Cylinder block and internal combustion engine system

Abstract

A cylinder block includes a cylinder block body and a load path structure. The cylinder block body defines a first cylinder block upper bore. The load path structure includes a first support rib having a first support rib body that interfaces with the first cylinder block upper bore. The load path structure is configured to transfer a load from the first cylinder block upper bore away from the first cylinder block upper bore along a non-linear path within the cylinder block body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 339,026, filed on May 6, 2022, and the contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates generally to cylinder blocks for internal combustion engine systems. background

[0003] An internal combustion engine may include a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The cylinder head may be coupled to the cylinder block using a plurality of fasteners. When the internal combustion engine burns fuel, forces may be transmitted between the cylinder head and the cylinder block along the fasteners. Overview

[0004] In one set of embodiments, the cylinder block includes a cylinder block body and a load path structure. The cylinder block body defines a first cylinder block upper bore. The load path structure includes a first support rib having a first support rib body that interfaces with the first cylinder block upper bore. The load path structure is configured to transfer a load from the first cylinder block upper bore along a non-linear path within the cylinder block body away from the first cylinder block upper bore.

[0005] In another set of embodiments, the cylinder block includes a cylinder body, a load path structure, and a cylinder skirt portion. The cylinder body defines a first cylinder upper hole and a second cylinder upper hole. The load path structure includes a first support rib and a second support rib. The first support rib has a first support rib body that docks with the first cylinder upper hole. The first support rib extends away from the cylinder body in a direction parallel to the first cylinder upper hole. The second support rib has a second support rib body that docks with the second cylinder upper hole. The second support rib extends away from the cylinder body in a direction parallel to the second cylinder upper hole. The cylinder skirt extends between the first support rib body and the second support rib body, and the cylinder skirt is recessed relative to the first support rib and the second support rib. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The details of one or more embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example internal combustion engine system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example cylinder block; Figure 3 yes Figure 2Another perspective view of the cylinder block shown; Figure 4 It is taken along plane AA Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a cylinder block shown in ; Figure 5 is a perspective view of another example cylinder block; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another example cylinder block; Figure 7 It is taken along plane BB Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a cylinder block shown in ; Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A perspective cutaway view of a cylinder block shown in ; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another example cylinder block; Fig.10 It is taken along plane CC Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a cylinder block shown in ; Fig.11 is a perspective view of another example cylinder block; and Fig.12 is a perspective view of the supporting ribs.

[0008] It should be appreciated that for purposes of illustration, the drawings are schematic representations. The drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments, with the express understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Detailed Description

[0009] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and implementations of methods, devices, and systems for increasing the stiffness of a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine system. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the concepts described are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0010] I. Overview An internal combustion engine may include a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The cylinder block may be coupled to the cylinder head using fasteners. The fasteners apply force to the cylinder block. To strengthen the cylinder block and maintain the integrity of the fasteners, additional material is often added to the cylinder block near (e.g., around, adjacent to, etc.) the fasteners. Adding this additional material can increase cost and add weight to the cylinder block. Adding weight to the cylinder block may make the internal combustion engine less fuel efficient and may require greater support on the chassis, which makes the internal combustion engine less desirable.

[0011] Embodiments described herein relate to an internal combustion engine system including a cylinder block having a load path structure that distributes loads within the cylinder block along a nonlinear path. In various applications, the load path structure includes a plurality of support ribs. The load path structure distributes forces from one of the fasteners (e.g., via the support ribs) that is used to couple the cylinder head to the cylinder block. By using the load path structure, the volume of the cylinder block (e.g., the material forming the cylinder block) is minimized. Therefore, the cylinder block described herein can be produced at a lower cost and can be relatively light.

[0012] II. Example Internal Combustion Engine System Figure 1 An example internal combustion engine system 100 is depicted. For example, the internal combustion engine system 100 may be a diesel internal combustion engine system, a gasoline internal combustion engine system, a hybrid internal combustion engine system, a propane internal combustion engine system, a dual-fuel internal combustion engine system, a natural gas internal combustion engine system, etc. The internal combustion engine system 100 is configured to combust a fuel (e.g., diesel fuel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, etc.) to generate energy that can be utilized by various outputs. For example, the internal combustion engine system 100 may generate energy for driving a moving member (e.g., a wheel, a tread, a propeller, an impeller, a turbine, a rotor, etc.) or for powering a generator. The internal combustion engine system 100 may be implemented in a vehicle (e.g., a truck, a car, a construction vehicle, a freight vehicle, a commercial vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a military vehicle, a marine vehicle, etc.).

[0013] The internal combustion engine system 100 includes a fuel source 102 (e.g., a tank, a reservoir, a supply, a line, etc.). The fuel source 102 is configured to contain a fuel (e.g., diesel fuel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, biodiesel fuel, etc.). The internal combustion engine system 100 also includes an air source 104 (e.g., an air intake, an air box, etc.). The air source 104 receives air from an ambient environment (e.g., an environment surrounding the internal combustion engine system 100, etc.).

[0014] The internal combustion engine system 100 also includes a cylinder head-block assembly 106 (eg, a cylinder block and a cylinder head, etc.). As explained in more detail herein, the cylinder head-block assembly 106 receives fuel from a fuel source 102 and air from an air source 104 and combusts the fuel and air to produce energy. Figure 1Not shown, but understood, the cylinder head-block assembly 106 includes various components (e.g., fuel pumps, fuel injectors, throttles, guides, valves, gaskets, lubrication systems, filters, wiring, etc.) that facilitate the cylinder head-block assembly 106 to receive and combust fuel and air and produce energy.

[0015] The cylinder head-block assembly 106 includes a cylinder block 108 (e.g., an engine block, etc.). The cylinder block 108 may be coupled to a structure (e.g., a chassis, a motor mount, a frame, etc.) and used to support the cylinder head-block assembly 106 relative to the structure. The cylinder head-block assembly 106 also includes a cylinder head 110 (e.g., a head, etc.). The cylinder head 110 is coupled to the cylinder block 108.

[0016] In some applications where the cylinder block 108 is coupled to a structure, the cylinder head 110 is not coupled to the structure. In these applications, the cylinder head 110 can be removed from the cylinder block 108 while the cylinder block 108 remains coupled to the structure. Thus, the internal components (e.g., gaskets, springs, rods, pistons, etc.) of the cylinder head-block assembly 106 can be serviced (e.g., repaired, replaced, cleaned, etc.). The cylinder head 110 can facilitate such service without having to disconnect the cylinder block 108 from the structure.

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the cylinder head-block assembly 106 also includes a plurality of upper fasteners 112 (e.g., bolts, etc.). The upper fasteners 112 facilitate coupling the cylinder head 110 to the cylinder block 108. The upper fasteners 112 cooperate with other components (e.g., cylinder head gaskets, sealing members, etc.) to provide a seal (e.g., an airtight seal, an exhaust seal, etc.) between the cylinder head 110 and the cylinder block 108.

[0018] While the cylinder head-block assembly 106 may include other fasteners that extend (eg, protrude, protrude, etc.) within the cylinder block 108 and / or cylinder head 110 , the upper fasteners 112 collectively provide a majority (eg, greater than 70%) of the force applied from the cylinder head 110 to the cylinder block 108 .

[0019] As explained in more detail herein, the upper fasteners 112 transfer forces (e.g., loads, etc.) to the cylinder head 110, and the cylinder head 110 transfers these forces to the cylinder block 108 along upper load paths 113 in the cylinder block 108. Each upper fastener 112 is associated with one of the upper load paths 113. The cylinder block 108 and the cylinder head 110 are configured such that the strength of the cylinder block 108 (e.g., vertical bending resistance, lateral bending resistance, torsional rigidity, partition vertical rigidity, etc.) is increased along these upper load paths 113. In this way, the operation of the internal combustion engine system 100 can be maintained in an ideal state over a long period of time. Due to the provision of these upper load paths 113, the cylinder head-block assembly 106 can exhibit a relatively long service life.

