The automotive world is abuzz with news of an intriguing patent filed by Porsche for a Six Stroke Engine. While the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) operates on a four-stroke cycle – intake, compression, power, and exhaust – Porsche is proposing a significant alteration by adding two additional strokes to this established process. This innovative concept aims to enhance engine efficiency and power output, potentially revolutionizing ICE technology.
Porsche’s patent meticulously details a six stroke engine divided into “two three-stroke sequences.” The standard four-stroke cycle is expanded with supplementary compression and power strokes positioned between the traditional power and exhaust phases. The operational sequence is ingeniously structured as intake-compression-power, followed by compression-power-exhaust. This unique arrangement suggests a more complete utilization of combustion energy.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating the four strokes of a conventional internal combustion engine: intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
The core of Porsche’s design lies in a specially engineered crankshaft that rotates on a ring featuring two concentric circles, known as an annulus. This sophisticated mechanism dynamically adjusts the center point of rotation, subtly modifying the piston’s travel distance at bottom dead center for the added strokes. Consequently, the compression characteristics are altered as the piston’s upward movement (towards top dead center) within the cylinder is slightly reduced during these extra strokes. This ingenious configuration results in the engine having two distinct top and bottom dead center positions within a single cycle.
Alt text: Detailed view of Porsche’s patented crankshaft design for a six-stroke engine, highlighting the concentric circles and altered rotation point.
The potential benefits of a six stroke engine are substantial. By incorporating two power strokes within a six-stroke cycle, the engine theoretically generates power more frequently. In a typical four-stroke engine, only one stroke out of four is dedicated to power generation. Porsche’s design shifts this ratio to two power strokes out of six, or one out of three, significantly increasing the power-generating frequency. Furthermore, the extended combustion process in a six stroke engine has the potential to burn the air-fuel mixture more thoroughly, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
However, this advancement in engine technology comes with increased complexity. The intricate crankshaft design and the dual three-stroke sequences introduce engineering challenges that need to be overcome. The crucial question remains whether the performance gains and efficiency improvements justify the added mechanical complexity and manufacturing costs.
Alt text: The Porsche logo, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to automotive innovation and engineering excellence.
As with many patented inventions, the future of this six stroke engine design is uncertain. It is possible that this innovative concept may remain solely on paper and never reach production. Nevertheless, Porsche’s patent underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of internal combustion engine technology and exploring innovative solutions to enhance performance and efficiency in the automotive sector. It undeniably signals that despite the rise of electric vehicles, there is still considerable innovation and life left within the realm of the internal combustion engine.
