Oil Pan Partition with Common Closure Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oil pans for internal combustion engines take too long to heat the oil to operating temperature and require additional constructive expenditure for servicing.

Innovation Solution

A compact oil pan design with at least two separate oil chambers separated by a partition, where at least two overflow openings are opened or closed by a common adjustable closure element, such as a thermal switching valve or oil drain screw, allowing for efficient temperature control and simplified construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the oil pan is divided into two separate chambers with individual closure elements for each overflow opening, then the oil can be heated to operating temperature faster, but the device complexity and constructive expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to reach operating temperatureVSAvoidnumber of closure elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple closure elements into a single common closure element that can simultaneously close multiple overflow openings in the partition between the two oil chambers. This merging approach maintains the fast heating capability while reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common closure element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can close multiple overflow openings simultaneously, and it also serves as the drainage closure element for the oil pan. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining the desired thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual closure elements are used for each overflow opening, then each opening can be controlled independently, but the ease of manufacture and servicing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of overflow openingsVSAvoidconstructive expenditure for servicing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control function for multiple overflow openings into a single common closure element, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured, installed, and serviced. This approach maintains the ability to control oil flow while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common closure element serves as both the overflow control mechanism and the drainage closure element, eliminating the need for separate components. This multi-functionality reduces constructive expenditure and simplifies servicing while maintaining the necessary control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a common closure element is used for multiple overflow openings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision over individual opening flow may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of closure elementsVSAvoidcontrol precision of flow exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal switching valve incorporates a thermal element that provides feedback based on oil temperature. The element expands or contracts with temperature changes, automatically opening or closing the overflow openings as needed. This feedback mechanism maintains precise flow control despite the use of a common closure element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The closure element's position is dynamically adjusted based on temperature parameter changes. The thermal element's dimensional changes with temperature automatically regulate the flow exchange between oil chambers, maintaining precise control without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design significantly reduces the time to reach operating temperature and minimizes additional construction costs for servicing by using fewer closure elements and ensuring all oil areas participate in flow exchange.

Implementation Method 1

The closure element is embodied as a thermal switching valve which, based on the oil temperature, opens or closes the overflow openings. For this purpose, the closure element has a thermal element which, based on the oil temperature, expands or contracts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS8651078B2Oil pan for an internal combustion engine

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

An oil pan for an internal combustion engine has a pan body and a partition disposed in the pan body so as to separate an interior of the pan body into two separate oil chambers. The partition is provided with at least two overflow openings. An adjustable closure element is common to the at least two overflow openings for opening or closing the at least two overflow openings.