Hydraulic Module for Variable Compression Connecting Rod
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines with fixed compression ratios face challenges in adjusting compression ratios efficiently, particularly under varying load conditions, leading to issues like 'knocking' and instability in connecting rod length adjustments due to hydraulic fluid flow management.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic module with a switch valve and eccentric element adjustment arrangement, featuring check valves and throttles, allows for controlled hydraulic fluid flow between cylinders, ensuring stable operation and efficient adjustment of connecting rod length by leveraging pressure differences and preloading mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If check valves are installed in both inlets to prevent backflow, then positional stability is improved, but hydraulic fluid consumption increases and switching reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by installing check valves selectively only in the second inlet (cylinder 2) rather than both inlets. This localized approach prevents backflow in the critical second cylinder while allowing controlled fluid exchange between cylinders, thereby maintaining positional stability without excessive hydraulic fluid consumption or switching reliability issues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If check valves are installed in both inlets to prevent backflow, then positional stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by applying check valves locally only where necessary (second inlet) rather than uniformly across all inlets. This selective placement maintains positional stability while minimizing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluid is allowed to drain freely from both cylinders, then ease of operation is improved, but positional stability deteriorates due to drifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different drainage control strategies to different cylinders: the first cylinder allows free drainage through its outlet for ease of operation, while the second cylinder uses a check valve to prevent backflow and maintain positional stability. This differentiated approach resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and positional stability.
4Device complexity
If a simple hydraulic module design is used without switch valve, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates under high mass force conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by implementing a switch valve that controls the flow state (open/closed) of hydraulic passages based on operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt its hydraulic characteristics dynamically, ensuring reliable operation under high mass force conditions while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch valve acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the two cylinders, controlling fluid flow based on pressure differences and operational requirements. This intermediary mechanism enhances reliability under varying load conditions without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 provides stable operating properties, reduces hydraulic fluid consumption, and enhances positional stability and stiffness of the connecting rod, preventing drifting and damage during high mass force and low gas force conditions, while simplifying the engineering design and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first check valve is arranged in the first inlet and facilitates feeding the hydraulic fluid into the first cylinder and prevents draining the hydraulic fluid from the first cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the second check valve is arranged in the second inlet and facilitates feeding the hydraulic fluid into the second cylinder and prevents draining the hydraulic fluid from the second cylinder
Implementation Method 3
the switch valve includes a piston which is displaceable into a first switching position or a second switching position, and wherein the first cylinder and the second cylinder are connected so that hydraulic fluid is conductible in the first switching position from the first cylinder into the second cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic module with a switch valve for controlling a flow of a hydraulic fluid in a connecting rod for an internal combustion engine with variable compression with an eccentric element adjustment arrangement for adjusting an effective connecting rod length, wherein the eccentrical element adjustment arrangement includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder configured as hydraulic chambers, wherein a first inlet is provided for feeding the hydraulic fluid into the first cylinder and a second inlet is provided for feeding the hydraulic fluid into the second cylinder, wherein a first outlet is provided for draining the hydraulic fluid from the first cylinder and a second outlet is provided for draining the hydraulic fluid from the second cylinder wherein a first check valve is associated with the first cylinder and a second check valve is associated with the second cylinder.