[0020] Each upper fastener 112 includes an upper fastener shaft 114 (e.g., a shank, a rod, etc.). When the upper fastener 112 couples the cylinder head 110 and the cylinder block 108, the upper fastener shaft 114 extends within both the cylinder head 110 and the cylinder block 108. As explained in more detail herein, the upper fastener shaft 114 can threadingly engage the cylinder head 110 and / or the cylinder block 108. For example, the upper fastener shaft 114 can include threads, and the cylinder head 110 and / or the cylinder block 108 can include threads that correspond to and are configured to engage with the threads of the upper fastener shaft 114.

[0021] Each upper fastener 112 also includes an upper fastener head 116. As explained in more detail herein, the upper fastener head 116 may contact the cylinder head 110 when the cylinder head 110 is coupled to the cylinder block 108. The contact between the upper fastener head 116 and the cylinder head 110 transfers forces along one of the upper load paths 113 between the upper fastener head 116, the cylinder head 110, and the cylinder block 108. When the upper fastener 112 is tightened into the cylinder block 108, additional forces are transferred along one of the upper load paths 113.

[0022] The cylinder head 110 includes a cylinder head body 117 (e.g., a frame, a base, etc.). In various embodiments, the cylinder head body 117 includes a plurality of counterbores 118 (e.g., countersunk holes, etc.). The cylinder head body 117 is configured such that when the cylinder head 110 is placed on the cylinder block 108, each counterbore 118 extends from an outer surface of the cylinder head body 117 toward the cylinder block 108. Each counterbore 118 is larger than at least one of the upper fastener heads 116, so that each counterbore 118 can receive one of the upper fastener heads 116, and thus can receive one of the upper fasteners 112. For example, each counterbore 118 can be defined by a diameter that is larger than the diameter of at least one of the upper fastener heads 116. As used herein, the term "diameter" means the length of a chord passing through the center point of a shape (e.g., a square, rectangle, hexagon, circle, ellipse, pentagon, triangle, etc.).

[0023] In various embodiments, the cylinder head body 117 also includes a plurality of counterbore faces 120 (e.g., surfaces, etc.). Each counterbore face 120 is positioned within one of the counterbores 118. The counterbore faces 120 may be disposed along one or more planes parallel to a surface (e.g., top surface, etc.) of the cylinder block 108 that interfaces with a surface (e.g., bottom surface, etc.) of the cylinder head 110. Each upper fastener head 116 contacts one of the counterbore faces 120 such that the force from the upper fastener 112 is transferred to the cylinder head 110. In some embodiments, the cylinder head body 117 does not include the counterbores 118 or the counterbore faces 120.

[0024] The cylinder head body 117 also includes a plurality of cylinder head apertures 122 (eg, holes, etc.) Each cylinder head aperture 122 is aligned with one of the counterbores 118 and is configured to receive an upper fastener shaft 114 of one of the upper fasteners 112 .

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more of the cylinder head apertures 122 are threaded. For example, all of the cylinder head apertures 122 may be threaded. In these embodiments, the threaded cylinder head apertures 122 are configured to threadably engage the upper fastener 112.

[0026] The cylinder block 108 also includes a cylinder block body 123 (e.g., a frame, a base, etc.). The cylinder block body 123 includes a plurality of cylinder block upper holes 124 (e.g., holes, head bolt bosses, etc.). Each cylinder block upper hole 124 is configured to align with one of the cylinder head apertures 122 when the cylinder head 110 is placed on top of the cylinder block 108. Specifically, the cylinder head 110 can be placed on top of the cylinder block 108 so that each cylinder head aperture 122 is aligned with one of the cylinder block upper holes 124. Additionally, in various embodiments, each cylinder block upper hole 124 is aligned with at least one other cylinder block upper hole 124.

[0027] In some embodiments, one or more of the cylinder block upper holes 124 are threaded. For example, all of the cylinder block upper holes 124 can be threaded. In these embodiments, the threaded cylinder block upper holes 124 are configured to threadably engage the upper fastener 112.

[0028] Each upper load path 113 is centered on one of the cylinder block upper holes 124 and extends from the cylinder block upper hole 124 away from the cylinder head 110. For example, the upper load path 113 may extend below the cylinder block upper hole 124.

[0029] The cylinder head-block assembly 106 also defines at least one cylinder 126 (e.g., combustion chamber, etc.). Each cylinder 126 receives fuel from the fuel source 102 and air from the air source 104, and provides exhaust after combustion of the air and fuel occurs within the cylinder 126. In various embodiments, the cylinder head-block assembly 106 includes a plurality of cylinders 126 (e.g., two cylinders 126, four cylinders 126, five cylinders 126, six cylinders 126, seven cylinders 126, eight cylinders 126, nine cylinders 126, ten cylinders 126, twelve cylinders 126, fourteen cylinders 126, etc.).

[0030] Each cylinder 126 includes a cylinder block cylinder portion 127 (e.g., a lower portion, etc.). Each cylinder block cylinder portion 127 is contained within the cylinder block 108. In some embodiments, each cylinder 126 also includes a cylinder head cylinder portion 128 (e.g., an upper portion, etc.). Each cylinder head cylinder portion 128 is contained within the cylinder head 110. In some embodiments, each cylinder 126 includes a cylinder block cylinder portion 127 and a cylinder head cylinder portion 128. In other embodiments, one or more of the cylinders 126 do not include a cylinder head cylinder portion 128 and include only a cylinder block cylinder portion 127 (e.g., the cylinder 126 does not extend into the cylinder head 110, etc.).

[0031] In various embodiments, the paired cylinder block upper holes 124 are disposed adjacent to one of the cylinder block cylinder portions 127. For example, two of the cylinder block upper holes 124 are disposed adjacent to one of the cylinder block cylinder portions 127, and the other two of the cylinder block upper holes 124 are disposed adjacent to the other of the cylinder block cylinder portions 127.

[0032] The internal combustion engine system 100 also includes a piston 129 for each cylinder 126. For example, if the cylinder head-block assembly 106 defines four cylinders 126, the internal combustion engine system 100 includes four pistons 129. Each piston 129 is received within one of the cylinders 126 and is selectively repositioned (e.g., translates, slides, etc.) within the cylinder 126 during a combustion cycle occurring within the cylinder 126.

[0033] The cylinder 126 and the piston 129 are sized to have diameters within a relatively small percentage of each other (e.g., less than 1%, less than 0.5%, etc.). This difference facilitates the movement of the piston 129 within the cylinder 126. Additionally, it is desirable that the difference be as small as possible in order to increase the energy provided to the connecting rod 130.

[0034] In order to minimize the difference between the diameter of the cylinder 126 and the diameter of the piston 129, the internal combustion engine system 100 circulates a lubricant (e.g., oil, etc.) between the cylinder 126 and the piston 129. The lubricant can provide a fluid seal between the cylinder 126 and the piston 129 and a mechanism for minimizing friction between the cylinder 126 and the piston 129.

[0035] The internal combustion engine system 100 also includes a connecting rod 130 for each piston 129. For example, if the cylinder head-block assembly 106 includes four pistons 129, the internal combustion engine system 100 also includes four connecting rods 130. Each connecting rod 130 is coupled to one of the pistons 129 and receives energy from the movement of the piston 129 through combustion within the cylinder 126 associated with the piston 129.

