Internal combustion engine efficiency unit
US6752733B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H48/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The Internal Combustion Engine Efficiency Unit (“ICEEU”) is a device that improves the fuel efficiency of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, producing low-emission vehicles. It accomplishes this by replacing a single larger engine with two smaller engines, connected together via the ICEEU to produce a single rotary output that powers the vehicle. Both engines are used together when power is needed, but one engine can be shut down when the vehicle is cruising and needs less power to simply maintain its forward momentum. The ICEEU effectively removes the second engine completely from the power train when it is unneeded, so that it does not produce any drag, and also allows the second engine to reenter the power train as needed at any RPM or torque. The ICEEU comprises an open differential and two planetary gear sets to provide the phase shifting ratio that allows for a pair of internal combustion engines to be integrated and separated smoothly throughout operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.