Engine Oil Pan Sealing Layout for Multi-Part Interface Leakage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing solutions for internal combustion engines, particularly for large engines like V12 to V20 vehicles, are expensive due to the use of molded seals for the oil pan and engine casing interfaces, and they fail to adequately seal transition areas between multiple connected parts.

Innovation Solution

A sealing arrangement using an O-ring and molded seals with specific groove and rib configurations to effectively seal interfaces between the oil pan assembly and engine casing, where the O-ring is placed in a groove and the molded seals have sealing ribs to enhance pressure and interference, allowing for adaptable and cost-effective sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If molded seals are used for sealing interfaces between oil pan and engine casing, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is divided into two distinct components: an O-ring for sealing the first interface between oil pan and engine casing, and a molded seal for sealing the second interface between engine casing parts. This segmentation allows each sealing element to be optimized for its specific function and location, providing reliable sealing while reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to using molded seals for all interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The O-ring serves a universal sealing function at the first interface, while the molded seal with its two sealing areas provides both primary sealing at the second interface and secondary sealing by contacting the O-ring. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable sealing across multiple interfaces using a combination of sealing elements rather than requiring expensive molded seals for all sealing locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If molded seals are used for all interfaces, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The molded seal acts as an intermediary element that connects the O-ring sealing system to the engine casing structure. The molded seal's first sealing area contacts the O-ring while its second sealing area seals against the engine casing part, creating a bridging sealing solution that simplifies the overall sealing architecture compared to using multiple independent molded seals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If transition areas between three connected parts are sealed, then sealing completeness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing completenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The molded seal combines multiple sealing functions into a single component: its first sealing area seals the second interface between engine casing parts, while its second sealing area contacts the O-ring to provide secondary sealing at the transition area between three connected parts. This merging of sealing functions into one integrated component ensures complete sealing without requiring additional separate sealing elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a simple, effective, and cost-reduced sealing method that ensures reliable sealing of multiple interfaces in internal combustion engines, including transition areas between three connected parts, enhancing the sealing efficiency and preventing oil leaks.

Implementation Method 1

an O-ring (31) for sealing a first interface (70) between an upper edge portion (21) of an oil pan assembly (10) and a bottom side (1b) of an engine casing (1a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one molded seal (40) for sealing a second interface (71) between two connectable parts of the engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

one or more sealing ribs (44) protrude from a surface (43) of the second groove (42) towards the O-ring (31)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure Increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11739668B2Sealing arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 LIEBHERR COMPONENTS COLMAR SAS

AI summary

Sealing arrangement for an internal combustion engine for sealing at least one interface of an oil pan assembly, comprising an O-ring for sealing a first interface between an upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly and a bottom side of an engine casing, wherein the O-ring extends in a plane formed by the first interface. The sealing arrangement further comprises at least one molded seal for sealing a second interface between two connectable parts of the engine, wherein the molded seal comprises two seal end portions comprising sealing areas to be sealingly connected to the O-ring.