Crankshaft Timing Gear Assembly for Visible Misassembly Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing engine assembly design makes it difficult to recognize erroneous assembly of the crankshaft and timing gear due to the height of the fitting projection, which can lead to positional displacement that is not easily noticeable.
Innovation Solution
The engine incorporates erroneous-assembling prevention ribs on one of the crankshaft or timing gear to sandwich the fitting recess in the circumferential direction, causing additional positional displacement when the components are incorrectly assembled, making the error more apparent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fitting projection and fitting recess are used to connect the crankshaft and timing gear, then the components are connected at a predetermined position, but the erroneous assembling is difficult to recognize due to the small displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a new dimension to the detection mechanism by introducing erroneous-assembling prevention ribs that extend in the axial direction. When erroneous assembling occurs, these ribs cause the timing gear to be positioned at a different axial height, making the error detectable through vertical displacement rather than just radial misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The erroneous-assembling prevention ribs act as an intermediary element between the fitting projection and fitting recess. These ribs provide an additional mechanical interface that amplifies the consequences of erroneous assembly, creating a visible and measurable displacement that serves as an indicator of incorrect assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If the fitting projection height is increased to improve assembly position accuracy, then the connection becomes more precise, but the displacement becomes even more difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on radial displacement visibility, the invention transitions to detecting axial displacement by using prevention ribs that extend in the axial direction. This dimensional change makes the displacement observable through vertical misalignment rather than radial offset.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from radial displacement to axial displacement. By designing prevention ribs with specific axial heights, the system transforms an invisible radial misalignment into a visible axial height difference, making erroneous assembly easily detectable.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine includes a crankshaft and a timing gear to be attached to the crankshaft so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft. A fitting projection is provided on either one of the crankshaft and the timing gear, and a fitting recess to be fitted with the fitting projection, and erroneous-assembling prevention ribs to sandwich the fitting recess in a circumferential direction are provided on the other one of the crankshaft and the timing gear.