Knock Sensor Mounting on Crankcase Boss for Single-Cylinder Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

In single-cylinder internal combustion engines, knocking vibrations are detected less accurately when the knock sensor is mounted on the crankcase or cylinder head due to layout constraints and heat resistance issues, making it difficult to effectively detect knocking.

Innovation Solution

A single-cylinder internal combustion engine design featuring a sensor mounting boss on the crankcase or cylinder head, with the sensor positioned off-center relative to the axis of the bolt connecting the crankcase, cylinder block, and cylinder head, allowing for effective vibration detection of knocking vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the knock sensor is mounted on the cylinder block, then knocking detection accuracy is improved, but layout constraints and heat resistance issues prevent proper installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknocking detection accuracyVSAvoidmounting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt serving as a fastener acts as an intermediary transmission path. Instead of mounting the sensor directly on the cylinder block (which is constrained by heat and layout), the sensor is mounted on the crankcase and uses the bolt to transmit vibrations from the cylinder block, thereby solving the mounting flexibility problem while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical mounting on the cylinder block with a vibration transmission mechanism through the bolt. This substitution allows the sensor to be positioned on the crankcase (where it's cooler and easier to access) while still detecting knocking vibrations transmitted through the bolt, thus resolving the heat resistance and layout constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the knock sensor is mounted on the crankcase or cylinder head, then layout constraints are satisfied, but knocking detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidknocking detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt serves as a vibration transmission intermediary that connects the crankcase (where the sensor is mounted) to the cylinder block (source of knocking vibrations). This allows the sensor to be positioned on the crankcase for layout flexibility while the bolt transmits the knocking vibrations accurately to the sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the knock sensor is mounted on the cylinder head, then proximity to combustion chamber is achieved, but vibration interference from non-knocking sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknocking detection capabilityVSAvoidvibration interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt acts as a selective vibration transmission path. It transmits knocking vibrations from the cylinder block to the sensor on the crankcase while isolating the sensor from direct exposure to other vibrations generated in the cylinder head region, thus reducing vibration interference from non-knocking sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables accurate detection of knocking vibrations, improves sensor reliability by reducing temperature issues, and optimizes space utilization while minimizing interference from rotational vibrations and external objects.

Implementation Method 1

When knocking takes place, the vibration resulting from the knocking propagates from the combustion chamber to the cylinder block, and then to the crankcase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2549086B1Internal combustion engine and straddle-type vehicle equipped with the engine
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2549086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2549086B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2549086B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is possible to detect knocking appropriately in a single-cylinder internal combustion engine in which a knock sensor is mounted to a part other than a cylinder block. A crankcase (11), a cylinder block (12), and a cylinder head (13) are connected by a bolt (60). A boss (40) for mounting a knock sensor (41) is formed on the crankcase (11). The center (40c) of the boss (40) is positioned on a side with respect to a cylinder axis (L1) in which the bolt (60) is provided, when viewed in an axial direction of the boss (40).