Mechanism for maintaining a clearance gap
US10215229B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J1/06
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An element is provided to maintain a clearance gap between a piston and a cylinder wall. In some embodiments, an element is included that is capable of spatial change. In some embodiments, the element is a component such as a clearance ring, a surface bearing, or a segment of a clearance ring or surface bearing. A clearance gap may be maintained by inward and outward motion of the component with respect to a piston assembly and a cylinder wall, where the motion is determined by a balance of forces acting on the component. In some embodiments, an inward force generated by an external gas pressure source is balanced by an outward preload force generated by, for example, a pneumatic piston. In some embodiments, a clearance gap is maintained based on in part on the ratio of inner to outer surface areas of a clearance ring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.