Multi-Piece Oil Scraper Ring Structure for Lower Friction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-piece oil scraper rings in internal combustion engines experience high friction, leading to increased fuel consumption, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece piston ring configuration comprising an upper scraper ring, a lower support ring, and an expander spring/spiral spring, where the expander spring is designed with unique cross-sectional shapes such as double L-shaped, Z-shaped, or U-shaped, and contact projections to reduce friction by optimizing the interaction between the rings and the cylinder wall, and incorporating engagement structures to prevent joint end movement and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional three-piece oil scraper ring is used, then the oil scraping function is provided, but high friction is generated leading to increased fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The oil scraper ring is divided into three separate components: an upper scraper ring, a lower support ring, and an expander spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall friction while maintaining effective oil scraping. The upper scraper ring focuses on oil removal, the lower support ring provides structural support, and the expander spring maintains proper tension and spacing between components.
2Reliability
If the expander spring contacts the groove base, then support is provided, but increased friction and wear occur
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the support function from the expander spring by introducing a dedicated lower support ring. The support ring assumes the primary role of supporting the expander spring and preventing contact with the groove base, while the expander spring focuses on providing expansion force and maintaining spacing between the rings.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simpler oil scraper ring design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but friction reduction and efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented three-piece design balances manufacturing simplicity with friction reduction. Each component can be manufactured separately using standard processes, and the modular approach allows for optimized material selection and heat treatment for each specific function, ultimately reducing friction while maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Force
If the support ring inner surface extends to the groove base, then support is maximized, but friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring inner surface is designed with local quality by extending only partially toward the groove base rather than fully contacting it. This localized support configuration provides sufficient structural support while minimizing the contact area that would generate friction, optimizing the balance between support force and friction reduction.
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 significantly reduces friction, allowing for a lighter and more efficient oil scraper ring design that minimizes contact with the cylinder wall, thereby lowering fuel consumption and extending the lifespan of the ring.
Implementation Method 1
an expander spring (8), wherein the expander spring (8) pushes the scraper ring (2) radially outwards
Implementation Method 2
significantly reduces friction, allowing for a lighter and more efficient oil scraper ring design that minimizes contact with the cylinder wall
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece piston ring includes an upper scraper ring 10 comprising two flank surfaces, an outer scraping surface/edge, and an inner spring contact surface. A lower support ring 4 includes two flank surfaces, an outer spring contact surface, and a support ring inner surface. An expander spring/spiral spring 8, which, on an upper and lower side, is operational to abut against a respective lower flank surface of the upper scraper ring 10 and against the upper flank surface of the support ring 4. Scraper ring contact projections protruding upwards on an inner spring side, and support ring contact projections protruding downwards on an outer spring side, wherein the scraper ring contact projections are to each abut against the inner spring contact surface of the scraper ring 10, and support ring contact projections protruding downwards are to abut against the outer spring contact surface.