Reduced-Mass Outlet Valve for Adjustable Connecting Rod Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in internal combustion engines is to adjust the compression ratio effectively without causing knocking, which requires a length-adjustable connecting rod that can operate with a fully functional outlet valve in a compact space, while managing high acceleration forces and weight reduction for improved efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a closing body with a mass lower than the volume defined by its envelope contour multiplied by the density of steel, preferably made of ceramic material, and a spherical shape, aligned at an angle relative to the crankshaft axis, to minimize inertial forces and optimize the valve mechanism, allowing for efficient length adjustment and reduced weight, thereby enhancing the operational stability of the outlet valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closing body is made of steel material with standard density, then the valve mechanism has sufficient strength and durability, but the weight of the closing body increases, leading to higher inertial forces and reduced operational reliability under high acceleration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter (density) of the closing body from standard steel density to a reduced density material, thereby reducing the weight and inertial forces while maintaining the structural integrity and operational reliability of the valve mechanism under high acceleration conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the closing body, combining materials with different properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio, reducing the overall weight while ensuring sufficient mechanical strength and durability for reliable valve operation
2Stability of the object's composition
If the closing body is designed with larger mass to ensure stability, then the valve mechanism has better stability, but the force required for the closing mechanism increases, making the system more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the mass parameter of the closing body by using reduced-density materials, achieving a balance where the closing body is light enough to minimize required closing force while maintaining sufficient stability for reliable valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional heavy steel closing body with a lighter material construction, effectively substituting the mechanical weight-based stability approach with a optimized mass distribution approach that reduces the force requirements for the closing mechanism
3Loss of energy
If the connecting rod length is adjusted hydraulically to optimize compression ratio, then the thermal efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for hydraulic cylinders, pressure chambers, and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hydraulic pressure chamber into the existing connecting rod structure, making the connecting rod serve multiple functions: structural support, hydraulic actuation, and length adjustment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enabling thermal efficiency optimization through compression ratio control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the hydraulic pressure chamber and piston mechanism within the connecting rod structure itself, allowing the length adjustment mechanism to be contained within the existing component boundaries, thus adding functionality without proportionally increasing external complexity
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 results in a lighter closing body that exerts less influence on the valve body, reducing the force required for the closing mechanism and improving the valve's operational reliability, even under high acceleration conditions, thus enabling better control over the compression ratio and preventing premature combustion.
Implementation Method 1
The lower pressure chamber, on the other hand, is completely filled with oil. During operation, the connecting rod is subjected to alternating pull and push forces due to the gas and mass forces. A push force applied is transmitted via the piston surface to the lower chamber filled with oil. Since the check valve of this chamber prevents oil from returning, the oil pressure increases.
Implementation Method 2
The two chambers are supplied with a hydraulic medium, e.g. engine oil, via check valves.
Implementation Method 3
The closing body has a mass which is smaller than the volume defined by an envelope contour of the closing body multiplied by the density of steel. The force of the closing body acting upon the closing mechanism is also reduced by this measure.
Data Source
AI summary
A length-adjustable connecting rod for an internal combustion engine, where the connecting rod includes at least one switchable outlet valve for opening and closing a pressure chamber, where the outlet valve comprises a valve body and a closing body that is operatively connected to the valve body, and a closing mechanism is present acting upon the closing body for directly moving the closing body and indirectly moving the valve body from a closed to an open position or vice versa. Such an outlet valve is to be configured to be operable. For this purpose, this closing body has a mass which is smaller than the volume defined by the envelope contour of the closing body multiplied by the density of steel (7.85 g/mm3). The use of such a closing body for a respective length-adjustable connecting rod is also provided.