include a
front-end coupling plate 702 that can couple motion of the front- end sub-assembly
700 or components thereof to that of the crank sub-assembly 200, a front-end pulley
704, a flywheel 706, and a ring gear 708. Components that can be included in a back-end
sub-assembly which can be seen in FIG. 3 include a back-end coupling plate 802 that
can couple motion of the back-end sub-assembly 800 or components thereof to that of
the crank sub-assembly 200 and a back-end pulley 804. FIG. 4 illustrates front and
back views of the example embodiment of internal combustion engine 100 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
[0055] Additionally visible in FIG. 4 are adjustment rods 516 and adjustment rod nuts 518
that can be included in bottom plate sub-assembly 500 to facilitate adjustment and
attachment of the second bottom plates 510 to the first bottom plate 508.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an example crank sub-assembly 200 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation. Example crank sub-assembly 200 can include
the first crankshaft 202 and second crankshaft 204, which can couple to one another
via a spline joint that can include the spline visible on the inner side of the first
crankshaft 202 (i.e., the side facing the second crankshaft 204). Between the first
crankshaft 202 and second crankshaft 204, the spline joint can couple with one or
more of crank spur gears 206, crank washers 208, crank bearing race 210, and crank
spacer 212. Primary members of primary member sub-assembly 400 can rotate around the
circular inner surface of first crankshaft 202 and second crankshaft 204, between
the primary member bearings 214 (e.g., which can be made of ceramic, etc., to provide
for reduced friction in the absence of lubrication, etc.). The cylindrical extrudes
visible on the outer sides of the first and second crankshafts 202 and 204 can couple
to roller bearings that can be included in the bottom plate sub-assembly 500 and the
top plate sub-assembly 600. Counterweights 216 can be included on the first and second
crankshafts 202 and 204 to reduce vibration.
[0057] FIGS. 6-13 show various components that can be included in or associated with a crank
sub-assembly 200 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 6 presents
side and top views of the example crank sub-assembly 200 in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation. FIG. 7 illustrates a top and perspective view of an example
second crankshaft 204 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation, showing
a spline that can be included on the second crankshaft 204 to couple with the first
crankshaft 202. FIG. 8 illustrates a top and perspective view of an example first
crankshaft 202 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 9 illustrates
perspective views of example primary member bearings 214 in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation. In various aspects, these bearings and other components
of internal combustion engines 2 or 100 can be ceramic, which can provide reduced
friction. FIG. 10 illustrates perspective, side, and bottom views of an example counterweight
216 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 11 illustrates side
and perspective views of an example crank spur gear 206 in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation. FIG. 12 illustrates perspective and side views of an example
crank washer 208 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 13 illustrates
perspective views of example crank bearing race 210 and crank spacer 214 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
[0058] Turning to FIG. 14, illustrated is an exploded view of an example intermediate sub-assembly
300 in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
Intermediate member 302 can house a pair of ring gears 304 and associated ring gear
bearings 306 (e.g., to reduce friction, etc.) in a central opening, such that ring
gears 304 can rotate within that central opening. Planet carrier 308 can be positioned
within ring gears 304, and can have a plurality of pins or cylindrical extrude features
on each side as illustrated, each of which can couple with a planet gear 310, which
can be maintained between planet carrier caps 312. Planet carrier 308, planet gears
310 (enclosed within the dashed regions) and planet carrier caps 312 can be placed
within the central opening of the intermediate member 302 such that teeth of planet
gears 310 couple with those of crank spur gears 206 (e.g., which can act as a sun
gear, etc.) and with those of ring gears 304. As such, rotation of ring gears 304
and planet gears 310 is coupled to that of the crank sub-assembly 200 via crank spur
gears 206. Planet gears 310 can rotate around the pins or cylindrical extrude features
of planet carrier 308; however, planet carrier 308 need not rotate, but can instead
translate in the horizontal and vertical directions (as used herein, for ease of reference,
"horizontal" and "vertical" refer to a pair of arbitrary, mutually orthogonal directions,
and are not used in relation to gravity), with planet carrier bearings 332 being disposed
between the ring gears 304 and planet carrier 308 to provide for reduced friction.
