Segmented Cast Oil Pan Assembly for Large Engine Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large internal combustion engines require oil pans with high stiffness and durability, 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 arranged longitudinally, with adjustable length and simplified assembly, using flanges and sealing elements for secure attachment to the engine casing, and incorporating stiffening ribs for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a large casted oil pan is used for large internal combustion engines to ensure high stiffness and durability, then the structural integrity is improved, but the cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestiffnessVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The oil pan is divided into multiple segments (first oil pan segment, second oil pan segment, third oil pan segment) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for weight while maintaining the overall structural integrity through proper joining mechanisms at the segment interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a large casted oil pan is used for large internal combustion engines to ensure high stiffness and durability, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestiffnessVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oil pan design incorporates adjustable length capability through the arrangement of segments, allowing the system to adapt to different engine configurations. The segments can be arranged in different configurations to match varying engine sizes and requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of stationary object

If the oil pan assembly is divided into multiple segments to reduce weight and size, then the ease of manufacture and transport is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segments are designed with pre-integrated sealing elements and joining mechanisms that simplify the assembly process. The sealing elements are positioned at the interfaces between segments to ensure proper sealing upon assembly, reducing the complexity of the assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Weight of stationary object

If the oil pan assembly is divided into multiple segments to reduce weight and size, then the ease of manufacture and transport is improved, but the sealing requirements become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11619151B2Oil pan assembly

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 LIEBHERR COMPONENTS COLMAR SAS

AI summary

An internal combustion engine having at least twelve cylinders, comprising a crankcase and an oil pan assembly attached to a bottom side of an engine casing, wherein the oil pan assembly is formed by at least one casted segment. The oil pan assembly is formed by at least two segments, wherein the at least two segments are casted parts and are arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction of the engine.