Engine Balancer Module Driven by Camshaft Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face uneven forces due to reciprocating and rotation imbalances, which can negatively impact the smooth operation of crankshafts and camshafts, necessitating effective balancing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a balancer module with a balance mass rotatable about the crankshaft, driven through a cam drive assembly and balancer drive assembly, which counteracts reciprocating imbalances by rotating in the opposite direction to the crankshaft, utilizing a camshaft and drive member with gear-to-gear interfaces for efficient rotation transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a balancer is used to counteract reciprocating component imbalance, then smooth operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the balancer module with the camshaft drive assembly into a single integrated unit. The balance mass is mounted on the camshaft, and the same gear train that drives the camshaft also drives the balance mass in the opposite direction. This merging eliminates the need for a separate balancer drive mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining vibration cancellation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camshaft serves dual functions: it controls the valve timing through cam lobes and simultaneously acts as the rotation axis for the balance mass. The gear train serves multiple purposes by driving both the camshaft and the balance mass. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining balancing effectiveness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a balance mass rotatable about the crankshaft is added, then reciprocating imbalance is counteracted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance mass is integrated with the camshaft assembly rather than being a separate component mounted on the crankshaft. The balance mass rotates on the camshaft, and both are driven by the same gear train from the crankshaft, combining multiple functions into a single assembly.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gear-to-gear interfaces are used for rotation transfer, then efficient rotation transfer is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a gear train as an intermediary mechanism between the crankshaft and the camshaft/balance mass assembly. The gear train provides a reliable mechanical connection that efficiently transfers rotation while allowing for some manufacturing tolerances through the meshing gear interfaces, which can accommodate slight variations better than direct coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The crankshaft defines a crank axis and is rotatable about the crank axis. The internal combustion engine also includes a camshaft that defines a camshaft axis and is rotatable about the camshaft axis. The internal combustion engine further includes a cam drive assembly that is operable to transfer rotation from the crankshaft to the camshaft, a balance mass rotatable about the crankshaft, and a balancer drive assembly operable to drive the balance mass through the cam drive assembly.