Crankshaft Anti-Splash Device Oil Sump Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines experience power losses due to crankshaft splashing and counterweight friction in the oil sump, exacerbated by oil displacement during vehicle motion, leading to inefficiencies and oil aeration.

Innovation Solution

An anti-bubble device that divides the oil sump into compartments, using a separation element and evacuation element to collect and direct lubricating oil from moving parts, guiding it under the crankshaft counterweights to reduce friction and prevent oil aeration, with a semi-cylindrical shape and anti-lift feature to manage oil flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the crankshaft rotates in the oil sump, then lubrication of moving parts is achieved, but power losses occur due to crankshaft splashing and counterweight friction in the oil layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidpower losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The oil sump is divided into two compartments by a separator element: a first compartment where oil is collected from moving parts, and a second compartment where oil is discharged back into the sump. This segmentation prevents direct contact between the crankshaft counterweights and the oil layer, reducing splashing and friction losses while maintaining lubrication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the vehicle is in motion, then the engine operates, but crankshaft splashing is accentuated by oil displacement in the oil pan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine operationVSAvoidcrankshaft splashing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the oil sump into separate compartments, the invention isolates the oil collection area from the discharge area. The separator element creates a controlled flow path that prevents oil displacement and splashing caused by vehicle motion, allowing the engine to operate efficiently without excessive crankshaft splashing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If oil is collected from moving parts, then lubrication is maintained, but oil aeration occurs due to prolonged contact with moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication maintenanceVSAvoidoil aeration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separator element creates distinct zones for oil collection and discharge. Oil is collected from moving parts in the first compartment, then channeled through a controlled path to the second compartment for discharge back into the sump. This segmented approach minimizes the time and extent of oil contact with moving parts, reducing aeration while maintaining lubrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 power consumption by the oil pump and limits oil aeration, enhancing engine efficiency and prolonging oil longevity by minimizing contact between oil and moving parts.

Implementation Method 1

an oil drain member for to lead said oil collected from the first compartment to the second compartment under the action of said crankshaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3283739B1Anti-splash device for a crankshaft
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 RENAULT SA
  • EP3283739B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an anti-splash device (5) for a crankshaft (12) located in an internal combustion engine (1), comprising: an element (6a) for dividing an oil pan (2) of the engine (1) into first and second compartments (4a, 4b), said element being suitable for collecting engine (1) lubricating oil (15) from mobile parts of the engine (1); and an element (6b) for removing the oil (15), allowing the oil (15) collected from the first compartment (4a) to be guided towards the second compartment (4b) under the action of said crankshaft (12).