The Brickley Engine is a patented proposal for the design of an internal combustion engine. One embodiment uses opposing pistons driving a central linkage mechanism which turns the crankshaft with a single connecting rod. This proposed design configuration changes the way the pistons are connected to each other and to the crankshaft, thus reducing engine friction. Additionally, by connecting the pistons to each other in a more efficient manner, it reduces the type and number of bearings on the crankshaft for further reductions in friction. Reducing the internal friction of the engine should increase the fuel efficiency of the proposed engine as compared with the current design of one connecting rod per piston. The Brickley Engine was invented by Mike Brickley, an engineer from Austin, Texas. The engine configuration has three US patents.
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History
Fascinated with the steam engine, Brickley designed and built a steam-powered bicycle while in high school. Interest in other types of heat engines followed, each with its accompanying acquired knowledge base. A breadth of disciplines including thermodynamics, engineering design, and hands-on machine tool experience as each applies to the steam engine, the Stirling engine, and the internal combustion engine, allowed for an unusual way to view the problem of engine friction. Based on this knowledge history, he created the design for the Brickley Engine. Three U.S. patents were granted: 7,219,647, 7,481,188, and 8,047,178.
Design
The design of the Brickley Engine differs to that of a standard four-cylinder engine because it implements a new force transfer mechanism that eliminates the need of many traditional parts in a standard four cylinder-engine, such as the piston skirts and multiple connecting rods. In this transfer mechanism, there can be two opposing pairs of pistons located on opposite sides where each piston has a forward and a reverse stroke. The strokes of the two opposing pistons in each opposing pair are synchronized in both directions. These pistons can be linked to a single connecting rod at a pivot point to drive a crankshaft. The focus of the design in each of its embodiments is to reduce the distance traveled by the loaded areas of oil being sheared inside the engine.
Benefits
Implementing this design in modern vehicles can have multiple benefits as compared to a standard four-cylinder engine:
With the improvement in the efficient management of the forces created within the engine, the energy that would normally be lost in a standard four cylinder engine is converted into power. With the configuration of the Brickley Engine, it is calculated that the engine would improve fuel mileage and cut CO2 emissions by 15-20%. In addition, the Brickley Engine would theoretically use 50% less fuel than a standard gasoline engine.
Challenges
Although Mike Brickley believes that the Brickley Engine would be a solution to the rising price of gasoline and the global warming crisis, the proposed engine faces challenges that keep the design from being implemented in future vehicles. Getting the automotive industry to accept the design of the Brickley Engine is complicated. The design of the Brickley Engine does in fact double the reciprocating mass, and consequently alters the engine balance. Some believe that by increasing the reciprocating mass, the friction inside the engine increases as a direct result and therefore, makes the engine seem no better than the current design. The automotive industry is currently searching to fix the problem of increasing gasoline prices in other ways. Currently the automotive industry is working to avoid gasoline as a fuel, and is looking into electricity as a source of energy for future vehicles. This interest away from gasoline has impacted funding for the Brickley Engine.
Current state of development
The Brickley Engine was included in The New York Times Magazine's eight-annual "The Year in Ideas" issue (2008) where it was highlighted as one of the most notable inventions of the year. While funding has been limited, currently Brickley is building a 690cc version of his engine configuration to demonstrate the value of this approach.