Engine Component Protective Shell with Controlled Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for external components of internal combustion engines, such as fuel pumps, deform unpredictably during vehicle collisions, potentially causing damage to the components they are meant to protect.
Innovation Solution
A protective device comprising a protective shell, stoppers, and deformable members that limit displacement and guide the shell's movement towards the engine, ensuring controlled deformation and preventing contact with critical components like fuel injectors and supply pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid protective structure (cooling water pipe and muffler cover) is used to protect the fuel pump, then the protective capability is improved, but the deformation pattern becomes unpredictable during collision, potentially causing damage to the protected component
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure transitions from a rigid static design to a dynamic system with controlled deformability. The deformable member is designed to deform in a predetermined pattern during collision, allowing the structure to adapt to impact forces while maintaining reliable protection of the fuel pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of rigidity to controlled deformability. By introducing a deformable member with specific mechanical properties, the structure can undergo controlled deformation within a predetermined distance, transforming the protection mechanism from rigid resistance to controlled energy absorption.
2Loss of energy
If the protective shell is allowed to deform freely during impact, then the absorption of impact energy is improved, but the displacement becomes uncontrolled, risking contact with the engine component
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned to define the maximum displacement distance before impact occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that during collision, the deformable member can absorb energy through controlled deformation while the stopper prevents any excessive displacement that would risk contact with the engine component.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the deformable protective shell and the engine component. It mediates the displacement process by providing a physical barrier that limits the shell's movement, ensuring energy absorption without compromising the safety distance.
3Strength
If the protective structure is designed to be highly rigid, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to absorb impact energy through deformation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure employs different material properties in different regions. The deformable member has controlled deformability for energy absorption, while other parts of the structure maintain higher rigidity for overall structural strength. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of both strength and energy absorption capabilities.
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 device effectively absorbs impact loads by controlled deformation, preventing damage to external engine components by maintaining a predetermined distance and direction of displacement, thus enhancing protection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable member deforming in response to an impact load applied to the protective shell
Implementation Method 2
a deformable member deforming in response to an impact load applied to the protective shell and guiding displacement of the protective shell towards the engine up to a position limited by the stoppers
Data Source
AI summary
An engine component (2, 3) is disposed in front of or behind the vehicle engine with respect to the direction of vehicle travel. The component (2, 3) is covered by a protective shell (10) from an opposite direction from the engine (1). The protective shell (10) is fixed to the engine (1) by brackets (5, 6). Stoppers (11-13) in the protective shell (10) limit the displacement of the protective shell (10) towards the engine (1) from exceeding a predetermined distance. The brackets (5, 6) are provided with deformable members (5, 6A) which deform in response to an impact load applied to the protective shell (10) and guide the protective shell (10) only in a direction towards the engine (1) up to the position which is limited by the stoppers. In this manner, the protective properties of the external components (2, 3) with respect to an impact load is enhanced.