Cylinder Block Rib Structure for Load Path Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines experience distortion and early fatigue in the cylinder block due to operational loads, leading to increased oil consumption and potential engine failure.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder block design featuring a rib structure with reinforced areas and a specific fastener configuration that directs operational loads along targeted trajectories, enhancing structural rigidity and reducing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cylinder block uses a conventional design without additional reinforcement, then the device complexity is low, but the structural integrity and resistance to distortion under operational loads deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement structure is segmented into multiple ribs (first rib, second rib, third rib, fourth rib) positioned at different locations within the cylinder block. Each rib targets specific stress zones, allowing the reinforcement function to be divided into multiple discrete structural elements rather than a single complex reinforcement system.
Solution Approach 2:
Ribs are added only in specific locations where stress concentration occurs, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire cylinder block. The first and second ribs reinforce the first cylinder, while the third and fourth ribs reinforce the second cylinder, providing localized reinforcement where needed most.
2Reliability
If the cylinder block is reinforced with additional ribs and fasteners, then the resistance to fatigue and distortion improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the rib structures: they serve as both reinforcement elements to prevent distortion and as structural components that integrate with the existing cylinder block geometry. The ribs are positioned to simultaneously strengthen the block and accommodate the fastener arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structures and fastener positions are designed in advance during the manufacturing process, with ribs pre-positioned to guide fastener installation. The head bosses and main bosses are formed with predetermined geometries that accommodate the fasteners, ensuring proper alignment and load distribution before operational loads are applied.
3Strength
If fasteners are positioned only at the top and bottom surfaces, then the fastening process is simple, but the load distribution and structural reinforcement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener arrangement extends from a simple two-surface configuration (top and bottom only) to a three-dimensional distribution involving intermediate positions. Fasteners are positioned at the top surface (head bosses), intermediate positions (within the block thickness), and bottom surface (main bosses), creating a volumetric fastening pattern that better distributes loads through the block thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener configuration uses asymmetric positioning with different numbers and arrangements of fasteners at different locations. The first cylinder has four head fasteners and two main fasteners, while the second cylinder has two head fasteners and two main fasteners, allowing optimized load distribution for each cylinder's specific operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to rib structure on cylinder block. A cylinder block having a top surface, an inner bottom surface, a cylinder opening on the top surface, and a head boss positioned on the top surface, centered on a first axis, and configured to engage with a fastener at an initial position, which defines a first depth. The cylinder block includes a first main boss positioned on the inner bottom surface, centered on a second axis, and configured to engage with a first main fastener at a first end position, which defines a second depth. The cylinder block includes a second main boss positioned on the inner bottom surface and configured to engage with a second main fastener at a second end position, which defines a third depth. The cylinder block includes a first rib path extending from the first depth to the second depth and a second rib path extending from the first depth to the third depth.