[0036] The internal combustion engine system 100 also includes a crankshaft 132. The crankshaft 132 receives energy from each connecting rod 130 and provides energy to an output (e.g., a drive shaft, etc.). The internal combustion engine system 100 also includes a camshaft 134. The camshaft 134 receives energy from the crankshaft 132 (e.g., via a pulley, via a gear, etc.). The camshaft 134 provides energy to components of the internal combustion engine system 100 that facilitate the introduction of air and fuel (e.g., valves, tappets, push rods, rockers, etc.).

[0037] In various embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the cylinder head-block assembly 106 is configured so that some of the upper fasteners 112 are located between adjacent pairs of cylinder block cylinder portions 127 of the cylinders 126, and therefore between adjacent pairs of pistons 129. These upper fasteners 112 can enhance the seal between the cylinder head 110 and the cylinder block 108 at these locations. To facilitate this relationship, the cylinder block body 123 can be configured so that some of the cylinder block upper holes 124 are located between adjacent pairs of cylinder block cylinder portions 127.

[0038] Additionally, some of the upper fasteners 112 are located near the ends (e.g., lateral ends, etc.) of the cylinder block 108. These upper fasteners 112 are not located between adjacent pairs of cylinder block cylinder portions 127. Instead, these upper fasteners 112 are located between the ends of the cylinder block 108 and adjacent ones of the cylinder block cylinder portions 127.

[0039] The internal combustion engine system 100 also includes a plurality of main caps 136 (e.g., engine block main caps, main bearing caps, etc.). Each main cap 136 is configured to be coupled to the cylinder block 108. Additionally, each main cap 136 is configured to cooperate with the cylinder block 108 to hold a bearing (e.g., a bearing ring assembly, etc.) that receives a portion of the crankshaft 132 (e.g., a shaft portion, etc.). Thus, each main cap 136 is configured to receive a portion of the crankshaft 132 such that the portion of the crankshaft 132 can rotate relative to the main cap 136 (e.g., within a bearing held by the main cap 136, etc.).

[0040] The cylinder head-block assembly 106 also includes a plurality of lower fasteners 138 (e.g., bolts, etc.). The lower fasteners 138 facilitate coupling the main cap 136 to the cylinder block 108. As explained in more detail herein, the lower fasteners 138 transfer forces to the main cap 136, and the main cap 136 transfers these forces to the cylinder block 108 along lower load paths 140 in the cylinder block 108. Each lower fastener 138 is associated with one of the lower load paths 140.

[0041] In various embodiments, the cylinder block 108 and the main cap 136 are configured such that the strength (e.g., vertical bending resistance, lateral bending resistance, torsional stiffness, bulkhead vertical stiffness, etc.) of the cylinder block 108 is increased along these lower load paths 140. In this way, the operation of the internal combustion engine system 100 can be maintained in an ideal state over a long period of time. Due to the provision of these lower load paths 140, the cylinder head-block assembly 106 can exhibit a relatively long service life.

[0042] Each lower fastener 138 includes a lower fastener shaft 142 (e.g., a handle, a rod, etc.). When the lower fastener 138 couples the main cap 136 and the cylinder body 108, the lower fastener shaft 142 extends within one of the main cap 136 and the cylinder body 108. As explained in more detail herein, the lower fastener shaft 142 can threadingly engage the main cap 136 and / or the cylinder body 108. For example, the lower fastener shaft 142 can include threads, and the main cap 136 and / or the cylinder body 108 can include threads that correspond to and are configured to engage with the threads of the lower fastener shaft 142.

[0043] Each lower fastener 138 also includes a lower fastener head 144. As explained in greater detail herein, the lower fastener head 144 may contact one of the main caps 136 when the main cap 136 is coupled to the cylinder block 108. The contact between the lower fastener head 144 and the main cap 136 transfers force along one of the lower load paths 140 between the lower fastener head 144, the main cap 136, and the cylinder block 108. When the lower fastener 138 is tightened into the cylinder block 108, additional force is transferred along one of the lower load paths 140.

[0044] Each main cap 136 includes a main cap body 146 (e.g., a frame, a base, etc.). In various embodiments, the main cap body 146 includes a plurality of main cap apertures 148 (e.g., countersunk holes, etc.). The main cap body 146 is configured such that when the main cap 136 is placed on the cylinder block 108, each main cap aperture 148 extends from an outer surface of the main cap body 146 toward the cylinder block 108. Each main cap aperture 148 is smaller than at least one of the lower fastener heads 144 and is configured to receive the lower fastener shaft 142 of one of the lower fasteners 138. For example, each main cap aperture 148 can be defined by a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of at least one of the lower fastener heads 144. Each lower fastener head 144 contacts the main cap body 146 so that the force from the lower fastener 138 is transferred to the main cap 136 and thereby to the cylinder block 108.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more of the main cap apertures 148 are threaded. For example, all of the main cap apertures 148 can be threaded. In these embodiments, the threaded main cap apertures 148 are configured to threadably engage the lower fastener 138.

[0046] The cylinder block body 123 also includes a plurality of cylinder block lower holes 150 (e.g., holes, etc.). Each cylinder block lower hole 150 is configured to align with one of the main cap apertures 148 when the main cap 136 is placed on the cylinder block 108. Specifically, the main cap 136 can be placed on the cylinder block 108 so that each main cap aperture 148 is aligned with one of the cylinder block lower holes 150.

[0047] Additionally, in various embodiments, each cylinder block lower hole 150 is aligned with at least one other cylinder block lower hole 150. In various embodiments, two or more of the cylinder block upper holes 124 are aligned along a first direction, and at least two of the cylinder block lower holes 150 are aligned along a second direction parallel to the first direction.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more of the cylinder block lower holes 150 are threaded. For example, all cylinder block lower holes 150 can be threaded. In these embodiments, the threaded cylinder block lower holes 150 are configured to threadably engage the lower fastener 138.

[0049] Each lower load path 140 is centered on one of the cylinder block lower holes 150 and extends from the cylinder block lower holes 150 away from the main cap 136. For example, the lower load path 140 can extend above the cylinder block lower holes 150. In various embodiments, the cylinder block 108 is configured so that each cylinder block lower hole 150 is aligned with one of the cylinder block upper holes 124. Therefore, the upper load path 113 is aligned with the lower load path 140. This alignment can enable the cylinder block 108 to be strengthened along fewer locations than would be expected without such alignment. Therefore, the mass of the cylinder block 108 can be reduced, which may be desirable in some applications.

[0050] Figure 2-Figure 4 The cylinder block 108 is shown according to various embodiments. The cylinder block 108 includes a plurality of cylinder skirts 200. Each cylinder skirt 200 extends alongside one of the cylinder block cylinder portions 127. As explained in more detail herein, the cylinder block 108 is configured such that the upper load path 113 and / or the lower load path 140 do not extend across the cylinder skirt 200.

[0051] Thus, the cylinder skirt 200 can be relatively thin, which reduces the mass of the cylinder block 108. This is beneficial because reducing the mass of the cylinder block 108 reduces the weight of the internal combustion engine system 100, which can enable a vehicle having the internal combustion engine system 100 to operate with relatively higher fuel efficiency. Additionally, reducing the weight of the cylinder block 108 can reduce the amount of material required to produce the cylinder block 108, which can reduce the costs associated with producing the cylinder block 108.

[0052] The cylinder block 108 also includes a load path structure 201 (e.g., a support structure, etc.). The load path structure 201 is configured to distribute forces from the upper fastener 112 and / or the lower fastener 138 within the cylinder block 108 along a non-linear (e.g., arched, curved, elongated, etc.) load path within the cylinder block 108. For example, the load path structure 201 can distribute forces from the upper load path 113 and / or the lower load path 140 outward (e.g., toward a side of the cylinder block, etc.) along an arched path. Each non-linear load path extends away from one of the cylinder block upper holes 124. These non-linear load paths provide additional dissipation of forces compared to linear load paths.