Rotation of planet carrier 308 can be constrained with the inclusion of slider rods
314 and planet carrier rods 316, which can allow vertical motion of planet carrier
308 and associated components via planet carrier 308 sliding vertically along slider
rods 314. Slider rods 314 and planet carrier rods 316 can be coupled to sliders 318,
which can move horizontally along slider bearings 320, allowing horizontal motion
of the planet carrier 308 and associated components. These components, the ring gears
304, planet carrier 308, and planet gears 310, with or without other associated components,
can act as an orbiting planetary gearing system in accordance with aspects of the
subject innovation, whereby the linear motion (vertically) of the intermediate sub-assembly
300 can drive the rotational motion of the crank sub-assembly 200 via the translational
(horizontal and vertical) motion of the planet carrier 308, and the rotational motion
of the ring gears 304, which is coupled to the planet gears 310, which are also coupled
to crank spur gears 206.
[0059] Intermediate sub-assembly 300 can move vertically along inner rails 902 and outer
rails 904. Outer rail bearings 322 and inner rail bearings 324, which can be held
in place via inner rail bearing caps 326. As with other bearings described herein,
in some embodiments, bearings 322 and 324 can be made of ceramic or other materials
that can provide for reduced friction.
[0060] Motion of the intermediate sub-assembly 300 can be coupled to the motion of primary
members of the primary member sub-assembly 400 via intermediate member rollers (also
referred to herein as IM rollers) 328, which can be placed in side openings of intermediate
member 302 along with associated IM roller bearings 330 and IM roller caps 334. Because
of the offset coupling of the IM rollers 328 with the primary members, vertical motion
of the intermediate sub-assembly 300 can be coupled to motion along an arc of a circle
for the primary members.
[0061] FIGS. 15-24 show various components that can be included in or associated with an
intermediate sub-assembly 300 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 15 illustrates top and front views of the intermediate sub-assembly 300, and
front and perspective views of the intermediate member 302, in accordance with aspects
of the innovation. FIG. 16 illustrates top, perspective, and front views of an example
planet carrier 308 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 17 illustrates
perspective and front views of an example planet carrier cap 312 in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 18 illustrates perspective views of a planet
carrier bearing 332 and IM roller bearings 330 in accordance with aspects of the subject
innovation. FIG. 19 illustrates side and perspective views of an IM roller 328 in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. The offset opening for coupling
to the primary members of the primary member sub-assembly 400 is visible in the perspective
view. FIG. 20 illustrates top, perspective, and side views of a slider 318 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 21 illustrates perspective views of a
planet carrier rod 316, slider rod 314, and slider bearing 320, in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 22 illustrates a front and perspective view
of a planet gear 310 in accordance with aspects of the innovation. FIG. 23 illustrates
a perspective and front view of a ring gear 304 in accordance with aspects of the
subject innovation. FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of an IM roller cap 334, and
perspective views of an outer rail rail bearing 322 and an inner rail bearing cap
326, in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
[0062] Turning to FIG. 25, illustrated is an exploded view of an example primary member
sub-assembly 400 in accordance with aspects of the innovation. Primary member sub-assembly
400 can include a pair of first primary member components 402 and a pair of second
primary member components 404. Each first primary member component 402 can couple
to a second primary member component 404, and the coupled or assembled pair (e.g.,
forming a primary member similar to those described above in connection with internal
combustion engine 2) can include an associated primary member washer 406. Piston extensions
408 can be attached to each end of a coupled pair of a first primary member component
402 and second primary member component 404, and first pistons 410 or second pistons
412 can be attached to the ends of the coupled first primary member component 402
and second primary member component 404 (the coupled pair of a first primary member
component 402 and second primary member component 404 corresponds to one of primary
member 8 or primary member 10 described in connection with internal combustion engine
2; in various embodiments, unitary primary members can be employed alternatively to
a pair of first primary member component 402 and second primary member component 404).
Piston inserts 414 can be included to secure first pistons 410 or second pistons 412
to the coupled first and second primary member components 402 and 404, and piston
insert caps 416 can be included as caps over the piston inserts 414 (although only
one piston insert 414 and one piston insert cap 416 are labeled in FIG. 25, four of
each are visible in FIG. 25, although the others overlap with other components). In
some embodiments, pistons of the subject innovation (e.g., first pistons 410, second
pistons 412, etc.) can be made of ceramic or other materials to provide for reduced
friction. Together with cylinder liners discussed below, first pistons 410 and second
pistons 412 can define the combustion chambers of internal combustion engine 100.
