Crank Case Oil Scattering for Engine Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engines face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction due to the use of separate oil spraying parts, such as pipes, which increase size and manufacturing costs, and fail to effectively lubricate transmission gears efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The engine design incorporates a crank case with transverse walls and an oil scattered space, where centrifugal force disperses oil to lubricate transmission gears directly, eliminating the need for separate oil spraying parts and enhancing lubrication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate pipe is used to spray oil onto the transmission, then the transmission gears are lubricated, but the crank case size increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the oil spraying function into the crank case structure by forming oil scattering portions directly on the crank case surface. This eliminates the need for separate oil spraying pipes and components, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining effective lubrication of the transmission gears through the scattered oil film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate pipe is used to spray oil onto the transmission, then the transmission gears are lubricated, but the crank case size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidcrank case volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The oil scattering portions are formed as integral features of the crank case structure rather than as separate components. This merging of functions allows the crank case to perform both its structural containment role and its oil distribution role, eliminating the need for additional space that would be required for separate spraying pipes and their mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crank case structure itself provides the oil scattering function through specially formed portions on its surface. The crank case serves its own lubrication needs by scattering oil directly onto the transmission gears, eliminating the need for external oil delivery systems and reducing overall system volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a separate pipe is used to spray oil, then oil can be delivered to the transmission, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication deliveryVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By forming the oil scattering portions directly on the crank case structure, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly operations, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining effective oil delivery to the transmission gears.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crank case structure provides its own oil scattering function through integrated portions, eliminating the need for separate manufactured components dedicated to oil delivery. This self-service approach reduces part count and assembly complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design achieves miniaturization and cost reduction by eliminating unnecessary parts and ensures effective lubrication of transmission gears, reducing wear and power loss while maintaining efficient oil distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a crank shaft rotatably supported in the crank case and having a crank web; wherein the crank case comprises: a first transverse wall positioned below and in the vicinity of the crank web and curved along an outer peripheral surface of the crank web, wherein the crank shaft rotates in a direction in which the crank web is moved toward the transmission from the first transverse wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2017499B1Engine
Publication Date: 2011.02.09 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2017499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2017499B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2017499B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An engine (1) includes a crank case (2) which rotatably supports a crank shaft (6). Formed on the crank case (2) are first transverse walls (73) positioned below and in the vicinity of crank webs (6c, 6d) of the crank shaft (6) and curved along outer peripheral surfaces of the crank webs (6c, 6d). Formed on the crank case (2) are second transverse walls (74) positioned above and in the vicinity of gears (43 to 46) on a main shaft (41) to cover upper portions of the gears. Formed on the crank case (2) is an oil scattered space (98) extending to the second transverse walls (74) from the first transverse walls (73) in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surfaces of the crank webs (6c, 6d). Downwardly projecting projections 94 are formed on the second transverse walls (74). The crank shaft (6) rotates in a direction, in which the crank webs (6c, 6d) move toward a transmission (25) from the first transverse walls (73).