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Title: Variable valve timing in a homogenous charge compression ignition engine

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of homogenous charge compression ignition engines, in which fuel is injected when the cylinder piston is relatively close to the bottom dead center position for its compression stroke. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder during the compression stroke to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. The present invention utilizes internal exhaust gas recirculation and/or compression ratio control to control the timing of ignition events and combustion duration in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Thus, at least one electro-hydraulic assist actuator is provided that is capable of mechanically engaging at least one cam actuated intake and/or exhaust valve.

Inventors:
; ; ;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Caterpillar Inc., Deerfield, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1174965
Patent Number(s):
6769392
Application Number:
10/029,416
Assignee:
Caterpillar Inc (Peoria, IL)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F01 - MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL F01L - CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F02 - COMBUSTION ENGINES F02B - INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES
DOE Contract Number:  
FC05-97OR22605
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Citation Formats

Lawrence, Keith E., Faletti, James J., Funke, Steven J., and Maloney, Ronald P. Variable valve timing in a homogenous charge compression ignition engine. United States: N. p., 2004. Web.
Lawrence, Keith E., Faletti, James J., Funke, Steven J., & Maloney, Ronald P. Variable valve timing in a homogenous charge compression ignition engine. United States.
Lawrence, Keith E., Faletti, James J., Funke, Steven J., and Maloney, Ronald P. Tue . "Variable valve timing in a homogenous charge compression ignition engine". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1174965.
@article{osti_1174965,
title = {Variable valve timing in a homogenous charge compression ignition engine},
author = {Lawrence, Keith E. and Faletti, James J. and Funke, Steven J. and Maloney, Ronald P.},
abstractNote = {The present invention relates generally to the field of homogenous charge compression ignition engines, in which fuel is injected when the cylinder piston is relatively close to the bottom dead center position for its compression stroke. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder during the compression stroke to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. The present invention utilizes internal exhaust gas recirculation and/or compression ratio control to control the timing of ignition events and combustion duration in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Thus, at least one electro-hydraulic assist actuator is provided that is capable of mechanically engaging at least one cam actuated intake and/or exhaust valve.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2004},
month = {8}
}