Connecting Rod Small-End Lifting for Compression Ratio Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the length of a connecting rod in an internal combustion engine to change the compression ratio is time-consuming, requiring disassembly of the cylinder and connecting rod, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allow for the installation and removal of an intermediate plate between the connecting rod small end and shank without disassembling the connecting rod, using a pivot guard, supports, holders, lifting cylinders, and props to lift and secure the connecting rod small end relative to the shank, enabling plate insertion or removal while the engine is assembled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod is disassembled to install or remove an intermediate plate, then the compression ratio can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is divided into three main segments: the small end (connecting rod head), the shank, and the big end (connecting rod foot). The intermediate plate is inserted into a dedicated space between the small end and shank, allowing length adjustment without complete disassembly. This segmentation enables selective access to the adjustment area while keeping the rest of the connecting rod assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate plate serves as an intermediary element that modifies the effective length of the connecting rod. By inserting or removing this plate between the small end and shank, the compression ratio is adjusted without needing to disassemble the entire connecting rod assembly. The plate acts as a mediator that provides the necessary length variation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod is disassembled for intermediate plate installation, then the compression ratio can be changed, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate plate is pre-positioned in a dedicated space between the connecting rod small end and shank, with provision for easy insertion and removal. The lifting cylinder mechanism is pre-installed to facilitate controlled access to the intermediate plate without requiring complete disassembly. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the adjustment process by preparing the necessary components and access paths in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting cylinder provides dynamic, controlled movement to separate the small end from the shank, creating temporary access to the intermediate plate. This dynamic mechanism allows the adjusting operation to be performed on-demand without permanent disassembly, reducing the overall complexity compared to traditional complete disassembly methods.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting rod small end is lifted relative to the shank for plate installation, then the intermediate plate can be installed without disassembly, but safety risks arise from unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
Props are positioned to prevent unintended downward movement of the small end relative to the shank during the adjustment operation. These props act as preliminary protective measures that counteract any accidental dropping or uncontrolled movement, ensuring safety while the intermediate plate is being installed or removed. The props are removed only after the adjustment is complete and the connecting rod is reassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting cylinder mechanism includes controlled lowering capability that prevents sudden or uncontrolled dropping of the small end. The system is designed to lower the small end in a controlled manner after plate installation, cushioning against any accidental impacts. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if something goes wrong, the movement is controlled and safe.
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
Significantly reduces the effort required to adjust the connecting rod length, ensuring safety by preventing unintended movement and allowing for quick changes to the compression ratio without disassembling the connecting rod.
Implementation Method 1
Lifting cylinders which, with unscrewed screw connections, are mountable to the holders and serve for lifting the connecting rod small end relative to the connecting rod shank
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adjusting a length of a connecting rod of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine by installing and/or removing an intermediate plate between a connecting rod small end and a connecting rod shank of the connecting rod in the state of the connecting rod, with the following assemblies: a pivot guard for the connecting rod small end mountable to the connecting rod small end between the connecting rod small end and a cylinder liner of the cylinder; supports mountable to counterweights of the cylinder on opposite sides of the connecting rod; holders mountable to the supports and extend between the supports perpendicularly to the same; lifting cylinders mountable to the holders and lift the connecting rod small end relative to the connecting rod shank with unscrewed screw connections between connecting rod small end and connecting rod shank.