IM roller shafts 418 and IM roller shaft bearings 420 can be included to couple each
paired first primary member component 402 and second primary member component 404
to an IM roller 328, and thereby couple the motion of the primary member components
402 and 404 (which can move at least in part based on combustion of fuel in the combustion
chambers partially defined by attached pistons 410 and 412) to that of the intermediate
member sub-assembly 300 (and thereby to the crank sub-assembly 200).
[0063] FIGS. 26-31 show various components that can be included in or associated with a
primary member sub-assembly 400 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 26 illustrates perspective, top, and back views of a first primary member component
402 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective,
top, and front view of a second primary member component 404 in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation. FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a first piston
410 and a side view of a second piston 412 in accordance with aspects of the subject
innovation. In aspects, pistons of the subject innovation can be made of a material
such as ceramic to provide for reduced friction. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2
(but not visible in the views of FIGS. 25 or 28), the ends of first piston 410 and
second piston 412 can include contours or features that can create vortices in the
combustion chambers which they partially define, providing for improved mixing of
fuel and air, and thus more efficient combustion of fuel. FIG. 29 illustrates perspective
views of a piston insert 414 and an intermediate member roller shaft 418 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 30 illustrates side and perspective views
of a piston insert cap 416 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG.
31 illustrates perspective views of an IM roller shaft bearing 420 and primary member
washer 406 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
[0064] Turning to FIG. 32, illustrated is an exploded view of an example bottom plate sub-assembly
500 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. Bottom plate sub-assembly
500 can include bottom cylinder liners 502, which can partially define the combustion
chambers of internal combustion engine 100, side plates 504, and a fluid reservoir
506, that can store oil used in connection with internal combustion engine 100. Each
bottom cylinder liner 502 can be associated with a first cylinder liner insert 534
and a second cylinder liner insert 536, coupled to a first bottom plate 508, which
can be connected to second bottom plates 510, which can be coupled via bottom plate
covers 514 and adjustment rods 516 and adjustment rod nuts 518. Injection adapters
512 can provide fuel for the combustion chambers, and can be connected via injector
inserts 520 and injector plates 522, with injector gaskets 524 providing seals. Bottom
plate sub-assembly 500 can also include piston seals 526, which can be arranged as
stationary elements in the combustion chambers, and can facilitate control of oil
in cooperation with piston extensions 408, as piston extensions 408 slide past piston
seals 526. Additionally, bottom plate sub-assembly 500 can include first bottom plate
seal 528, second bottom plate seal 530, and washer 532. The first crankshaft 202 of
crank sub-assembly 200 can pass through the opening in the first bottom plate 508
to couple with back-end sub-assembly 800 as described herein. FIG. 33 is a top view
of example bottom plate sub-assembly 500 in accordance with aspects of the subject
innovation. FIG. 34 is a back view of example bottom plate subassembly 500 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
[0065] FIGS. 35-43 illustrate various components that can be included in or associated with
a bottom plate sub-assembly 500 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 35 shows back, perspective, and side views of a bottom cylinder liner 502 in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. As seen in the back view, in some
embodiments bottom cylinder liner 502 (and top cylinder liner 602) can include contours
(e.g., cooling channels, raised features, etc.) that can provide for more efficient
cooling via increased surface area and heat transfer to a flowing fluid (e.g., air,
oil, water, etc.) in various embodiments; such features also are visible on other
components (e.g., top plate, etc.). Heat can thereby be transferred away from the
combustion chambers partially defined by bottom cylinder liner 502 (and top cylinder
liner 602) more efficiently. FIG. 36 shows side, back perspective, and front perspective
views of a side plate 504 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG.
37 illustrates side and perspective views of a fluid reservoir 506 in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 38 illustrates perspective and front views
of a first bottom plate 508 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 39 illustrates perspective and side views of a first cylinder liner insert and
a second cylinder liner insert in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 40 illustrates front and perspective views of a second bottom plate 510, and
perspective views of an associated adjustment rod 516 and adjustment rod nut 518,
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 41 illustrates perspective
views of an injector insert 520, an injector gasket 524, an injection adapter 512,
and an injector plate 522 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG.
