Resilient Gasket Vibration Suppression for Engine Block

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing engine vibration suppression structures, such as reinforcing ribs on the cylinder block, can cause vibration and noise due to membrane oscillation and resonance from fuel injectors, which are not effectively addressed without increasing engine weight.

Innovation Solution

A sheet metal gasket with a resilient portion is interposed between projections on the cylinder block and cylinder head, absorbing vibrations and preventing their transmission, thereby suppressing noise and vibration without the need for additional projections or weight increase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a plate-shaped rib is formed to project outwardly from the top end surface of the cylinder block to reinforce the flange, then the coupling rigidity between the engine and transmission is improved, but vibration and noise are generated due to resonance from fuel injectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling rigidityVSAvoidvibration and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration suppression member (elastomeric material) is introduced as an intermediary between the cylinder block's reinforcing rib and the cylinder head. This mediator absorbs vibrations generated by fuel injectors, preventing resonance while maintaining the structural reinforcement needed for coupling rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the gasket by adding a vibration suppression member with elastomeric properties. This modifies the dynamic characteristics of the assembly, allowing it to absorb vibrations while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength for coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If ribs are formed on the side wall of the cylinder block to suppress membrane oscillation, then noise from membrane oscillation is reduced, but the engine weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise from membrane oscillationVSAvoidengine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration suppression member acts as an intermediary that dampens membrane oscillations of the cylinder block side wall without requiring additional reinforcing ribs. This elastomeric element absorbs oscillatory energy, reducing noise while avoiding the weight penalty of structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a large area flange is used to couple the cylinder block with the transmission, then coupling rigidity is improved, but the complexity of the cylinder block structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling rigidityVSAvoidcylinder block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the gasket system into two functional parts: the original sealing gasket and the added vibration suppression member. This segmentation allows the vibration damping function to be added independently without redesigning the entire cylinder block flange structure, maintaining simplicity while improving coupling rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution effectively absorbs and suppresses vibrations generated in the cylinder block and cylinder head, reducing noise and membrane oscillation without increasing the engine's weight or requiring new projections, thus enhancing vibration and noise reduction.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient portion which is provided in the extension and formed resiliently in a direction perpendicular to the coupling surface, compressed between the first projection and the second projection when the cylinder head is fastened on the block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

formed resiliently in a direction perpendicular to the coupling surface, compressed between the first projection and the second projection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8720406B2Engine with vibration suppression structure

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 MAZDA MOTOR CORP

AI summary

There is provided, in one aspect of the present description, an engine. In one example, the engine comprises a cylinder block, a cylinder head, a sheet metal gasket interposed between the block and the head, a first projection projecting outwardly and laterally from a side portion of the block, and a second projection projecting outwardly and laterally from a side portion of the head, the first projection and the second projection facing each other along a coupling surface between the block and the head. The engine further comprises an extension extending from a main body of the sheet metal gasket and located between the first projection and the second projection, and a resilient portion which is provided in the extension, formed resiliently in a direction perpendicular to the coupling surface, and compressed between the first projection and the second projection when the head is fastened on the block.