Crankcase Bottom Plate External Mounting for Dry Sump Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing crankcase designs for internal combustion engines with vertical cylinders face a conflict between space utilization and power output due to the requirement of an inclined configuration for dry-sump lubrication, which results in inefficient use of construction space and potential lubricant leakage.
Innovation Solution
A crankcase design with a bottom plate wider than the crankcase, allowing auxiliary equipment like heat exchangers, filters, and charge air coolers to be mounted outside, while pumps are integrated within, reducing the need for a double wall structure and enhancing packaging density and operational safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crankcase is inclined to enable dry-sump lubrication, then lubrication reliability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate extends beyond the crankcase width in the horizontal direction, creating an external mounting area. This dimensional extension allows auxiliary equipment to be positioned outside the crankcase envelope, resolving the space conflict by utilizing external space rather than increasing crankcase width.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom plate is segmented into two functional zones: a first section extending outside the crankcase for auxiliary equipment mounting, and a second section within the crankcase for pump placement. This segmentation allows different components to occupy different spatial zones, optimizing space utilization while maintaining lubrication reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If auxiliary equipment is mounted outside the crankcase, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate integrates multiple functions: it provides structural closure for the crankcase, serves as a mounting surface for auxiliary equipment on its external section, and contains integrated media flow channels and suction locations for the pumps. This merging of functions into a single component reduces overall device complexity despite the extended geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom plate acts as a universal platform performing multiple roles: structural closure, auxiliary equipment mounting base, pump mounting surface, and fluid channel integration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while enabling external mounting for space optimization.
3Reliability
If pumps are arranged within the chamber, then operational safety is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pumps are nested within the lubricant chamber on the bottom plate, utilizing the existing chamber volume. This nesting approach places the pumps inside the protective enclosure while utilizing otherwise wasted space, achieving both safety through containment and efficient space utilization.
4Device complexity
If media flow channels are integrated into the bottom plate, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The media flow channels are merged directly into the bottom plate structure, eliminating separate channel components and reducing the number of seal structures required. This integration simplifies the overall device architecture while requiring precise manufacturing of the channel geometry within the bottom plate.
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 optimal space utilization, high packaging density, and ensures operational safety by preventing lubricant leakage, allowing the engine to operate effectively even in inclined positions with reduced assembly and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
auxiliary equipment comprising pumps for pumping lubricant into the lubricant chamber and from the lubricant chamber to various lubrication points
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger and a filter may be arranged on the first section
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger and a filter may be arranged on the first section
Implementation Method 4
In the remaining space above the heat exchanger and the filter a charge air cooler may be arranged
Data Source
AI summary
In a crankcase for an internal combustion engine, including a lubricant chamber for the collection of lubricant, and a bottom plate for providing dry sump lubrication closing the crankcase and being sealingly joined to the bottom end of the crankcase, wherein the crankcase includes auxiliary equipment comprising pumps for pumping lubricant into the lubricant chamber and from the lubricant chamber to various lubrication points, the bottom plate has a width exceeding the width of the crankcase so that it forms a section which is disposed outside the crankcase and auxiliary equipment is disposed on this section outside the crankcase.