Eccentric Component Half-Shell Indexing for Compression Ratio Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for varying the compression ratio in heat engines face challenges in ensuring precise axial and radial positioning of eccentric parts and resisting load peaks during engine operation, particularly during explosion phases.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves eccentric parts split into half-shells with irregularities on contact faces for improved alignment and resistance, eliminating the need for indexing studs and enhancing load resistance through micro-irregularities or machined shapes, along with a locking mechanism that allows for plastic deformation and easy dismantling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the eccentric part is made as a one-piece structure, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the assembly and disassembly for maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The eccentric part is divided into two half-shells that can be assembled together to form the complete eccentric structure. This segmentation allows the eccentric part to be disassembled for maintenance while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality when assembled, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If conventional locking elements are used without irregularities, then the assembly is simpler, but the resistance to load peaks during combustion is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism simplicityVSAvoidresistance to load peaks
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Irregularities are introduced at specific locations on the locking elements and corresponding recesses in the half-shells. These localized irregularities create interference fits that significantly enhance the resistance to load peaks during combustion, while the overall locking mechanism remains relatively simple in design and implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If indexing pins are used for positioning, then the positioning precision is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidindexing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional indexing pins are removed from the design. Instead, the positioning function is achieved through the irregularities on the locking elements and corresponding recesses in the half-shells, which provide both positioning and locking functions in a single integrated feature, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3295004B1Eccentric component for a system for varying the compression ratio of a combustion engine
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3295004B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3295004B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3295004B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6a

AI summary

The invention relates mainly to an eccentric component (18) for a system for varying the compression ratio of an internal combustion engine comprising: - a body (19) made from two half-shells (22) assembled with one another, said body (19) comprising a face (23) that is eccentric with respect to an internal face (27) of said body (19), and two annulus gears (24) positioned one on each side of said eccentric face (23), characterized in that said contact faces (50, 51) are centred relative to one another by means of an indexing device (101, 102) and/or of irregularities in relief (52) of complementing shapes formed in said contact faces (50, 51).