ACG Cover Bulging Portion for Crank Angle Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines on saddle-type vehicles face challenges in protecting crank angle sensors from flying stones without increasing the number of parts or weight, due to layout limitations around the crankcase.
Innovation Solution
The engine design incorporates an ACG cover that includes an electric power transmission line cover bulging portion to shield the crank angle sensor, which is disposed behind this cover, allowing the existing ACG cover to protect the sensor from debris without additional parts or weight, and also positions the sensor higher than the crankshaft center to guard against upwardly hurled stones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a special shield member is added to protect the crank angle sensor from flying stones, then the protection reliability is improved, but the number of parts and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ACG cover is designed to serve dual purposes: covering the AC generator and protecting the crank angle sensor from flying stones. By integrating the sensor protection function into the existing ACG cover structure, the patent eliminates the need for a separate shield member, thereby maintaining protection reliability while reducing the number of parts and overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the function of the ACG cover and the shield member into a single integrated component. The ACG cover is extended or modified to include a portion that shields the crank angle sensor, merging two previously separate protective functions into one unified structure, which reduces part count and assembly complexity
2Reliability
If a special shield member is added to protect the crank angle sensor from flying stones, then the protection reliability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ACG cover is designed to serve dual purposes: covering the AC generator and protecting the crank angle sensor from flying stones. By integrating the sensor protection function into the existing ACG cover structure, the patent eliminates the need for a separate shield member, thereby maintaining protection reliability while reducing the number of parts and overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the function of the ACG cover and the shield member into a single integrated component. The ACG cover is extended or modified to include a portion that shields the crank angle sensor, merging two previously separate protective functions into one unified structure, which reduces part count and assembly complexity
3Measurement precision
If the crank angle sensor is positioned in front of the ACG cover, then the sensor can detect the crankshaft, but it becomes exposed to flying stones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the crank angle sensor in a location that is behind the ACG cover in the front-back dimension, while maintaining adequate detection capability through strategic placement. This spatial repositioning in another dimension allows the sensor to remain protected from flying stones while still performing its detection function effectively
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively protects the crank angle sensor from flying stones without increasing the engine's parts count or weight, ensuring reliable operation and a compact layout by utilizing the ACG cover and positioning the sensor for optimal shielding.
Implementation Method 1
a crank angle sensor that detects a number of protrusions disposed as detectable members on the outer circumference of a rotor that rotates in unison with the crankshaft
Implementation Method 2
electric power transmission lines extend from the AC generator and are covered with an electric power transmission line cover bulging portion bulging sideways outwardly widthwise across the vehicle of the ACG cover
Implementation Method 3
the crank angle sensor for detecting rotational angles of the crankshaft is disposed behind the electric power transmission line cover bulging portion in a vehicle front-back direction
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine for being mounted laterally on a saddle-type vehicle includes an AC generator disposed on an end portion of a crankshaft which is supported in a crankcase. An ACG cover covers the AC generator from outside widthwise across the vehicle. The ACG cover includes an electric power transmission line cover bulging portion covering electric power transmission lines extending to the ACG cover and bulging sideways outwardly widthwise across the vehicle. A crank angle sensor is disposed behind the electric power transmission line cover bulging portion in a vehicle front-back direction. The crank angle sensor is thus protected from flying stones, etc. without an increase in the number of parts used and an increase in the weight of the internal combustion engine.