42 illustrates perspective and front views of a bottom plate cover 514 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 43 illustrates perspective views of first
and second bottom plate seals 528 and 530 and a piston seal 526 in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
[0066] FIG. 44 illustrates an exploded view of an example top plate sub-assembly 600 in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. Top-plate sub-assembly can include
top cylinder liners 602, which can be associated with intake manifolds 604 and exhaust
manifolds 606, which can supply air to the combustion chamber and collect exhaust
from the combustion chamber, respectively. Top cylinder liners 602 can be associated
with third cylinder liner inserts 608 and fourth cylinder liner inserts 610, which
can be similar to first cylinder liner insert 534 and second cylinder liner insert
536. Top plate 612 can house the top cylinder liners 602, and can be associated with
a first bottom plate seal 528 a second bottom plate seal 530, and a washer 532, which
can be substantially as described above in connection with bottom plate subassembly
500. Bearing cage 614 can house a pair of roller bearings for engaging front-end sub-assembly.
FIG. 45 illustrates perspective and side views of a top plate sub-assembly, and a
perspective view of a top plate in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 46 illustrates front views of a top plate and a top plate subassembly in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation.
[0067] FIGS. 47-49 illustrate various components that can be included in or associated with
a top plate sub-assembly 600 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 47 illustrates front, back, and perspective views of a top cylinder liner 602
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 48 illustrates a side view
of an exhaust manifold 606 and a perspective view of an intake manifold 604 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 49 illustrates perspective and side views
of the third and fourth cylinder liner inserts 608 and 610 in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation.
[0068] FIG. 50 illustrates front and exploded views of an example front-end subassembly
700 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. An example front- end sub-assembly
700 can include a ring gear 708 for starting internal combustion engine 100, a flywheel
706 (e.g., which can include a cooling impeller to transfer heat away from internal
combustion engine 100, etc.), a front-end pulley 704, a front-end pulley cover 710,
a front-end coupling plate 702 that can couple to a spline on an outer extension of
a second crankshaft 204 (or first crankshaft 202, which has a similar spline), and
a washer 712.
[0069] FIGS. 51-53 illustrate various components that can be included in or associated with
a front-end sub-assembly 700 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
FIG. 51 illustrates perspective views of a flywheel (and cooling impeller) 706 and
ring gear 708 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 52 illustrates
perspective views of a front-end pulley cover 710 and a front-end pulley 704 in accordance
with aspects of the subject innovation. FIG. 53 illustrates perspective views of a
coupling plate and a washer in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
[0070] FIG. 54 illustrates side and exploded views of an example back-end subassembly 800
in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. Example back-end sub-assembly
800 can comprise a back-end pulley 804, a back-end pulley cover 806, a back-end coupling
plate 802 that can couple to a spline on an outer extension of a first crankshaft
202 (or second crankshaft 204, which has a similar spline), and a washer 808. FIG.
55 illustrates perspective and side views of a back-end pulley 804 in accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
[0071] FIG. 56 illustrates a perspective view of an inner rail 902 in accordance with aspects
of the subject innovation. FIG. 57 illustrates perspective and back views of an outer
rail 904 in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation.
1. A system, comprising:
an intermediate member sub-assembly (300) comprising an orbiting planetary gearing
system, one or more sliders (318), and one or more slider rods (314);
at least one crankshaft (202, 204) coupled to the intermediate member sub-assembly
(300);
wherein the orbiting planetary gearing system couples linear motion of the intermediate
member sub-assembly (300) to rotational motion of the at least one crankshaft (202,
204),
wherein the orbiting planetary gearing system comprises a plurality of planet gears
(310) coupled to a planet carrier (308),
wherein teeth of each of the plurality of planet gears (308) engage with teeth of
a ring gear (304) and with teeth of a crank spur gear (206) associated with the at
least one crankshaft (202, 204),
wherein the planet carrier (308) moves vertically along the one or more slider rods
(314),
wherein the one or more slider rods (314) is coupled to the one or more sliders (318),
and
wherein each of the one or more sliders (318) move horizontally along one or more
slider bearings (320).
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
a first primary member (8) coupled to the intermediate member sub-assembly (300);
and
a second primary member (10) coupled to the intermediate member sub-assembly (300),
wherein the linear motion of the intermediate member sub-assembly (300) is coupled
to rotational motion of the first primary member (8) and the second primary member
(10).
