Engine Control Unit Mount With Fluid Channels and Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching control units to internal combustion engines often rely on external damping elements to mitigate vibrations, but these setups lack versatility in fulfilling additional functions beyond mere vibration damping and fluid conduction.

Innovation Solution

A connection component with integrated fluid channels and damping elements that allows for the attachment of control units to engine components, enabling fluid conduction and additional functions like sensor accommodation, while maintaining effective vibration damping through strategically placed damping elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control units are attached externally to the internal combustion engine using damping elements, then vibration damping is achieved and the control unit can withstand vibrations over service life, but the connection component lacks additional functionality beyond simple mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of connection componentVSAvoidcomplexity of connection component

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection component is designed to perform multiple functions: it mechanically mounts the control unit via damping elements, conducts fluids (charge air, exhaust gas, coolant, fuel, lubricant) through integrated fluid channels, and provides mounting points for sensors. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling the connection component to serve as a structural mount, fluid conduit, and sensor platform simultaneously, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If damping elements are used to attach the control unit to the first connection component, then vibration damping is achieved and the control unit is protected from engine vibrations, but the connection component cannot be integrated into engine fluid systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capability with engine systemsVSAvoidvibration protection of control unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damping elements and fluid channels are merged into a single integrated connection component structure. The damping elements maintain their vibration-damping function while the fluid channels are incorporated into the same component, allowing simultaneous achievement of vibration protection and fluid system integration without compromising either function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the control unit is attached to the outside of the engine component, then vibration damping can be effectively applied, but the connection component requires additional features for fluid conduction and sensor mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration damping effectivenessVSAvoidstructural complexity of connection component

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection component is designed as a multi-functional element that combines vibration damping (through integrated damping elements), fluid conduction (through internal fluid channels), and sensor mounting capabilities. This approach resolves the contradiction by consolidating multiple required functions into a single structural component, thereby reducing the number of separate parts needed while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the functionality of the connection component by allowing it to conduct necessary engine fluids, integrate sensors, and adapt to various engine systems, while maintaining effective vibration damping, thus improving the overall efficiency and versatility of the attachment system.

Implementation Method 1

The damping element dampens the vibrations between the first connection component and the second connection component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The damping element has in particular an elastic body, for example a rubber element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3354891B1Motor vehicle with internal combustion engine and device for mounting a control unit on the internal combustion engine

Publication Date: 2021.03.10 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (12) for attaching a control unit (14), preferably an electronic engine control unit, to a component (16) of an internal combustion engine (10). The device (12) has a first connection component (18) which is designed to be attached to the component (16) of the internal combustion engine (10), the first connection component (18) having a first fluid channel (32). The device (12) also has a second connecting component (20), which is attached via at least one damping element (22) to the first connecting component (18) at a distance from the first fluid channel (32) and is designed for mounting the control unit (14). .