[0053] The load path structure 201 also includes a plurality of support ribs 202 (e.g., posts, etc.). Each support rib 202 includes a support rib body 204. The support rib body 204 is disposed between two of the cylinder skirts 200. In other words, the first cylinder skirt 200 is adjacent to the support rib body 204 (and thus one of the support ribs 202), and the second cylinder skirt 200 is adjacent to the same support rib body 204 (and thus the same support rib 202). The support rib body 204 extends outwardly (e.g., away from the cylinder block cylinder portion 127) relative to the cylinder skirt 200.

[0054] Similarly, the cylinder skirt 200 is recessed relative to the support rib body 204 of the first support rib 202 (which is adjacent to the cylinder skirt 200) and the support rib body 204 of the second support rib 202 (which is adjacent to the cylinder skirt 200). Figure 4 As shown, the support rib body 204 is solid. In other embodiments, the support rib body 204 is hollow. Because the support rib body 204 is hollow, the weight of the support rib 202 can be reduced compared to embodiments in which the support rib body 204 is not hollow, which can reduce the weight of the cylinder block 108. Some of the support ribs 202 are arranged along one side of the cylinder block 108 (e.g., the first side, the exhaust side, etc.), while other support ribs 202 are arranged along another side of the cylinder block 108 (e.g., the second side, the intake side, etc.). Therefore, some of the support ribs 202 are arranged on the same side of the cylinder block 108, while other support ribs 202 are arranged on opposite sides of the cylinder block 108.

[0055] In various embodiments, the cylinder block 108 includes a cylinder block body 123. The cylinder block body 123 defines a first cylinder block upper bore 124. The load path structure 201 includes a first support rib 202. The first support rib 202 has a first support rib body 204 that interfaces with the first cylinder block upper bore 124. The load path structure 201 is configured to transfer loads from the first cylinder block upper bore 124 along a non-linear path within the cylinder block body 123 away from the first cylinder block upper bore 124.

[0056] In various embodiments, the cylinder block 108 includes a cylinder block body 123. The cylinder block body 123 defines a first cylinder block upper hole 124 and a second cylinder block upper hole 124. The load path structure 201 includes a first support rib 202 and a second support rib 202. The first support rib 202 has a first support rib body 204. The first support rib body 204 abuts against the first cylinder block upper hole 124. The first support rib 202 extends away from the cylinder block body 123 in a direction parallel to the first cylinder block upper hole 124. The second support rib 202 has a second support rib body 204. The second support rib body 204 abuts against the second cylinder block upper hole 124. The second support rib 202 extends away from the cylinder block body 123 in a direction parallel to the second cylinder block upper hole 124. The cylinder skirt 200 extends between the first support rib body 204 and the second support rib body 204. The cylinder skirt 200 is recessed relative to the first support rib 202 and the second support rib 202 .

[0057] In various embodiments, two of the support ribs 202 disposed along opposite sides of the cylinder block 108 are aligned along an axis extending between adjacent cylinder skirts 200 .

[0058] The support rib bodies 204 form a non-linear load path within which the forces from the upper fasteners 112 and / or the lower fasteners 138 are distributed. Specifically, each support rib 202 transfers the forces from one of the upper fasteners 112 away from the cylinder head 110. As used herein, "non-linear" means not along a straight line, recognizing that some non-linear lines may appear straight when viewed along one or more planes. In various embodiments, the load path structure 201 includes other structures that additionally or alternatively provide a non-linear load path. For example, the load path structure 201 may include brackets, mountings (e.g., mounting locations for components associated with the internal combustion engine system 100, etc.), and other structures that provide a non-linear load path.

[0059] Each support rib body 204 includes two ends, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is disposed adjacent to the top surface of the cylinder block 108 and is in a facing relationship with the cylinder head 110. The second end may be disposed adjacent to the camshaft 134. For example, the camshaft 134 may be disposed below the second end, and a portion of the cylinder block 108 covering the camshaft 134 (e.g., a circular portion, a barrel portion, etc.) may be adjacent to the second end. The second end may be located at different distances from the top surface of the cylinder block 108.

[0060] Therefore, each support rib body 204 has a height H measured along a plane normal to the top surface of the cylinder block 108. r , and the support rib body 204 extends along this plane. The cylinder block 108 has a height H along this plane. b , where the height H b It is from the top surface of the cylinder block 108 to the bottom surface of the cylinder block 108. Height H b It can be determined by the height H b and the length of the upper fastener 112 and / or the lower fastener 138 .

[0061] In various embodiments, the support rib body 204 is configured such that the height H r Between 0.2H b and 0.8H b Between, including 0.2H b and 0.8H b In some embodiments, the support rib body 204 is configured such that the height H r Between 0.4H b and 0.6H b Between, including 0.4H b and 0.6H b For example, the support rib body 204 may be configured such that the height H r Approximately equal to 0.5H b The length of the support rib body 204 may be related to the ability of the support rib body 204 to transfer force from the upper fastener 112. In some embodiments, the support rib body 204 is configured such that the height H of each support rib body 204 is r In other embodiments, the support rib body 204 is configured such that some heights H r are different.

[0062] The cylinder block 108 has two sides, a cold side (eg, intake side, etc.) and a hot side (eg, exhaust side, etc.). Figure 2 One side of the cylinder block 108 is shown, and Figure 3The other side of the cylinder block 108 is shown. The cold side is located adjacent to an intake valve that provides air into the cylinder head-block assembly 106. The hot side is located adjacent to an exhaust valve that provides exhaust gas from the cylinder head-block assembly 106. In some embodiments, the cylinder block 108 includes a first plurality of support ribs 202 on the cold side and a second plurality of support ribs 202 on the hot side. The number of support ribs 202 on the cold side may be equal to the number of support ribs 202 on the hot side. In other embodiments, the cylinder block 108 includes only support ribs 202 on the hot side or only support ribs 202 on the cold side.

[0063] At least some of the cylinder skirts 200 cooperate with adjacent ones of the support rib bodies 204 (and thus two of the support ribs 202) to form a cylinder wall cavity 205. The cylinder wall cavity 205 is adjacent to two of the support rib bodies 204 and the cylinder skirt 200 positioned between the two support rib bodies 204. The cylinder wall cavity 205 provides mass savings for the cylinder block 108.

[0064] Additionally, if Figure 4 As shown, each support rib body 204 interfaces with one of the cylinder block upper holes 124. Therefore, the upper load path 113 extends directly from the cylinder block upper hole 124 into the support rib body 204. By avoiding a circuitous route for force, the support rib body 204 reduces stress accumulation within the cylinder head 110 and ensures that the desired operation of the cylinder head 110 is maintained. In various embodiments, each support rib body 204 additionally interfaces with one of the cylinder block lower holes 150. Therefore, the lower load path 140 extends directly from the cylinder block lower hole 150 into the support rib body 204.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the cylinder block upper bore 124 does not extend into the support rib body 204. Instead, the cylinder block upper bore 124 terminates above the support rib body 204. This enables the shape and configuration of the support rib body 204 to transfer loads from the upper fastener 112 to the structure to which the cylinder block 108 is coupled in a desired manner.

[0066] In various embodiments, each support rib body 204 interfaces with only one of the cylinder block upper holes 124. Thus, only one of the upper fasteners 112 is contained within each of the support rib bodies 204. In these embodiments, the support rib bodies 204 do not extend from one of the cylinder block upper holes 124 to another of the cylinder block upper holes 124.

[0067] Each upper load path 113 extends within one of the support rib bodies 204 because the support rib bodies 204 protrude from the cylinder skirt 200 and because the support rib bodies 204 interface with the cylinder block upper bore 124. Thus, the shape and configuration of the support rib bodies 204 influence the transfer of force to the cylinder block 108. Each lower load path 140 may extend within one of the support rib bodies 204 because the support rib bodies 204 protrude from the cylinder skirt 200 when the support rib bodies 204 interface with the cylinder block lower bore 150.