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising an engine housing comprising a first cylinder
liner (502) and a second cylinder liner (602), wherein the first primary member (8)
is coupled to a first piston (410), wherein the second primary member is coupled to
a second piston (410), and wherein a combustion chamber is defined by the first piston
(410), the second piston (410), the first cylinder liner (502), and the second cylinder
liner (602).
4. An internal combustion engine, the engine comprising:
an engine housing comprising a first cylinder liner (502) and a second cylinder liner
(602) defining at least a first section of a toroid between the first cylinder liner
(502) and the second cylinder liner (602) and delimiting a first combustion chamber;
a first primary member (8) coupled to a first piston (410), the first piston (410)
also delimiting the first combustion chamber, the first piston (410) guided along
a first curved path defined by the first section of the toroid;
a second primary member (10) coupled to a second piston (410), the second piston (410)
also delimiting the first combustion chamber, the second piston (410) guided along
a second curved path defined by the first section of the toroid; and
a system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate member sub-assembly (300)
is coupled to the first and the second primary members (8, 10).
5. The internal combustion engine of claim 4, wherein the first primary member (8) and
the second primary member (10) rotate around the at least one crankshaft (202, 204).
6. The internal combustion engine of claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of the first
cylinder liner (502) or the second cylinder liner (602) comprises cooling channels
that facilitate heat transfer away from the internal combustion engine.
7. The internal combustion engine of claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein at least one of the first
piston (410) or the second piston (410) comprises contours that create vortices in
the first combustion chamber.
8. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein two
crankshafts (202, 204) coupled to the intermediate member sub-assembly (300) and connected
by a spline joint are provided.
9. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
wherein the engine housing comprises a third cylinder liner (502) and a fourth cylinder
liner (602) defining at least a second section of the toroid between the third cylinder
liner (502) and the fourth cylinder liner (602) and delimiting a second combustion
chamber;
wherein the first primary member (8) coupled to a third piston (412), the third piston
(412) also delimiting the second combustion chamber, the third piston (412) guided
along a third curved path defined by the second section of the toroid; and
wherein the second primary member (10) coupled to a fourth piston (412), the fourth
piston (412) also delimiting the second combustion chamber, the fourth piston (412)
guided along a fourth curved path defined by the second section of the toroid.
10. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the
first primary member (8) is coupled to the intermediate member sub-assembly (300)
via a first intermediate member roller (328), which first intermediate member roller
(328) is placed offset to the at least one crankshaft (202, 204), whereby rotational
motion of the first primary member (8) around the at least one crankshaft (202, 204)
is coupled to linear motion of the intermediate member sub-assembly (300), and
the second primary member (10) is coupled to the intermediate member sub-assembly
(300) via a second intermediate member roller (328), which second intermediate member
roller (328) is placed offset to the at least one crankshaft (202, 204), whereby rotational
motion of the second primary member (10) around the at least one crankshaft (202,
204) is coupled to linear motion of the intermediate member sub-assembly (300).
11. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the
intermediate member sub-assembly (300) slides linearly along a plurality of rails.
12. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the
at least one crankshaft is coupled to a flywheel (706) and a cooling impeller.
13. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein at
least one of the first piston (410) or the second piston (410) is ceramic.
14. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the
at least one crankshaft (202, 204) is coupled to a front-end pulley (704) and to a
back-end pulley (804).
15. The internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the
first primary member (8) is assembled from several components comprising at least
a pair of coupled first primary member components (402, 404), and wherein the second
primary member (10) is assembled from several components comprising at least a pair
of coupled second primary member component (402, 404).
1. System, umfassend:
eine Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) umfassend ein umlaufendes Planetengetriebesystem,
einen oder mehrere Schieber (318) und eine oder mehrere Schieberstangen (314);
mindestens eine Kurbelwelle (202, 204), die mit der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300)
gekoppelt ist;
wobei das umlaufende Planetengetriebesystem eine Linearbewegung der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe
(300) mit einer Rotationsbewegung der mindestens einen Kurbelwelle (202, 204) koppelt,
wobei das umlaufende Planetengetriebesystem eine Mehrzahl von Planetenrädern (310)
umfasst, die mit einem Planetenträger (308) gekoppelt sind,
wobei Zähne jedes der Mehrzahl von Planetenrädern (308) in Zähne eines Hohlrades (304)
und in Zähne eines Kurbelstirnrads (206), das der mindestens einen Kurbelwelle (202,
204) zugeordnet ist, eingreifen,
wobei der Planetenträger (308) sich vertikal an der einen oder den mehreren Schieberstangen
(314) entlang bewegt,
wobei die eine oder die mehreren Schieberstangen (314) mit dem einen oder den mehreren
Schiebern (318) gekoppelt ist, und
wobei der eine oder die mehreren Schieber (318) sich jeweils horizontal an einem oder
mehreren Gleitlagern (320) entlang bewegen.
