Internal Combustion Engine Oil Cooler Integrated into Cylinder Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil cooling systems for internal combustion engines face issues with inadequate oil cooling capacity when there is no external oil cooler, and externally arranged oil coolers often have complex and lengthy routing, leading to inefficiencies and leakage losses.
Innovation Solution
An internal oil cooler is integrated directly into the crankcase with a pocket and cover, allowing for a pipeline-free, efficient flow of cooling water around the oil cooler, reducing leakage losses and enhancing cooling effect by optimizing flow velocities through longitudinal flow and precise ribbed design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an external oil cooler is used, then oil cooling performance is ensured, but pipe routes become too long and too complex
Solution Approach 1:
The oil cooler is integrated directly into the crankcase structure, merging the cooling function with the engine housing. This eliminates the need for separate external coolers and complex piping, as the cooling channels are formed directly within the crankcase material, providing short and simple fluid paths while maintaining effective oil cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil cooler channels are nested within the crankcase structure itself, with cooling passages embedded in the crankcase walls and oil sump areas. This nesting approach allows the cooling system to be contained within the existing engine envelope, eliminating external components and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If no external oil cooler is used, then pipe route complexity is reduced, but oil cooling performance becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged into the crankcase structure, creating integrated cooling channels that provide sufficient cooling capacity without requiring external components. The crankcase itself becomes the heat exchanger, with water jackets and oil cooling passages formed directly in the metal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes hydraulic flow paths through the crankcase material, with water circulating through integrated channels to absorb heat from oil and engine components. The hydraulic system leverages the high thermal conductivity of the crankcase metal to efficiently transfer heat from oil to cooling water.
3Temperature
If cooling water flow path is extended, then cooling coverage is improved, but leakage losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling water path is merged with the crankcase structure, creating sealed channels within the engine housing. This integration eliminates external connections and potential leak points, while the water jackets extend to provide comprehensive cooling coverage of cylinders, crankshaft, and oil sump areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The crankcase structure itself serves as the cooling system, with the metal walls acting as both structural support and heat transfer medium. The integrated design uses the crankcase material to contain and direct cooling water, eliminating the need for separate external piping systems that would be prone to leakage.
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 minimizes leakage losses, increases cooling efficiency, and allows for adaptable design changes, ensuring effective oil cooling without the need for external oil coolers or complex piping.
Implementation Method 1
a quantity of water is pumped into an oil cooler line, which runs along the crankcase cooling chambers and feeds an oil cooler integrated into the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
the cooling water flows around the oil cooler
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Described are an internal combustion engine having a crankcase and a cylinder head comprising at least one cylinder block, at least one level flange surface for receiving at least one oil cooler, at least one oil cooler, at least one coolant inlet leading to the oil cooler, at least one coolant outlet leading from the oil cooler, and at least one internal cooling section.