Magnetically-actuated variable-length connecting rod devices and methods for controlling the same
US10760481B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2019 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2360/22
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus can include: a piston head configured to be disposed inside of a cylinder of an engine; a connecting rod device coupled to the piston head and extending therefrom, the connecting rod device including: a variable-length connecting rod including a female component with a hollow body and a male component disposed at least partially inside of the female component, the female component configured to be coupled to a crankshaft of the engine, one or more rollers rotatably disposed in or on the male component, and a connecting rod magnet movably coupled to the male component proximate to a position of the one or more rollers; and a piston coupling mechanism disposed at least partially inside of the piston head to couple the connecting rod device to the piston head. The connecting rod device can be configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.