Cylinder Block Rigidity via Segmented Reinforcing Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditionally, improving the rigidity of a cylinder block in engine devices is challenging as the rigidity improvement rate is low compared to the increase in weight, which is particularly problematic in work machines like tractors.
Innovation Solution
The engine device incorporates projecting portions and reinforcing ribs on the cylinder block, which are integrally formed, to enhance rigidity. The reinforcing ribs are flared at their sides near the projecting portions, and they are arranged to overlap positions where critical components like the camshaft casing and lubricating oil passages are located.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the cylinder block is increased to improve rigidity, then the rigidity of the cylinder block is improved, but the weight of the cylinder block increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder block is segmented with multiple reinforcing ribs (first reinforcing ribs and second reinforcing ribs) distributed at different positions and orientations. These ribs divide the structural reinforcement task into multiple localized elements rather than requiring uniform thickness increase throughout the entire block, thereby improving rigidity with minimal weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcing ribs are strategically placed at specific locations where rigidity is most needed, such as near the crankshaft axial ends and at positions corresponding to camshaft casing and lubricating oil passages. This localized reinforcement approach concentrates material where it provides maximum structural benefit while avoiding unnecessary weight increase in other areas.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the thickness of the cylinder block is increased to improve rigidity, then the overall durability is improved, but the size of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The durability enhancement is achieved through segmented reinforcing ribs rather than a uniform thickness increase. This segmentation allows the structure to gain strength and durability through strategic reinforcement at critical locations without proportionally increasing the overall engine size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in a single dimension, the reinforcing ribs extend in multiple directions and orientations (first reinforcing ribs in one direction, second reinforcing ribs in another direction). This multi-dimensional reinforcement approach improves durability without requiring a proportional increase in any single dimension of the engine.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the thickness of the cylinder block is increased to improve rigidity, then the noise is reduced, but the weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Noise reduction is achieved through segmented reinforcing ribs distributed at specific positions rather than uniform thickness increase. The ribs are placed to dampen vibrations and noise at critical locations (near crankshaft ends, camshaft casing areas) without requiring additional material throughout the entire block, thus controlling weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcing ribs are positioned at locations where noise and vibration generation is most problematic, such as near the crankshaft axial ends and at positions corresponding to moving components like the camshaft casing. This localized noise control approach reduces harmful sounds without the penalty of uniform thickness increase and associated weight gain.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine device including a cylinder block for supporting a crankshaft so that the crankshaft is rotatable. Opposite side portions of the cylinder block along a crankshaft axial direction have, on one of their ends relative to the crankshaft axial direction, projecting portions protruding in a direction away from the crankshaft, and reinforcing ribs provided between side walls and the projecting portions of the opposite side portions so that the reinforcing ribs are widened at their sides close to the corresponding projecting portions, the projecting portions and the reinforcing ribs being integrally formed with the cylinder block.