Pinless Connecting Rod Lubrication for Piston Pivot Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating engines, such as diesel and gasoline engines, face inefficiencies and high emissions due to the high mass of moving parts, particularly in the piston and connecting rod design, which lacks effective lubrication and cooling, leading to overheating and assembly reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A connecting rod design with a lubricant guide that channels lubricant from the crankshaft to the pivot connection between the piston and connecting rod, incorporating a lubricant reservoir and valve assembly to control lubricant flow based on the angular position, ensuring reliable lubrication and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piston pin connection is used between piston and connecting rod, then the connection is simple and reliable, but the mass of moving parts increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the piston pin from the connection system. Instead of using a separate piston pin component, the connecting rod head is directly inserted into the piston's connecting rod receptacle with an undercut, creating a pinless connection that reduces moving mass while maintaining reliability through the undercut retention mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is segmented into the thickening of the connecting rod head and the undercut in the piston receptacle. This segmentation allows the connecting rod to be inserted and retained without a continuous piston pin, reducing overall mass while maintaining connection integrity through the undercut geometry
2Weight of moving object
If a pinless connecting rod design is used, then the mass of moving parts is reduced, but the lubrication and cooling of the pivot connection cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by providing oil supply channels in the piston that deliver lubricant to the connecting rod pivot connection before the connecting rod head is fully inserted into the receptacle. This preliminary lubrication ensures that the pivot connection is protected from the start, preventing overheating and seizing issues
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary lubrication system with oil supply channels and oil spray nozzles that mediate between the main oil supply and the pivot connection. This intermediary system delivers lubricant directly to the critical pivot area, ensuring reliable cooling and lubrication without requiring a traditional piston pin
3Weight of moving object
If a thickening with undercut connection is used, then the mass is reduced, but assembly reliability and manufacturing complexity become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the piston serve multiple functions: it acts as both the piston component and as the retaining structure for the connecting rod through the undercut in the connecting rod receptacle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate piston pin while simplifying the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The oil supply channels are preliminarily formed in the piston structure during manufacturing, and the undercut geometry is pre-configured in the connecting rod receptacle. This preliminary preparation of features simplifies the final assembly process, as the connecting rod can be directly inserted and retained without additional fastening operations
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 enhances engine efficiency by actively lubricating and cooling the pivot connection, reducing thermal stress and improving assembly reliability, thereby optimizing heat dissipation and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricant introduced into the lubricant guide at the second connection in the area of the crankshaft is guided through the lubricant guide to the first connection and the lubricant is available for lubricating and/or cooling the first connection
Implementation Method 2
the lubricant is available for lubricating and/or cooling the first connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting rod, in particular for an engine, comprising a head region, a central region (305), and a foot region. The head region has a first connection with a thickened section for connecting a piston to a connecting rod receiving area of the piston in a rotatable manner about a pivot axis, said connecting rod receiving area having an undercut which corresponds to the thickened section. The foot region has a second connection for receiving a crankshaft, and the head region is connected to the foot region via the central region. The invention additionally relates to a piston, a crank drive, and an internal combustion engine.