Engine lubrication circuit with alternating lubrication paths
US5826556A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16N2270/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine directs a dedicated flow of oil to the cylinder bores of an engine. In addition, a more traditional oil circuit is provided to lubricate the components within the crankcase of the engine. A 2-way valve is used to alternate the flow of oil from an oil pump through the two alternative circuits according to a duty cycle that is selected as a function of a pre-selected engine parameter. The engine parameter, in a typical application, is shaft speed or rpm. By directing oil to the cylinder bores at a higher duty cycle when the engine speeds are low, the pistons are adequately lubricated when, otherwise, the low engine speed could cause difficulty in providing a proper flow of lubricant to the cylinder bores.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.