Crank Chamber Fixed Insert for Oil Discharge Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The 'wet crankcase' systems for internal combustion engines in vehicles have a low oil discharge frequency due to the inverse proportionality with the free volume in the crank chamber, leading to excessive oil accumulation and stability issues during vehicle movement.

Innovation Solution

Introducing an additional volume of air into the crank chamber to reduce the time for pressure to reach the switching value, and reducing the free inner volume by using a fixed insert to increase the discharge frequency of lubricating oil, similar to a 'dry crankcase' system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the free volume in the crank chamber is increased to accommodate linkages, then the capacity to hold lubricating oil is improved, but the discharge frequency of oil is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of lubricating oilVSAvoiddischarge frequency of lubricating oil

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fixed insert that changes the physical parameters of the crank chamber by reducing its free volume. This parameter change creates a direct relationship between the insert volume and the oil discharge frequency, solving the contradiction by limiting the oil capacity while maintaining adequate lubrication through more frequent discharge cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the free volume in the crank chamber is reduced to increase oil discharge frequency, then the discharge frequency is improved, but the capacity to hold lubricating oil is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge frequency of lubricating oilVSAvoidvolume of lubricating oil

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed insert modifies the crank chamber's free volume parameter to achieve higher oil discharge frequency. By carefully selecting the insert volume (20-70% of free inner volume), the system maintains sufficient oil capacity while enabling more frequent discharge cycles, thus resolving the contradiction between volume and frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a flexible reed valve is used to discharge oil based on gas pressure, then the system simplicity is improved, but the discharge frequency is reduced due to inverse proportionality with free volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of ventilation systemVSAvoiddischarge frequency of lubricating oil

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains the simple flexible reed valve mechanism while introducing a fixed insert to change the crank chamber's free volume parameter. This approach preserves system simplicity while the parameter change (reduced free volume) directly increases the discharge frequency, eliminating the need for complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances the discharge frequency of lubricating oil, reducing the risk of oil accumulation and stability issues, making the system more efficient and similar to a 'dry crankcase' in operation while maintaining competitive manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the increase in the gas pressure in the crank chamber up to a predetermined value (function of the flexibility of the reed) translates into the switching of the reed to open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

said first predetermined switching gas pressure value in said crank chamber is reached in the presence of a volume of lubricating liquid which is less than the volume of lubricating liquid in the presence of which said predetermined pressure value would be reached in the absence of said fixed insert

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolume reduction:

Implementation Method 3

the lubricating oil in the 'wet crankcase' solutions of the known type is drawn from the collecting and accumulation pan and introduced into the crank chamber or crankcase through the hydraulic circuit (including pump, valves, etc . . . )

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11859522B2Ventilation/lubrication system of the crank chamber of an internal combustion engine, in particular for vehicles with a rideable saddle

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 PIAGGIO & C SPA

AI summary

A lubrication system for internal combustion engines, in particular for vehicles with a rideable saddle, said system comprising a crank chamber in which at least one connecting rod is accommodated, and a basin or pan for collecting a lubricating liquid, wherein said crank chamber and said collection basin or pan are put in mutual communication by means of a first opening obtained in said crank chamber, wherein the flow of said lubricating liquid through said first opening from said crank chamber into said basin is adjusted by means of a first adjusting element adapted to be switched to an open position so as to allow the discharge of said lubricating liquid from said crank chamber into said collection basin or pan at a predetermined switching gas pressure value inside said crank chamber.