[0068] Each support rib body 204 includes a side that is adjacent to the cylinder skirt 200 and extends away from the cylinder skirt 200. In some embodiments, a portion of the side of the support rib body 204 may extend from the cylinder skirt 200 at an angle between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, inclusive. For example, a portion of the side of the support rib body 204 may extend orthogonally (e.g., at 90 degrees, etc.) from the cylinder skirt 200. In some embodiments, a portion of the side of the support rib body 204 may be vertical (e.g., at a zero degree angle relative to the cylinder skirt 200, etc.) or horizontal (e.g., at a 90 degree angle relative to the cylinder skirt 200, etc.).

[0069] The boundaries between the support rib body 204 and the cylinder skirt 200 (e.g., at the joint, etc.) can be rounded (e.g., chamfered, etc.). In other words, the transition between the support rib body 204 and the cylinder skirt 200 is intentionally elongated to be more gradual. This rounding can reduce the formation of stress concentrations near these boundaries.

[0070] Each support rib 202 also includes a linear extension 206 (e.g., a beam, etc.). Each linear extension 206 extends outwardly from one of the support rib bodies 204. Each linear extension 206 interfaces with one of the cylinder block upper holes 124 and provides additional thickness to the support rib 202 above the cylinder block upper holes 124. In this manner, the linear extensions 206 provide additional transfer of force from the upper fastener 112 to the cylinder block 108.

[0071] Each linear extension 206 includes two ends, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is disposed adjacent to the top surface of the cylinder block 108 and in a facing relationship with the cylinder head 110. The second end may be located at a different distance from the top surface of the cylinder block 108. Thus, each linear extension 206 has a height H measured along a plane normal to the top surface of the cylinder block 108. e , and the linear extension 206 extends along the plane. bThe linear extension 206 is configured such that the height H is 1.0045 W (from the top surface of the cylinder block 108 to the bottom surface of the cylinder block 108 ) along this plane. e Between 0.2H b and 0.8H b Between, including 0.2H b and 0.8H b In some embodiments, the linear extension 206 is configured such that the height H e Between 0.4H b and 0.6H b Between, including 0.4H b and 0.6H b For example, the linear extension 206 may be configured such that the height H e Approximately equal to 0.5H b .

[0072] The length of the linear extension 206 may be related to the ability of the linear extension 206 to transfer forces from the upper fastener 112. The height H (of the support rib body 204) r It can also be measured along this plane. In various embodiments, the linear extension 206 is configured such that the height H e Between 0.4H r and 0.9H r Between, including 0.4H r and 0.9H r In some embodiments, the linear extension 206 is configured such that the height H e Between 0.5H r and 0.8H r Between, including 0.5H r and 0.8H r For example, the linear extension 206 may be configured such that the height H e Approximately equal to 0.7H r In some embodiments, the linear extensions 206 are configured such that the height H of each linear extension 206 is e In other embodiments, the linear extension 206 is configured such that some height H e are different.

[0073] In various embodiments, all surfaces of the support rib body 204 have a positive draft angle or a zero draft angle, wherein the pull direction defining the draft angle is perpendicular to and extends away from one or more of the cylinder skirts 200 disposed along the plane. In other words, none of the portions of the support rib body 204 are inclined toward the one or more cylinder skirts 200. Instead, all portions of the support rib body 204 are perpendicular to or inclined away from the one or more cylinder skirts 200. Of course, some portions of the support rib body 204 may be perpendicular to the cylinder skirts 200, while other portions of the support rib body 204 may be inclined away from the cylinder skirts 200.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, each cylinder block upper hole 124 is centered about a cylinder bore upper axis 400 (e.g., a center axis, a central axis, etc.). For example, in the case where the cylinder block upper hole 124 is circular, the cylinder bore upper axes 400 each extend through the centroid of the cylinder block upper hole 124. In some embodiments, the cylinder bore upper axes 400 of all cylinder block upper holes 124 are parallel.

[0075] Each cylinder block lower bore 150 is centered about a cylinder bore lower axis 402 (e.g., a center axis, a central axis, etc.). For example, where the cylinder block lower bore 150 is circular, the cylinder bore lower axes 402 each extend through the centroid of the cylinder block lower bore 150. In some embodiments, the cylinder bore lower axes 402 of all cylinder block lower bores 150 are parallel. In some embodiments, the cylinder bore lower axis 402 of one of the cylinder block lower bores 150 is parallel to the cylinder block upper axis 400 of one of the cylinder block upper bores 124.

[0076] Each support rib body 204 is centered about a support rib axis 404 (eg, a central axis, a center axis, etc.). Each support rib body 204 is configured such that the support rib axis 404 of the support rib body 204 extends in a direction parallel to at least one of the cylinder bore upper axes 400 and / or at least one of the cylinder bore lower axes 402.

[0077] like Figure 4As shown, a first one of the support rib bodies 204 is centered on a first support rib axis 404, and the first support rib axis 404 extends in a direction parallel to at least one of the cylinder bore upper axes 400 and / or at least one of the cylinder bore lower axes 402. Additionally, the support rib bodies 204 are configured such that the support rib axis 404 of one of the support rib bodies 204 is parallel to the support rib axis 404 of an adjacent one of the support rib bodies 204. For example, in a case where the first support rib body 204 is positioned between the second support rib body 204 and the third support rib body 204, the support rib axis 404 of the first support rib body 204 is parallel to each of the support rib axes 404 of the second support rib body 204 and the third support rib body 204. As a result of these configurations, each support rib body 204 does not extend toward another support rib body 204. Instead, each support rib body 204 is intentionally separated from the other support rib bodies 204 (e.g., by the cylinder skirt 200, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, the support rib body 204 of each support rib 202 is symmetrical about a plane extending along a support rib axis 404 of the support rib body 204 and bisecting the support rib body 204. Such symmetry can mitigate the formation of stress concentrations within the support rib body 204.

[0079] In various embodiments, each support rib body 204 does not include any portion (e.g., projection, protuberance, extension, etc.) that extends toward another support rib body 204. Rather, the spacing (e.g., interval, etc.) between each support rib body 204 and an adjacent one of the support rib bodies 204 is constant along the support rib bodies 204. For example, the spacing between a first support rib body 204 and a second support rib body 204 is constant along the support rib axis 404 of the first support rib body 204 and along the support rib axis 404 of the second support rib body 204.

[0080] The linear extensions 206 each extend linearly along one of the support rib bodies 204. Similar to the support rib bodies 204, each linear extension 206 is centered about a linear extension axis 406 (e.g., a central axis, a center axis, etc.). Each linear extension axis 406 is configured such that the linear extension axis 406 of the linear extension 206 extends in a direction parallel to at least one of the cylinder bore upper axes 400 and / or at least one of the cylinder bore lower axes 402.

[0081] like Figure 4As shown, a first linear extension of linear extensions 206 is centered on first linear extension axis 406, and first linear extension axis 406 extends in a direction parallel to at least one of cylinder bore upper axes 400 and / or at least one of cylinder bore lower axes 402. Additionally, linear extensions 206 are configured such that linear extension axis 406 of one of linear extensions 206 is parallel to linear extension axis 406 of an adjacent linear extension of linear extensions 206. For example, in a case where first linear extension 206 is positioned between second linear extension 206 and third linear extension 206, linear extension axis 406 of first linear extension 206 is parallel to each of linear extension axes 406 of second linear extension 206 and third linear extension 206. As a result of these configurations, each linear extension 206 does not extend toward another linear extension 206. Rather, each linear extension 206 is intentionally separated from the other linear extensions 206 (eg, by a cylinder skirt 200 , etc.).

