Multi-Chain Engine Drive Axial Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engines face challenges in reducing size due to increased length and space requirements for multiple chains distributing power to accessories and a camshaft, necessitating additional fastening regions for chain guides and tensioners.
Innovation Solution
A configuration using a plurality of chains wound around a crankshaft with a bracket that straddles adjacent chains, incorporating a chain tensioner and chain guide attached to the bracket, reducing interference and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single chain is used to distribute power to accessories and camshaft, then the chain length is increased, but the engine size increases accordingly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple chains in the axial direction of the crankshaft, utilizing the third dimension (axial space) to accommodate chains without increasing the radial or longitudinal footprint of the engine. This dimensional reorganization allows compact packaging of the chain drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple chains and their associated guides/tensioners into a single integrated assembly mounted on one bracket. This merging of components reduces the total number of separate mounting locations needed on the engine block, thereby reducing overall engine size.
2Length of moving object
If multiple chains are used to distribute power, then each chain length is shortened, but additional fastening regions are required for chain guides and tensioners
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chain guides and tensioners are combined and mounted together on a single bracket structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate fastening regions required on the engine block, as one bracket assembly serves multiple chains simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple functions: it supports multiple chain guides, multiple tensioners, and provides mounting points for all these components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated mounting structures for each chain component.
3Power
If multiple chains are used, then power distribution is improved, but the space required for chain mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension of the crankshaft to arrange multiple chains side-by-side, rather than spreading them out radially or longitudinally. This allows efficient power distribution to multiple accessories while maintaining a compact engine footprint in all three dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guides and tensioners are nested within or around the bracket structure, with components arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations. This nesting allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces without increasing the overall volume required.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of chains that are arranged axially adjacent to each other with respect to a crankshaft protruding from an internal combustion engine body, and are each distributed with power from the crankshaft, a chain tensioner that applies tension to the chain, a chain guide that guides the chain, and a bracket that is attached to the internal combustion engine body so as to straddle at least one of the plurality of chains, and at least one of the chain tensioner and the chain guide is attached to the bracket.