Resin Engine Grounding via Conductive Spring and Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to ground an electric component attached to a resinous body in an internal combustion engine, as direct body-grounding is not possible when the component is not electrically connected to a metal cylinder block.
Innovation Solution
A grounding structure featuring a resinous body with a recessed portion and a conductive nut portion, where a conductive spring extends from the nut to the recessed area, allowing the electric component to be grounded by pressing against the engine body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the body is formed of resin for weight reduction and simplification, then weight is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but electrical grounding capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The body is segmented into a resinous outer body and a separate conductive grounding structure (nut portion with spring). The conductive grounding structure is integrally provided within the resinous body, allowing the body to maintain its lightweight resin construction while incorporating dedicated grounding functionality through the conductive nut portion and spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive spring acts as an intermediary element between the conductive nut portion (attached to the resinous body) and the engine body. This spring provides the electrical connection pathway, mediating the grounding function while allowing the main body to remain non-conductive resin for weight reduction.
2Device complexity
If the oil pressure switch is attached to the resinous body, then assembly is simplified, but electrical connection to the cylinder block is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is merged with the mounting structure by providing the conductive nut portion integrally within the resinous body. The same nut portion that secures the oil pressure switch also serves as the electrical connection point, combining mechanical fastening and electrical grounding functions into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive nut portion serves multiple functions: it mechanically fastens the oil pressure switch to the resinous body and simultaneously provides the electrical grounding pathway to the engine body through the conductive spring. This multi-functional design simplifies assembly while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
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
Enables effective grounding of electric components attached to a resinous body, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity and preventing conduction failures due to rusting, while maintaining simplicity in assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive spring provided in the nut portion to extend toward the recessed portion and configured to be pressed against the engine body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is a grounding structure for an internal combustion engine, including a resinous body 2 configured to be attached to an engine body 7 and having a recessed portion 6 formed on a side thereof facing the engine body 7; a nut portion 13 integrally provided in the body 2, wherein the nut portion 13 includes a first end portion 13a opened into the recessed portion 6 and is made of a conductive material; and an oil pressure switch 5 configured to be attached to a second end portion 13b of the nut portion 13; and a conductive spring 16 arranged inside the recessed portion 6, wherein the conductive spring 16 is attached to the first end portion 13a of the nut portion 13 and is pressed against the engine body 7.