[0082] In some embodiments, the linear extension 206 of each support rib 202 is symmetrical about a plane extending along a linear extension axis 406 of the linear extension 206 and bisecting the linear extension 206. Such symmetry can mitigate the formation of stress concentrations within the linear extension 206.

[0083] In various embodiments, each linear extension 206 does not include any portion (e.g., a protrusion, a projection, an extension, etc.) that extends toward another linear extension 206. Instead, the spacing between each linear extension 206 and an adjacent one of the linear extensions 206 is constant along the linear extensions 206. For example, the spacing between a first linear extension 206 and a second linear extension 206 is constant along a linear extension axis 406 of the first linear extension 206 and along a linear extension axis 406 of the second linear extension 206.

[0084] Figure 4 Two of the linear extensions 206 are shown aligned across the cylinder block 108. Thus, two of the support ribs 202 are aligned across the cylinder block 108. In some embodiments, the cylinder block 108 is configured such that each linear extension 206 is aligned across the cylinder block with another linear extension 206. Thus, each support rib 202 is aligned across the cylinder block 108 with another support rib 202. This alignment of the linear extensions 206 is facilitated by the alignment of the cylinder block upper apertures 124.

[0085] Each upper load path 113 extends through one of the linear extensions 206. The linear extensions 206 provide added strength to the cylinder block 108. Additionally, the linear extensions 206 enable each upper load path 113 to provide an alternate load path within the cylinder block 108 that enables critical features to be packaged away from a primary load path (e.g., a straight line extending from one of the upper fasteners 112 to one of the lower fasteners 138).

[0086] When the support rib body 204 is aligned with the cylinder block lower bore 150, each lower load path 140 extends through one of the linear extensions 206. The linear extensions 206 enable each lower load path 140 to provide an alternate load path within the cylinder block 108 that enables critical features to be packaged away from the primary load path.

[0087] Each linear extension 206 includes a top surface. In various embodiments, each linear extension 206 is configured such that the top surface is rounded. This rounding can reduce the formation of stress concentrations near the top surface. With this rounding, the linear extension 206 can be substantially arc-shaped, such as Figure 2-Figure 4 In some embodiments, each linear extension 206 has a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to (e.g., within 5%, equal to, etc.) between 0.25 inches (in) and 1 in (including 0.25 in and 1 in) (e.g., 0.2375 in, 0.25 in, 0.5 in, 0.75 in, 1 in, 1.05 in, etc.).

[0088] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the top surface of at least one of linear extensions 206 is not rounded. For example, at least a portion of the top surface of linear extension 206 may be flat.

[0089] The boundaries between the linear extension 206 and the support rib body 204 may be rounded. Such rounding may alleviate the formation of stress concentrations near these boundaries.

[0090] In various embodiments, each linear extension 206 has a length (eg, in a vertical direction, etc.) approximately equal to between 2 in and 8 in, inclusive (eg, 1.9 in, 2 in, 3 in, 5 in, 6 in, 8 in, 8.4 in, etc.).

[0091] In various embodiments, each linear extension 206 has a width (eg, in a horizontal direction, etc.) approximately equal to between 0.25 in and 1 in, inclusive (eg, 0.2375 in, 0.25 in, 0.5 in, 0.75 in, 1 in, 1.05 in, etc.).

[0092] The cylinder block 108 also includes a fluid jacket (e.g., a coolant jacket, a water jacket, etc.). The fluid jacket circulates a fluid (e.g., a coolant, water, etc.) through a jacket passage 408 (e.g., a runner, etc.) formed in the cylinder block 108. The jacket passage 408 extends within the cylinder block 108 and around the cylinder block cylinder portion 127. The jacket passage 408 helps direct the fluid through the cylinder block 108 and around the cylinder block cylinder portion 127. Thus, the jacket passage 408 enables the fluid to provide cooling to the cylinder block cylinder portion 127. Figure 4 As shown, the support ribs 202 are configured such that the jacket passage 408 extends between the cylinder block upper bore 124 and the cylinder block cylinder portion 127 .

[0093] Figure 5 1 and 2 show cylinder block 108 according to various embodiments. In these embodiments, linear extension 206 is not as Figure 2-Figure 4 Specifically, as Figure 5 As shown, each linear extension 206 extends along the entire length of one of the support ribs 202. Figure 2-Figure 4 In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , each linear extension 206 extends along only a portion of the entire length of one of the support ribs 202 .

[0094] Figure 6-Figure 8 The cylinder block 108 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, the cylinder block 108 also includes a cylinder block recess 410 (e.g., cavity, etc.) formed in the cylinder block 108. The cylinder block recess 410 extends within the cylinder block 108 and around at least one of the cylinder block cylinder portions 127. Additionally, each cylinder block recess 410 extends between at least one of the support rib bodies 204 and at least one of the cylinder block cylinder portions 127. The cylinder block recess 410 helps reduce the weight of the cylinder block 108. The cylinder bore upper axis 400 and / or the cylinder bore lower axis 402 can extend through one of the cylinder block recesses 410.

[0095] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the support rib 202 is configured such that the cylinder block recess 410 extends between the cylinder block cylinder portion 127 and the support rib body 204. The cylinder block 108 is also configured such that the cylinder block recess 410 extends between the cylinder block upper hole 124 and the cylinder block lower hole 150. As a result, the cylinder block upper hole 124 is located above the cylinder block recess 410, while the cylinder block lower hole 150 is located below the cylinder block recess 410. Therefore, the linear extension 206 carries the force from the upper fastener 112 over the cylinder block recess 410 outward and toward one side of the cylinder block 108, and also carries the force from the lower fastener 138 over the cylinder block recess 410 outward and toward one side of the cylinder block 108. The force is transmitted along the linear extension 206 , thus enabling the weight of the cylinder block 108 to be reduced by using the cylinder block recess 410 .

[0096] like Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, the support ribs 202 can be configured such that the support rib body 204 is hollow. The open interior of each support rib 202 is separated from the jacket passage 408 and the cylinder block recess 410. The open interior of the support rib 202 provides a significant mass saving for the cylinder block 108, and the linear extension 206 provides sufficient strength to achieve the purpose of these support ribs 202.

[0097] Figure 9-11 The cylinder block 108 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. In these embodiments, a substantial portion of the support rib body 204 extends within the cylinder block 108.

[0098] Specifically, each support rib body 204 includes a first support rib arm 700 (e.g., an extension, etc.). The first support rib arm 700 is adjacent to one of the cylinder block upper holes 124 and the linear extension 206 of the support rib 202. Additionally, the first support rib arm 700 extends away from the cylinder block upper hole 124 (to which the first support rib arm 700 is adjacent) and the cylinder block cylinder portion 127 and toward the side surface of the cylinder block 108. The first support rib arm 700 transfers force from the cylinder block upper hole 124 (to which the first support rib arm 700 is adjacent) toward the side surface of the cylinder block 108.

[0099] Each support rib body 204 also includes a second support rib arm 702 (e.g., extension, etc.). The second support rib arm 702 is adjacent to another one of the cylinder block upper holes 124 and the linear extension 206 of the support rib 202. Additionally, the second support rib arm 702 extends away from the cylinder block upper hole 124 (to which the second support rib arm 702 is adjacent) and the cylinder block cylinder portion 127 and toward the side surface of the cylinder block 108. The second support rib arm 702 transfers force from the cylinder block upper hole 124 (to which the second support rib arm 702 is adjacent) toward the side surface of the cylinder block 108.