2. System nach Anspruch 1, weiter umfassend:
ein erstes Primärglied (8), das mit der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) gekoppelt
ist; und
ein zweites Primärglied (10), das mit der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) gekoppelt
ist;
wobei die Linearbewegung der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) mit einer Rotationsbewegung
des ersten Primärglieds (8) und des zweiten Primärglieds (10) gekoppelt ist.
3. System nach Anspruch 2, weiter umfassend ein Motorgehäuse, das eine erste Zylinderlaufbuchse
(502) und eine zweite Zylinderlaufbuchse (602) umfasst, wobei das erste Primärglied
(8) mit einem ersten Kolben (410) gekoppelt ist, wobei das zweite Primärglied mit
einem zweiten Kolben (410) gekoppelt ist, und wobei eine Verbrennungskammer durch
den ersten Kolben (410), den zweiten Kolben (410), die erste Zylinderlaufbuchse (502)
und die zweite Zylinderlaufbuchse (602) definiert ist.
4. Verbrennungsmotor, wobei der Motor umfasst:
ein Motorgehäuse, das eine erste Zylinderlaufbuchse (502) und eine zweite Zylinderlaufbuchse
(602) umfasst, die mindestens einen ersten Abschnitt eines Torus zwischen der ersten
Zylinderlaufbuchse (502) und der zweiten Zylinderlaufbuchse (602) definieren und eine
erste Verbrennungskammer begrenzen;
ein erstes Primärglied (8), das mit einem ersten Kolben (410) gekoppelt ist, wobei
der erste Kolben (410) auch die erste Verbrennungskammer begrenzt, und der erste Kolben
(410) entlang einer ersten Kurvenbahn, die vom ersten Abschnitt des Torus definiert
ist, geführt ist;
ein zweites Primärglied (10), das mit einem zweiten Kolben (410) gekoppelt ist, wobei
der zweite Kolben (410) auch die erste Verbrennungskammer begrenzt, und der zweite
Kolben (410) entlang einer zweiten Kurvenbahn, die vom ersten Abschnitt des Torus
definiert ist, geführt ist; und
ein System nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) mit dem ersten
und zweiten Primärglied (8, 10) gekoppelt ist.
5. Verbrennungsmotor nach Anspruch 4, wobei das erste Primärglied (8) und das zweite
Primärglied (10) sich um die mindestens eine Kurbelwelle (202, 204) drehen.
6. Verbrennungsmotor nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei die erste Zylinderlaufbuchse (502)
und/oder die zweite Zylinderlaufbuchse (602) Kühlkanäle umfasst, die eine Wärmeableitung
vom Verbrennungsmotor begünstigen.
7. Verbrennungsmotor nach Anspruch 4, 5 oder 6, wobei der erste Kolben (410) und/oder
der zweite Kolben (410) Kontouren umfasst, die in der ersten Verbrennungskammer Verwirbelungen
erzeugen.
8. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 7, wobei zwei Kurbelwellen (202,
204) vorgesehen sind, die mit der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) gekoppelt und
durch eine Keilverzahnung verbunden sind.
9. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 8, wobei das Motorgehäuse eine dritte
Zylinderlaufbuchse (502) und eine vierte Zylinderlaufbuchse (602) umfasst, die mindestens
einen zweiten Abschnitt des Torus zwischen der dritten Zylinderlaufbuchse (502) und
der vierten Zylinderlaufbuchse (602) definieren und eine zweite Verbrennungskammer
begrenzen;
wobei das erste Primärglied (8) mit einem dritten Kolben (412) gekoppelt ist, wobei
der dritte Kolben (412) auch die zweite Verbrennungskammer begrenzt, und der dritte
Kolben (412) entlang einer dritten Kurvenbahn, die vom zweiten Abschnitt des Torus
definiert ist, geführt ist; und
wobei das zweite Primärglied (10) mit einem vierten Kolben (412) gekoppelt ist, wobei
der vierte Kolben (412) auch die zweite Verbrennungskammer begrenzt, und der vierte
Kolben (412) entlang einer vierten Kurvenbahn, die vom zweiten Abschnitt des Torus
definiert ist, geführt ist.
10. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 9, wobei das erste Primärglied (8)
mit der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) über eine erste Zwischenglied-Rolle (328)
gekoppelt ist, wobei die erste Zwischenglied-Rolle (328) zur mindestens einen Kurbelwelle
(202, 204) versetzt angeordnet ist, wodurch eine Rotationsbewegung des ersten Primärglieds
(8) um die mindestens eine Kurbelwelle (202, 204) mit einer Linearbewegung der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe
(300) gekoppelt ist, und
das zweite Primärglied (10) mit der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) über eine zweite
Zwischenglied-Rolle (328) gekoppelt ist, wobei die zweite Zwischenglied-Rolle (328)
zur mindestens einen Kurbelwelle (202, 204) versetzt angeordnet ist, wodurch eine
Rotationsbewegung des zweiten Primärglieds (10) um die mindestens eine Kurbelwelle
(202, 204) mit einer Linearbewegung der Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe (300) gekoppelt
ist.
11. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 10, wobei die Zwischenglied-Unterbaugruppe
(300) linear entlang einer Mehrzahl von Schienen gleitet.
12. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 11, wobei die mindestens eine Kurbelwelle
mit einem Schwungrad (706) und einem Kühlerlaufrad gekoppelt ist.
13. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 12, wobei der erste Kolben (410)
und/oder der zweite Kolben (410) aus Keramik gebildet ist.
14. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 13, wobei die mindestens eine Kurbelwelle
(202, 204) mit einer vorderen Scheibe (704) und mit einer hinteren Scheibe (804) gekoppelt
ist.
15. Verbrennungsmotor nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 14, wobei das erste Primärglied (8)
aus mehreren Komponenten zusammengesetzt ist, die mindestens ein Paar gekoppelter
erster Primärglied-Komponenten (402, 404) umfasst, und wobei das zweite Primärglied
(10) aus mehreren Komponenten zusammengesetzt ist, die mindestens ein Paar gekoppelter
zweiter Primärglied-Komponenten (402, 404) umfasst.
1. Système, comprenant :
un sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300) comportant un système à engrenage planétaire
en orbite, un ou plusieurs coulisseaux (318) et une ou plusieurs tiges de coulisseaux
(314) ;
au moins un vilebrequin (202, 204) couplé au sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire
(300) ;
dans lequel le système à engrenage planétaire en orbite couple un mouvement linéaire
du sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300) à un mouvement rotatif de l'au moins
un vilebrequin (202, 204),
dans lequel le système à engrenage planétaire en orbite comporte une pluralité de
satellites (310) couplés à un porte-satellites (308),
dans lequel les dents de chacun de la pluralité de satellites (308) sont en prise
avec les dents d'une couronne dentée (304) et avec les dents d'un engrenage droit
de vilebrequin (206) associé à l'au moins un vilebrequin (202, 204),
dans lequel le porte-satellites (308) se déplace verticalement le long des une ou
plusieurs tiges de coulisseaux (314),
dans lequel les une ou plusieurs tiges de coulisseaux (314) sont couplées aux un ou
plusieurs coulisseaux (318) et
dans lequel chacun des un ou plusieurs coulisseaux (318) se déplace horizontalement
le long d'un ou plusieurs supports de coulisseaux (320).
2. Système selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :
un premier élément primaire (8) couplé au sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300)
; et
un second élément primaire (10) couplé au sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300),
dans lequel le mouvement linéaire du sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300) est
couplé au mouvement rotatif du premier élément primaire (8) et du second élément primaire
(10).
3. Système selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre un carter de moteur comportant
une première chemise de cylindre (502) et une deuxième chemise de cylindre (602),
dans lequel le premier élément primaire (8) est couplé à un premier piston (410),
dans lequel le second élément primaire est couplé à un deuxième piston (410), et dans
lequel une chambre de combustion est définie par le premier piston (410), le deuxième
piston (410), la première chemise de cylindre (502) et la deuxième chemise de cylindre
(602).
