Engine valve disabler
First Claim
1. A method for operating an internal combustion engine system having at least one cylinder with cam operated valves which in an enabled condition of said valves provides the means to generate a power pulse of positive torque during an engine cycle whereby said valves respond to the urging of a camshaft to admit a charge of fuel and air whose combustion will produce said power pulse and whereby said valves respond to the urging of said camshaft to provide the means to discharge the combustion products to the exhaust system, and which in a disabled condition of said valves provides the means to generate a disabled pulse of negative torque whereby said valves do not respond to the urging of said camshaft and remain closed during said engine cycle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine. Variable displacement engine capabilities are achieved by disabling engine valves during load changes and constant load operations. Active cylinders may be operated at minimum BSFC by intermittently disabling other cylinders to provide the desired net torque. Disabling is begun by early closing of the intake valve to provide a vacuum at BDC which will result in no net gas flow across the piston rings, and minimum loss of compression energy in the disabled cylinder; this saving in engine friction losses is significant with multiple disablements.
105 Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A method for operating an internal combustion engine system having at least one cylinder with cam operated valves which in an enabled condition of said valves provides the means to generate a power pulse of positive torque during an engine cycle whereby said valves respond to the urging of a camshaft to admit a charge of fuel and air whose combustion will produce said power pulse and whereby said valves respond to the urging of said camshaft to provide the means to discharge the combustion products to the exhaust system, and which in a disabled condition of said valves provides the means to generate a disabled pulse of negative torque whereby said valves do not respond to the urging of said camshaft and remain closed during said engine cycle.
- 8. A device having an electrically energized magnetic circuit and disabler spring for controlling at least one engine valve in an internal combustion engine so that a rotating camshaft opens and closes said valve while an electrical signal is applied to said device prior to valve action, and when said electrical signal is removed from said device, said rotating camshaft does not open and close said valve.
Specification