Reciprocating Engine Balancing Mass with Linear Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving smooth running and minimizing vibration, especially with a small number of cylinders, due to unbalanced inertial forces and moments, which often require complex and costly mass balancing systems that increase installation space and construction costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact mass balancing system for reciprocating piston internal combustion engines that uses a linearly guided balancing mass driven by the crankshaft via a crank mechanism, with a simplified design that minimizes space requirements and component count, featuring a tilting-free storage and guidance system, and integrated lubrication for reduced friction and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple oscillating balancing masses are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the crankshaft, then free mass moments are compensated and engine stability is improved, but design complexity increases and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple balancing masses into a single integrated balancing mass that performs the function of multiple separate masses. The balancing mass is designed with an extended structure that provides multiple balancing points, eliminating the need for separate balancing masses on opposite sides of the crankshaft while achieving the same free mass moment compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing mass is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides free mass moment compensation, serves as a mounting structure for guide elements, and integrates the bearing structure for the crank mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the engine structure.
2Reliability
If oscillating balancing masses are guided in straight guides or through handlebars, then balancing function is achieved, but construction costs increase and installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are integrated directly into the balancing mass structure, with guide bores formed in the balancing mass itself. The bearing structure is nested within the balancing mass, with the crank mechanism positioned inside the balancing mass housing. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate external guide structures and reduces installation space.
3Manufacturing precision
If balancing masses are arranged with multiple components and complex guidance systems, then balancing precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing mass is designed as a modular structure with distinct functional zones: the balancing mass body, integrated guide bores, bearing housing, and crank mechanism. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining balancing precision through the integrated design.
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
The solution achieves a high level of vibration reduction and stability with minimal space and cost, enabling a compact, low-maintenance design that maintains engine performance and extends operational intervals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one balancing mass (14) which is driven in an oscillating manner by a crankshaft (11) via a crank mechanism (15, 16)
Implementation Method 2
The at least one balancing mass (14) is guided translationally or linearly by means of a linear guide (17) assigned to the respective balancing mass (14)
Implementation Method 3
The friction losses that arise between the piston defining the balancing mass and the cylinder can be reduced by arranging a hydrostatic plain bearing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine (1) having at least one engine cylinder (2, 3) and, oscillating therein, at least one engine piston, and having at least one balancing mass (14) which is driven in an oscillating manner by a crankshaft (11) via a crank throw (15) and via a compensating connecting rod (16) and which is guided in a translatory fashion by means of a linear guide (17) assigned in each case to the respective balancing mass (14). Here, the linear guide (17) is formed by at least two guide elements (18, 19), which are spaced apart from one another, for the balancing mass (14). A bearing (23) for articulatedly connecting to the compensating connecting rod (16) is formed on the balancing mass (14) in a central portion between the two guide elements (18, 19) which are spaced apart from one another. A mass balancing system is thereby created which ensures as high a degree of running smoothness as possible, in particular as low a level of vibration as possible, and which at the same can be realized in as cheap and practicable a manner as possible.