4. Moteur à combustion interne, le moteur comprenant :
un carter de moteur comportant une première chemise de cylindre (502) et une deuxième
chemise de cylindre (602) définissant au moins une première section d'un tore entre
la première chemise de cylindre (502) et la deuxième chemise de cylindre (602) et
délimitant une première chambre de combustion ;
un premier élément primaire (8) couplé à un premier piston (410), le premier piston
(410) délimitant également la première chambre de combustion, le premier piston (410)
étant guidé le long d'une première trajectoire incurvée définie par la première section
du tore ;
un second élément primaire (10) couplé à un deuxième piston (410), le deuxième piston
(410) délimitant également la première chambre de combustion, le deuxième piston (410)
étant guidé le long d'une deuxième trajectoire incurvée définie par la première section
du tore ; et
un système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire
(300) est couplé aux premier et second éléments primaires (8, 10).
5. Moteur à combustion interne selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le premier élément
primaire (8) et le second élément primaire (10) tournent autour de l'au moins un vilebrequin
(202, 204).
6. Moteur à combustion interne selon la revendication 4 ou 5, dans lequel au moins une
chemise parmi la première chemise de cylindre (502) et la deuxième chemise de cylindre
(602) comporte des canaux de refroidissement qui facilitent une dissipation de chaleur
hors du moteur à combustion interne.
7. Moteur à combustion interne selon la revendication 4, 5 ou 6, dans lequel au moins
un piston parmi le premier piston (410) et le deuxième piston (410) comporte des contours
qui créent des tourbillons dans la première chambre de combustion.
8. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, dans
lequel sont ménagés deux vilebrequins (202, 204) couplés au sous-ensemble d'élément
intermédiaire (300) et assemblés par un joint à cannelures.
9. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 8,
dans lequel le carter de moteur comporte une troisième chemise de cylindre (502) et
une quatrième chemise de cylindre (602) définissant au moins une seconde section du
tore entre la troisième chemise de cylindre (502) et la quatrième chemise de cylindre
(602) et délimitant une seconde chambre de combustion ;
dans lequel le premier élément primaire (8) est couplé à un troisième piston (412),
le troisième piston (412) délimitant également la seconde chambre de combustion, le
troisième piston (412) étant guidé le long d'une troisième trajectoire incurvée définie
par la seconde section du tore ; et
dans lequel le second élément primaire (10) est couplé à un quatrième piston (412),
le quatrième piston (412) délimitant également la seconde chambre de combustion, le
quatrième piston (412) étant guidé le long d'une quatrième trajectoire incurvée définie
par la seconde section du tore.
10. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 9, dans
lequel le premier élément primaire (8) est couplé au sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire
(300) par l'intermédiaire d'un premier rouleau d'élément intermédiaire (328), lequel
premier rouleau d'élément intermédiaire (328) est placé en décalage par rapport à
l'au moins un vilebrequin (202, 204), de sorte qu'un mouvement rotatif du premier
élément primaire (8) autour de l'au moins un vilebrequin (202, 204) est couplé à un
mouvement linéaire du sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300), et
le second élément primaire (10) est couplé au sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire
(300) par l'intermédiaire d'un second rouleau d'élément intermédiaire (328), lequel
second rouleau d'élément intermédiaire (328) est placé en décalage par rapport à l'au
moins un vilebrequin (202, 204), de sorte qu'un mouvement rotatif du second élément
primaire (10) autour de l'au moins un vilebrequin (202, 204) est couplé à un mouvement
linéaire du sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300).
11. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 10, dans
lequel le sous-ensemble d'élément intermédiaire (300) coulisse linéairement le long
d'une pluralité de rails.
12. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 11, dans
lequel l'au moins un vilebrequin est couplé à un volant d'inertie (706) et à une roue
de refroidissement.
13. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 12, dans
lequel au moins un piston parmi le premier piston (410) ou le deuxième piston (410)
est en céramique.
14. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 13, dans
lequel l'au moins un vilebrequin (202, 204) est couplé à une poulie avant (704) et
à une poulie arrière (804).
15. Moteur à combustion interne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 14, dans
lequel le premier élément primaire (8) est constitué de plusieurs composants comprenant
au moins une paire de composants couplés du premier élément primaire (402, 404) et
dans lequel le second élément primaire (10) est constitué de plusieurs composants
comprenant au moins une paire de composants couplés du second élément primaire (402,
404).