Dynamic Holding Force for Engine Transmission Clearances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine transmission devices face challenges in controlling operating clearances due to manufacturing tolerances, wear, and differential expansion, leading to excessive acoustic emissions, component deterioration, or degraded performance, especially in variable compression ratio engines, where static holding forces induce friction and require costly fine adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A device that adjusts the holding force in real-time based on the instantaneous speed of transverse displacement within the engine block, using a pressing mechanism with a spring and fluid chamber, including a calibrated drain port and check valve, to apply a moderate force during slow motions and a higher force during fast movements, eliminating the need for mechanical stops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static holding force is applied to the transmission device to control operating clearances, then the contact between moving components is ensured, but friction increases and engine performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact between moving componentsVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic holding force that varies during the engine cycle rather than a constant static force. The holding force is adjusted based on the instantaneous speed of transverse displacement of the transmission device, being moderate during slow motions and higher during fast movements, thereby reducing friction while maintaining component contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnitude of the holding force parameter is changed dynamically throughout the engine cycle. The force is modulated according to operating conditions and transmission device speed, transitioning between moderate and higher force levels to optimize both reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If a static holding force is calibrated to cover part of the engine operating range, then friction is reduced, but mechanical stops are required to limit excessive operating clearances

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefrictionVSAvoidmechanical stop and adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic holding force adjustment eliminates the need for mechanical stops by continuously adapting the force level to match operating conditions. The transmission device remains controlled throughout the full operating range without requiring additional mechanical limiting components or manual adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts the holding force based on real-time operating parameters and transmission device speed, eliminating the need for external mechanical stops and manual calibration for each engine cylinder

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a static holding force is applied to a variable compression ratio engine, then transmission device contact is maintained, but the movement capacity of the control rack is blocked or limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission device contactVSAvoidcontrol rack movement capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic holding force adjusts in real-time to accommodate the full range of control rack movements required for variable compression ratio operation. By modulating the force level according to instantaneous speed and operating conditions, the system maintains contact reliability while preserving complete movement capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces friction, improves engine performance, and allows for reduced component dimensions and hydraulic power source requirements, while maintaining controlled clearances without the drawbacks of static force applications.

Implementation Method 1

a spring or a hydraulic jack, integral with the engine block, and exerting a transverse force holding the transmission device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spring or a hydraulic jack, integral with the engine block, and exerting a transverse force holding the transmission device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

a pressing mechanism with a spring and fluid chamber, including a calibrated drain port and check valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through calibrated opening: Capillary Pressure

Implementation Method 4

including a calibrated drain port and check valve, to apply a moderate force during slow motions and a higher force during fast movements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS10202899B2Device for compensating for the operating clearances of an engine

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 MCE 5 DEV

AI summary

A device for compensating for the operating clearances of an engine comprising a transmission device likely to move transversely in an engine block) during an engine cycle includes a pressing device exerting a holding force on the transmission device. The holding force is adjusted to the instantaneous speed of transverse movement of the transmission device in the engine block.