Harmonic uniflow engine
US9291056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15B13/027
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reciprocating-piston uniflow engine includes a harmonic oscillator inlet valve capable of oscillating at a resonant frequency for controlling the flow of working fluid into the engine. In particular, the inlet valve includes an inlet valve head and a spring arranged together as a harmonic oscillator so that the inlet valve head is moveable from an unbiased equilibrium position to a biased closed position occluding an inlet. When released, the inlet valve head undergoes a single oscillation past the equilibrium position to a maximum open position and returns to a biased return position close to the closed position to choke the flow and produce a pressure drop across the inlet valve causing the inlet valve to close. In other embodiments, the harmonic oscillator arrangement of the inlet valve enables the uniflow engine to be reversibly operated as a uniflow compressor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.