Piston Ring Belt Groove Structure for Oil Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piston designs for internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently returning collected oil from the piston skirt to the crankcase, requiring additional manufacturing steps and complex groove configurations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an axial step on the first groove side of an additional groove on the piston, which allows for effective oil collection and return to the crankcase without a separate manufacturing step, by forming the axial step during the creation of the additional groove with a lower groove depth, and optionally including oil channels for fluidic connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional groove is provided for collecting oil, then oil collection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional groove is divided into multiple groove sides (first groove side and second groove side) with different axial depths, creating segmented depth zones. The first groove side has a greater axial depth than the second groove side, forming distinct functional regions for oil collection and drainage that improve oil gathering efficiency without requiring completely separate manufacturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the additional groove are given different local qualities through varying axial depths. The first groove side (facing away from the oil scraper ring groove) has greater depth to maximize oil collection, while the second groove side (facing the oil scraper ring groove) has lesser depth to facilitate drainage. This localized depth variation optimizes both collection and return functions within a single groove structure.
2Reliability
If an axial step is formed on the first groove side to improve oil scraping, then a separate manufacturing step is required, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axial step formation is merged with the additional groove creation process. By forming the additional groove with varying axial depths (greater depth at the first groove side, lesser depth at the second groove side) in a single manufacturing operation, the axial step is created simultaneously with the groove itself, eliminating the need for separate step-forming operations and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial step geometry is preliminarily established during the groove formation process itself. The groove is milled or bored with the final varying depth profile in one operation, so the axial step structure is already present before any subsequent manufacturing steps. This preliminary formation of the step geometry avoids additional machining operations.
3Reliability
If the first groove side has greater axial depth than the second groove side, then oil collection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove depth varies dynamically along the axial direction rather than maintaining a constant depth. The first groove side extends to a greater axial depth than the second groove side, creating a progressive depth change that naturally guides oil from the collection zone to the drainage zone. This dynamic depth profile can be achieved in one manufacturing pass using modern CNC machining, balancing functional performance with manufacturing capability.
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 oil scraping and collection efficiency, simplifies production, and reduces manufacturing complexity while ensuring effective oil return to the crankcase, improving engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
the first groove side of the additional groove, comprises an axial step in particular in a longitudinal section along the axial direction... oil can be particularly extensively scraped off by the oil scraper ring in the additional groove and thus collected
Data Source
AI summary
A piston for an internal combustion engine may include a ring belt, a groove, and an additional groove. The ring belt may extend along an axial direction. The groove may be arranged on the outer circumference of the ring belt and may be configured to receive an oil scraper ring. The additional groove may be arranged on the outer circumference spaced apart from the groove with respect to the axial direction. The additional groove may include a first groove side axially facing away from the groove and a second groove side axially facing the groove. The first groove side may include an axial step.