Polymeric Structural Oil Pan with Cavity for Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an oil pan formed from polymeric material that meets stringent design requirements for chemical resistance, impact resistance, and structural integrity, while reducing weight and cost, as metal oil pans are costly and heavy.
Innovation Solution
A structural oil pan made from polymeric material, incorporating a bracket portion and a pan portion with a structural section defining a cavity, which enhances vibration reduction, rigidity, and acoustic properties, using polyamides and reinforcing agents like carbon fibers, to meet the design requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal materials are used to form oil pans, then structural integrity and chemical resistance are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite polymeric materials consisting of multiple polymer layers with different properties (e.g., polyamide 66, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate) to achieve the required structural integrity and chemical resistance while maintaining lighter weight compared to traditional metal oil pans
2Strength
If metal materials are used to form oil pans, then structural integrity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite polymeric materials that provide the necessary structural integrity at lower cost compared to metal, achieving cost-effectiveness while meeting performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies material parameters by selecting specific polymer combinations and thicknesses to optimize the balance between structural integrity and manufacturing cost
3Weight of moving object
If polymeric materials are used to form oil pans, then weight and cost are reduced, but chemical resistance and impact resistance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-layer composite polymeric materials where each layer provides specific properties: polyamide 66 for chemical resistance, polybutylene terephthalate for mechanical strength, and polyethylene naphthalate for barrier properties, collectively achieving the required chemical resistance while maintaining light weight
4Weight of moving object
If polymeric materials are used to form oil pans, then weight and cost are reduced, but impact resistance and structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite polymeric materials with optimized layer structures where materials like polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate provide enhanced impact resistance and structural integrity while keeping the overall weight lower than metal alternatives
Data Source
AI summary
A structural oil pan for a vehicle is formed from polymeric material, The structural oil pan includes a bracket portion configured for mounting to the vehicle, and a pan portion integrated with the bracket portion and defining an oil reservoir. The structural oil pan also includes a structural section defining a cavity within at least one of the bracket portion and the pan portion for reducing vibration.