Efficient-V Benefits
Efficient-V is smaller & lighter, and forces are applied with improved mechanical advantage and kinetics, with reduced friction, resulting in a direct improvement in efficiency.
- Mechanical advantage – Planetary geometry provides increased mechanical leverage and rotary force. Combustion energy is optimally translated into rotational force – torque.
- Improved piston dynamics – Piston acceleration and deceleration rates are dramatically reduced providing increased “dwell” time for extraction of combustion energy and reduced stress and friction. (click for graph)
- Reduced friction - Piston-to-cylinder friction is minimal, and further reduced by a pressure lubricated elongated narrowed piston journal (shown at right), and the elimination of conventional main bearings, wrist pins, and the high friction induced between the pistons and cylinder walls in conventional piston engine operational geometry. Toyota patent #7,213,563 states "friction between the piston and the cylinder comprises at least half of the total friction in a piston engine".
- Durability – Robust, low stress design – dramatically extends piston ring and cylinder life, minimizing “blow-by” and maximizing efficient service life. Piston “rock” induced wear is essentially eliminated by elongated piston and cylinder bore journaling. (click for explanation)
- Smaller and lighter – Cylinder “deck height” is reduced by elimination of connecting rods. (click for more)
- Easy adoption by industry – Compact V configuration facilitates simple integration of existing ancillary technologies – cylinder heads, induction, exhaust, etc. Easy to manufacture at similar cost.
For more information on Efficient-V and the benefits of our technology, please view our Technology Presentation.