Connecting Rod Length Adjustment With In-Place Intermediate Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the length of a connecting rod in an internal combustion engine is time-consuming, requiring disassembly of the cylinder and connecting rod, which complicates the process of changing the compression ratio.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allow the installation and removal of an intermediate plate between the connecting rod head and shank while the connecting rod is in place, using a swing-out protection, pads, brackets, lifting cylinders, and supports to raise the connecting rod head relative to the shank, enabling plate installation or removal without disassembling the connecting rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod is disassembled to install or remove an intermediate plate, then the compression ratio can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the connecting rod assembly into movable components by introducing supports, brackets, and lifting cylinders that allow the connecting rod head to be separated from the connecting rod shank while remaining in the engine. This segmentation enables the intermediate plate to be installed or removed without complete disassembly, thus reducing adjustment time while maintaining compression ratio adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components (supports, brackets, lifting cylinders) as mediators between the connecting rod head and shank. These intermediaries enable the connecting rod to be partially disassembled and reassembled in place, allowing intermediate plate installation without removing the connecting rod from the engine, thereby resolving the time-consuming issue
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod is disassembled to adjust its length, then the intermediate plate can be installed or removed, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connecting rod into separable parts (head and shank) using supports and lifting mechanisms, the patent simplifies the adjustment process. Instead of complete disassembly and reassembly, the segmented approach allows localized intervention with the intermediate plate, reducing overall process complexity despite adding temporary support components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements (lifting cylinders, movable supports, swing-out protections) that enable the connecting rod head to be dynamically raised and lowered. This dynamic capability allows the intermediate plate to be installed or removed while the connecting rod remains in the engine, transforming a static, complex disassembly process into a dynamic, simplified in-place adjustment
3Ease of operation
If the connecting rod head is raised relative to the connecting rod shank, then the intermediate plate can be installed or removed, but safety risks arise from accidental movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through swing-out protections that can be mounted on the connecting rod head before raising it. These protections act as safety buffers to prevent injury from accidental drops or movements, allowing easy intermediate plate installation while maintaining worker safety and system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The swing-out protections and supports act as intermediary safety devices between the raised connecting rod head and the workspace. These intermediaries provide physical protection and stability, enabling easy operation for intermediate plate installation while mitigating safety risks from accidental movement
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
Significantly reduces the effort required to adjust the connecting rod length, allowing for quicker changes to the compression ratio and enhancing safety by preventing accidental movement of the connecting rod during maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
Lifting cylinders that can be mounted on the brackets and are used to raise the connecting rod head relative to the connecting rod shank when the screw connections between the connecting rod head and connecting rod shank are loosened
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (20) for adjusting the length of a connecting rod of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, namely by installation and/or removal of an intermediate plate between a connecting rod small end and a connecting rod shaft of the connecting rod when the connecting rod is mounted in the internal combustion engine, comprising at least the following assemblies: a swing-out protection (21) for the connecting rod small end, which can be mounted on the connecting rod small end between the connecting rod small end and a liner of the cylinder; supports (24) which can be mounted on opposite sides of the connecting rod on counterweights (12) of the cylinder; holders (26) which can be mounted on the supports (24) and extend perpendicularly thereto between the supports (24); lifting cylinders (29) which can be mounted on the holders (26) and serve to lift the connecting rod small end relative to the connecting rod shaft when the screw connections between the connecting rod small end and the connecting rod shaft are released.