Engine Oil Pump Cover Seal for Crankcase Pressure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in preventing pressure fluctuations from the crankcase cavity from affecting the oil reservoir in the cam housing cavity, which can impact the efficiency and reliability of the oil pumping mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A seal is positioned between the pump and the bearing, specifically designed to block the transmission of pressure fluctuations between the crankcase cavity and the oil reservoir, ensuring that the crankshaft-driven oil pump operates effectively by maintaining a sealed passage and preventing fluid connection between the two cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crankcase cavity and cam housing cavity are left open to each other, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but pressure fluctuations from the crankcase affect the oil reservoir in the cam housing, reducing pump efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the internal cavity into two separate pressure zones: the crankcase cavity and the cam housing cavity. A seal is positioned at the interface between these cavities to segment them, preventing pressure fluctuations from the crankcase from affecting the oil reservoir in the cam housing. This segmentation maintains simple manufacturing while improving pump efficiency by isolating the two cavities.
2Reliability
If a seal is added to block pressure fluctuations, then the oil pumping efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated into the existing pump assembly structure, merging the sealing function with the pump housing or cover. Rather than adding a separate, complex sealing system, the invention incorporates the seal into the existing components, achieving pressure isolation while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the crankshaft passage is sealed from the oil reservoir, then pressure fluctuations are blocked, but the passage requires additional sealing features
Solution Approach 1:
The seal acts as an intermediary element positioned at the interface between the crankcase cavity and the cam housing cavity. It mediates the connection between these two cavities by providing a sealing surface that blocks pressure fluctuations while allowing the crankshaft passage to maintain its structural integrity. The seal is positioned to contact the outer race of the bearing, creating an effective barrier without requiring complex modifications to the passage itself.
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 effectively blocks pressure fluctuations, enhancing the oil pumping mechanism's ability to draw oil from both the crankcase and cam housing reservoirs, thereby improving the engine's oil circulation and reducing potential mechanical issues.
Implementation Method 1
The seal is positioned against the outer race to block the transmission of pressure fluctuations between the crankcase cavity and the oil reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine assembly includes a crankcase and a cam housing. The crankcase includes a crankcase cavity configured to receive a counterweight. The cam housing includes a cam housing cavity configured to receive a camshaft. A pump is positioned within the cam housing. The pump is configured to draw oil from an oil reservoir defined by the cam housing cavity. A crankshaft supports the counterweight for rotation therewith. The crankshaft is rotatably supported within the cam housing and is coupled to drive the pump. A bearing supports the crankshaft between the crankcase cavity and the cam housing cavity. The bearing includes an outer race. A seal is positioned between the pump and the bearing. The seal is positioned against the outer race to block the transmission of pressure fluctuations between the crankcase cavity and the oil reservoir.