Segmented Oil Pan Assembly for Stiff Large Engine Crankcases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large internal combustion engines require oil pans with high stiffness, but casted oil pans increase cost and weight, necessitating design changes for simplified manufacture and handling.
Innovation Solution
The oil pan assembly is formed by at least two casted segments with equal heights, arranged longitudinally, allowing for adjustable length and simplified assembly, with flanges and sealing elements for secure attachment to the engine casing, and optional middle segments for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large casted oil pan is used for large internal combustion engines, then high stiffness is achieved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pan is divided into multiple casted segments (at least two segments) that are arranged next to each other in the longitudinal direction of the engine. Each segment has equal segment height and can be manufactured separately, then assembled together to form the complete oil pan assembly. This segmentation reduces the weight and size of individual parts while maintaining the required stiffness through proper segmentation and assembly.
2Strength
If a large casted oil pan is used for large internal combustion engines, then high stiffness is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pan is divided into multiple casted segments that can be manufactured separately using casting processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts compared to a single large casted oil pan, reducing mold complexity and facilitating easier production while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Flanges are provided on the segments to facilitate assembly. These flanges act as intermediary connection elements that enable secure attachment of the segments to each other and to the engine casing, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural rigidity.
3Strength
If a large casted oil pan is used for large internal combustion engines, then high stiffness is achieved, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pan is divided into multiple casted segments that can be manufactured, transported, and handled separately. This segmentation reduces the weight and size of individual parts, making them easier to handle during manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance operations, while the complete assembly maintains the required stiffness for large engine applications.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
An internal combustion engine (1) preferably having at least twelve cylinders, comprising a crankcase (2) and an oil pan assembly (10) attached to a bottom side (1b) of an engine casing (1a), wherein the oil pan assembly (10) is formed by at least one casted segment (20). The oil pan assembly (10) is formed by at least two segments (20), wherein the at least two segments (20) are casted parts and are arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction (L) of the engine (1).