The engine assembly of the present invention is generally provided with a block having at least one cylinder, a crankshaft rotatably coupled with said block, a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder, and a connecting rod that couples the piston to the crankshaft. The connecting rod is provided with an elongated body portion that extends between opposite ends. The body of the connecting rod has at least one bend along its length so that a portion of the centerline of the body is angularly and laterally spaced from an axis that extends through the opposite ends of the connecting rod. In a preferred embodiment, the crankshaft is rotatably coupled with the block so that the centerline of said crankshaft is horizontally spaced from a bore centerline of the cylinder. The displaced position of the crankshaft works in concert with the bend in the connecting rod to maximize the effective length of the connecting rod and produce a maximum compression just past top dead center.
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide an engine having angular or curved connecting rods that maximize the power and efficiency of the engine by maximizing the effective length of the connecting rod.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an engine that combines curved or angular connecting rods with a crankshaft that is displaced from a centerline of the engine's piston bore to maximize the effective length of the connecting rods.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an engine having one-piece, angular or curved connecting rods that permit the engine to be arranged in an inline, "V" or opposed cylinder configuration.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an engine having increased overall efficiency and reduced overall size.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an engine having an increased overall efficiency that is simple in design.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an engine having an increased overall efficiency with relatively low manufacturing and maintenance costs.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those having skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of one preferred embodiment of an engine of the present invention having a connecting rod and offset crankshaft assembly as the same could be positioned toward the beginning of a power stroke;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the engine depicted in FIG. 1 as the connecting rod and crankshaft assembly could be positioned near bottom dead center;
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the engine depicted in FIG. 1 as the connecting rod and crankshaft assembly could be positioned toward the beginning of an exhaust stroke;
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the engine depicted in FIG. 1 as the connecting rod and crankshaft assembly could be positioned near top dead center;
FIG. 5 is an isometric, partially disassembled view of one embodiment of a piston, connecting rod and crankshaft assembly of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of another preferred embodiment of an engine of the present invention having a curved connecting rod and offset crankshaft assembly, as the same could be positioned near top dead center.
The full patent information can be viewed on the official United States Patent Website: Patent Number 7,021,270