An Off-the-Cuff Discussion of Sleeve-Valve Engines

摘要

In a conventional poppet-valve engine-the type that powers most cars today-a camshaft opens the valves at the proper time in the combustion cycle so gases can flow into or out of the combustion chambers. Stiff springs close the valves and hold them shut until the cam pushes them open again.rnIn sleeve-valve engines, gases enter and exit through slots cut near the tops of metal cylinders that surround the pistons. Another set of slots perforates the side (or sides) of the engine block where the manifolds attach. The sleeves move up and down, aligning the slots at proper times between the pistons and manifolds. Gases pass through the open slots. The slots are then realigned to close off the combustion chamber for firing.