[0100] Fig.10 Pictured Fig. 9 The internal view of the cylinder block 108 shown in FIG. 1 shows the internal details of the support ribs 202 in more detail. Fig.10 As shown, each support rib body 204 further includes a support rib bracket 800 (e.g., extension, etc.). The support rib bracket 800 is adjacent to another one of the cylinder block upper holes 124 and the linear extension 206 of the support rib 202. Additionally, the support rib bracket 800 extends away from the cylinder block upper hole 124 (to which the support rib bracket 800 is adjacent) and the cylinder block cylinder portion 127 and toward the side surface of the cylinder block 108. The support rib bracket 800 transfers force from the cylinder block upper hole 124 (to which the support rib bracket 800 is adjacent) toward the side surface of the cylinder block 108.

[0101] The support rib bracket 800 is disposed between the first support rib arm 700 and the second support rib arm 702. Fig.11 As shown, a portion of the support rib bracket 800 is positioned inside the first support rib arm 700, the second support rib arm 702 and the linear extension 206. The support rib 202 is configured so that the cam shaft 134 ( Fig.11 ) is received between the support rib bracket 800, the first support rib arm 700, the second support rib arm 702 and the linear extension 206.

[0102] In some embodiments, the support rib 202 is symmetrical about a plane that bisects the support rib bracket 800 and extends between the first support rib arm 700 and the second support rib arm 702 .

[0103] Fig.12 A single support rib 202 is shown. Fig.12 As shown, the linear extension 206 is configured such that a portion of the linear extension 206 adjacent to the first support rib arm 700 and the second support rib arm 702 extends away from the support rib bracket 800, and another portion of the linear extension 206 adjacent to the support rib bracket 800 extends toward the support rib bracket 800.

[0104] In various embodiments, the cylinder block 108 is formed by casting. In other words, the cylinder block 108 is formed by a casting process in which one or more cores are placed in a mold and molten material (e.g., metal, etc.) is poured into the mold around the cores. The mold and / or cores can be used to incorporate features into the cylinder block 108. For example, an extension can be provided in a core (e.g., a jacket core, etc.) to form a support rib 202, or a hole can be provided in a core (e.g., an oil drain core, etc.) to form a support rib 202.

[0105] In some embodiments, the cylinder block 108 is integrally formed via additive manufacturing (e.g., the various components of the cylinder block 108 are integrally formed with each other). For example, the cylinder block 108 may be integrally formed using 3D printing, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), electron beam melting (EBM), ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM), fused deposition modeling (FDM), fused filament fabrication (FFF), stereolithography (SLA), material jetting, binder jetting, or other similar processes.

[0106] As described above, the support rib 202 and the cylinder skirt 200 are formed and joined together as part of a single manufacturing step (e.g., 3D printing, selective laser sintering, SLM, DMLS, EBM, UAM, FDM, FFF, SLA, material jetting, binder jetting, etc.) to form a single-piece or unitary construction, and the support rib 202 and the cylinder skirt 200 are not removable without at least partially destroying the support rib 202 and the cylinder skirt 200. For example, the support rib 202 and the portions of the cylinder skirt 200 are: (i) inseparable from one another (e.g., a portion of the support rib 202 cannot be separated from the cylinder skirt 200 without destroying the support rib 202 and the cylinder skirt 200, etc.); (ii) are not formed separately from one another; and (iii) there is no space or joint along the boundary between the support rib 202 and the adjacent portions of the cylinder skirt 200 (e.g., portions that share a boundary, etc.).

[0107] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the support ribs 202 (e.g., the support rib body 204, the linear extension 206, etc.) are different from corresponding portions of the other support ribs 202 (e.g., the support rib body 204, the linear extension 206, etc.). For example, the support rib body 204 of one of the support ribs 202 may be different from the support rib body 204 of another support rib 202. In another example, the linear extension 206 of one of the support ribs 202 may be different from the linear extension 206 of another support rib 202. In yet another example, the support rib body 204 and the linear extension 206 of one of the support ribs 202 are different from the support rib body 204 and the linear extension 206 of another support rib 202.

[0108] In some embodiments, the support ribs 202 do not include all of the features of the support ribs 202 described herein. For example, one of the support ribs 202 can be configured such that one of the support rib bodies 204 is inclined toward another of the support rib bodies 204. In another example, one or more of the support ribs 202 do not include the linear extension 206.

[0109] The present disclosure also includes embodiments as defined in the following numbered sections. These embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0110] 1. A cylinder block, comprising: a cylinder block main body defining a first cylinder block upper bore; and A load path structure includes a first support rib having a first support rib body that interfaces with the first cylinder block upper hole, and the load path structure is configured to transfer load from the first cylinder block upper hole along a non-linear path within the cylinder block body and away from the first cylinder block upper hole.

[0111] 2. The cylinder block according to claim 1, further comprising a first cylinder skirt adjacent to the first support rib; wherein the cylinder body defines a second cylinder upper hole; wherein the load path structure further comprises a second support rib, the second support rib being adjacent to the first cylinder skirt and separated from the first support rib by the first cylinder skirt, the second support rib comprising a second support rib body; and Wherein, the first support rib, the first cylinder skirt and the second support rib cooperate to define a cylinder wall cavity.

[0112] 3. The cylinder block according to claim 2, further comprising a first cylinder block cylinder portion; wherein the first cylinder block upper hole is disposed adjacent to the first cylinder block cylinder portion; and Wherein, the upper hole of the second cylinder block is arranged adjacent to the cylinder part of the first cylinder block.

[0113] 4. The cylinder block according to claim 3, further comprising a second cylinder block cylinder portion; Wherein, the second cylinder block upper hole is arranged between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion.

[0114] 5. The cylinder block according to claim 1, wherein: The load path structure also includes a second support rib having a second support rib body; The cylinder block body defines a second cylinder block upper aperture; The second supporting rib body is butted against the upper hole of the second cylinder block; and The load path structure is configured to transfer a second load from the second cylinder block upper bore along a second non-linear path within the cylinder block body and away from the second cylinder block upper bore.

[0115] 6. The cylinder block according to claim 5, wherein the first support rib and the second support rib are disposed along a same side of the cylinder block.

[0116] 7. The cylinder block of claim 5, further comprising a cylinder skirt extending between the first support rib body and the second support rib body, the cylinder skirt being recessed relative to the first support rib body and the second support rib body.

[0117] 8. The cylinder block of claim 5, wherein the first support rib and the second support rib are disposed along opposite sides of the cylinder block.

[0118] 9. The cylinder block according to claim 8, further comprising: a first cylinder block cylinder portion; and A second cylinder block cylinder portion; Wherein, the first support rib and the second support rib are aligned along an axis extending between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion.

[0119] 10. The cylinder block of claim 9 further comprising a cylinder block recess extending around the first cylinder block cylinder portion between the first support rib and the first cylinder block cylinder portion, between the second support rib and the first cylinder block cylinder portion, between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion, and between the first support rib and the second support rib.

[0120] 11. The cylinder block according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a jacket passage extending between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion.

[0121] 12. The cylinder block of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the first support rib and the second support rib are aligned across the cylinder block.

[0122] 13. The cylinder block according to any one of claims 2-5 and 7-10, wherein the first support rib is inclined toward the second support rib.

[0123] 14. An internal combustion engine system, comprising: The cylinder block according to any one of claims 1 to 10; Cylinder heads; and an upper fastener coupling the cylinder head to the cylinder block, the upper fastener being threadedly engaged with an upper hole of the first cylinder block; Wherein, the first support rib transfers force from the upper fastener away from the cylinder head.

