Multi-Cylinder Engine Crankcase Oil Management via Integrated Pump Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-cylinder internal combustion engines have a complex structure and a high number of component parts due to the use of oil pans and pipes for oil distribution, which complicates the design and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
The engine features independent crank chambers partitioned by support walls with integrated oil discharge ports and a scavenging pump suction port positioned to directly collect oil from adjacent chambers, eliminating the need for additional components and allowing the scavenging pump to be placed strategically, even around obstacles like journal bolts. Additionally, oil slinger ribs and integrated oil passages reduce resistance and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oil pans and pipes are used for oil distribution, then oil collection and distribution function is achieved, but device complexity increases and number of component parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support wall that partitions crank chambers is merged with the oil discharge port function, and the scavenging pump suction port is integrated into the crank chamber outer wall. This combines multiple functions (partitioning, oil discharge, and pump suction) into unified structures, eliminating the need for separate oil pans and connection pipes, thus reducing component parts while maintaining oil collection and distribution reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support wall serves multiple functions: it partitions crank chambers, provides structural support for the crankshaft, and incorporates the oil discharge port. The scavenging pump suction port is positioned to serve both as the pump inlet and as part of the crank chamber structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed for oil management
2Reliability
If oil pans and pipes are used for oil distribution, then oil collection is achieved, but number of component parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil discharge port is merged into the support wall structure, and the scavenging pump suction port is integrated into the crank chamber outer wall. This eliminates separate oil pans and connection pipes, directly reducing the quantity of component parts while maintaining effective oil collection from multiple crank chambers
Solution Approach 2:
The oil pan and connection pipes are extracted/removed from the system. Instead, the oil discharge ports in the support walls and the scavenging pump suction port directly handle oil collection and removal, eliminating unnecessary components while preserving the essential oil collection function
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
This configuration simplifies the engine structure, reduces the number of components, and enhances efficiency by directly supplying oil to the scavenging pump and reducing crankshaft resistance, leading to a more compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
oil slinger rib proximate to a peripheral surface of a crank web along the recessed part... the oil adhering to the crank web can be removed by the oil slinger rib, so that resistance to the rotation of the crankshaft can be reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes a one-side crank chamber and an other-side crank chamber formed by partitioning a lower crankcase by a plurality of lower support walls which are provided integrally with the lower crankcase and support a crankshaft. A plurality of oil outflow holes respectively communicate with the one-side crank chamber and the other-side crank chamber through which oil is discharged from the one-side crank chamber and the other-side crank chamber. An oil discharge port is provided along a lower support wall of the one-side crank chamber and the other-side crank chamber. A suction port of a scavenging pump for discharging the oil present in the one-side crank chamber and the other-side crank chamber is provided in an outer wall in the manner of straddling the lower support wall.