[0124] 15. A cylinder block, comprising: a cylinder block body defining a first cylinder block upper bore and a second cylinder block upper bore; A load path structure, the load path structure comprising: - a first supporting rib having a first supporting rib body abutting against the first cylinder block upper hole, the first supporting rib extending away from the cylinder block body in a direction parallel to the first cylinder block upper hole, and - a second supporting rib having a second supporting rib body abutting against the second cylinder block upper hole, the second supporting rib extending away from the cylinder block body in a direction parallel to the second cylinder block upper hole; and A cylinder skirt extends between the first support rib body and the second support rib body, the cylinder skirt being recessed relative to the first support rib and the second support rib.

[0125] 16. The cylinder block of claim 15, wherein the cylinder block main body, the load path structure and the cylinder skirt are integrally formed with one another.

[0126] 17. The cylinder block according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The cylinder block body further defines a first cylinder block lower aperture and a second cylinder block lower aperture; The first cylinder block upper hole and the second cylinder block upper hole are aligned in a first direction; and The first cylinder block lower hole and the second cylinder block lower hole are aligned in a second direction parallel to the first direction.

[0127] 18. An internal combustion engine system, comprising: The cylinder block according to claim 17; Cylinder head; an upper fastener coupling the cylinder head to the cylinder block, the upper fastener being threadedly engaged with an upper hole of the first cylinder block; Main cap; and A lower fastener couples the main cap to the cylinder block, the lower fastener being threadedly engaged with the first cylinder block lower hole.

[0128] 19. The internal combustion engine system of claim 18, wherein: The first cylinder block upper hole is centered on a first axis; and The first cylinder block lower bore is centered about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.

[0129] 20. The internal combustion engine system of claim 19, wherein: The cylinder block further comprises: a first cylinder block cylinder portion, and a cylinder block recess extending around the first cylinder block cylinder portion; The first axis extends through the cylinder block recess; and The second axis extends through the cylinder block recess.

[0130] III. Configuration of Example Embodiments Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the content that can be claimed, but should be interpreted as descriptions of features that are unique to specific implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. Moreover, although features can be described as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination can be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination can involve a sub-combination or a deformation of the sub-combination.

[0131] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "generally," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

[0132] As used herein, the term "coupled" and similar terms mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another.

[0133] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various systems shown in the various example embodiments are merely illustrative and non-restrictive in nature. All changes and modifications within the spirit and / or scope of the described embodiments need to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking various features may be considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims. When the language "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion and / or the entire item unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0134] In addition, in the context of a list of elements, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive meaning) so that when used in an associated list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, conjunction language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is understood in the context to be generally used to convey that an item, term, etc. can be X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise specified, such conjunction language is generally not intended and implies that certain embodiments require that at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z each be present.

[0135] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the range of values ​​used herein (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) includes the maximum and minimum values ​​of the range (e.g., W1 to W2 includes W1 and includes W2, etc.). In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the range of values ​​(e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) is not necessarily required to include intermediate values ​​within the range of values ​​(e.g., W1 to W2 may only include W1 and W2, etc.).

Claims

1. A cylinder block, include: a cylinder block body defining a first cylinder block upper bore; and A load path structure includes a first support rib having a first support rib body that interfaces with the first cylinder block upper hole, and the load path structure is configured to transfer load from the first cylinder block upper hole along a non-linear path within the cylinder block body and away from the first cylinder block upper hole.

2. The cylinder block according to claim 1, further comprising a first cylinder skirt adjacent to the first support rib; in, The cylinder block body defines a second cylinder block upper aperture; wherein the load path structure further comprises a second support rib, the second support rib being adjacent to the first cylinder skirt and separated from the first support rib by the first cylinder skirt, the second support rib comprising a second support rib body; and Wherein, the first support rib, the first cylinder skirt and the second support rib cooperate to define a cylinder wall cavity.

3. The cylinder block according to claim 2, further comprising a first cylinder block cylinder portion; in, The first cylinder block upper hole is disposed adjacent to the first cylinder block cylinder portion; and Wherein, the upper hole of the second cylinder block is arranged adjacent to the cylinder part of the first cylinder block.

4. The cylinder block according to claim 3, further comprising a second cylinder block cylinder portion; in, The second cylinder block upper hole is disposed between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion.

5. The cylinder block according to claim 1, in: The load path structure also includes a second support rib having a second support rib body; The cylinder block body defines a second cylinder block upper aperture; The second supporting rib body is butted against the upper hole of the second cylinder body; and The load path structure is configured to transfer a second load from the second cylinder block upper bore along a second non-linear path within the cylinder block body and away from the second cylinder block upper bore.

6. The cylinder block according to claim 5, in, The first support rib and the second support rib are disposed along a same side of the cylinder block. 7 . The cylinder block of claim 5 , further comprising a cylinder skirt extending between the first support rib body and the second support rib body, the cylinder skirt being recessed relative to the first support rib body and the second support rib body.

8. The cylinder block according to claim 5, in, The first support rib and the second support rib are disposed along opposite sides of the cylinder block.

9. The cylinder block according to claim 8, further comprising: include: A first cylinder block cylinder portion; and A second cylinder block cylinder portion; Wherein, the first support rib and the second support rib are aligned along an axis extending between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion.

10. The cylinder block according to claim 9 further includes a cylinder block recess, which extends around the first cylinder block cylinder portion between the first support rib and the first cylinder block cylinder portion, between the second support rib and the first cylinder block cylinder portion, between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion, and between the first support rib and the second support rib.

11. The cylinder block of claim 9 or 10, further comprising a jacket passage extending between the first cylinder block cylinder portion and the second cylinder block cylinder portion.

12. The cylinder block according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in, The first support rib and the second support rib are aligned across the cylinder block.

13. The cylinder block according to any one of claims 2-5 and 7-10, in, The first supporting rib is inclined toward the second supporting rib.

14. An internal combustion engine system, include: The cylinder block according to any one of claims 1 to 10; Cylinder head; and an upper fastener coupling the cylinder head to the cylinder block, the upper fastener being threadedly engaged with an upper hole of the first cylinder block; Wherein, the first support rib transfers force from the upper fastener away from the cylinder head.

15. A cylinder block, include: a cylinder block body defining a first cylinder block upper bore and a second cylinder block upper bore; A load path structure, the load path structure comprising: - a first supporting rib having a first supporting rib body abutting against the first cylinder block upper hole, the first supporting rib extending away from the cylinder block body in a direction parallel to the first cylinder block upper hole, and - a second supporting rib having a second supporting rib body abutting against the second cylinder block upper hole, the second supporting rib extending away from the cylinder block body in a direction parallel to the second cylinder block upper hole; and A cylinder skirt extends between the first support rib body and the second support rib body, the cylinder skirt being recessed relative to the first support rib and the second support rib.

16. The cylinder block according to claim 15, in, The cylinder block main body, the load path structure, and the cylinder skirt are integrally formed with one another.

17. The cylinder block according to claim 15 or 16, in: The cylinder block body further defines a first cylinder block lower aperture and a second cylinder block lower aperture; The first cylinder block upper hole and the second cylinder block upper hole are aligned in a first direction; and The first cylinder block lower hole and the second cylinder block lower hole are aligned in a second direction parallel to the first direction.

18. An internal combustion engine system, include: The cylinder block according to claim 17; Cylinder head; an upper fastener coupling the cylinder head to the cylinder block, the upper fastener being threadedly engaged with an upper hole of the first cylinder block; Main cap; and A lower fastener couples the main cap to the cylinder block, the lower fastener being threadedly engaged with the first cylinder block lower hole.

19. The internal combustion engine system according to claim 18, in: The first cylinder block upper hole is centered on a first axis; and The first cylinder block lower bore is centered about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.

20. The internal combustion engine system according to claim 19, in: The cylinder block also includes: a first cylinder block cylinder portion, and a cylinder block recess extending around the first cylinder block cylinder portion; The first axis extends through the cylinder block recess; and The second axis extends through the cylinder block recess.

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