Split Bearing Alignment via Positioning Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split bearing arrangements for reciprocating engines face challenges with high manufacturing costs, time-consuming assembly and disassembly, increased friction due to inaccurate repositioning, and risk of damage, leading to inefficiencies and reduced engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A split bearing arrangement featuring a bedplate section with iron clamping surfaces and a block section made of a lighter material, utilizing positioning protrusions and grooves for accurate alignment and anchoring, which reduces friction and manufacturing complexity, allowing for improved reassembly and extended tool life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple dowel holes and steel pins are used for alignment, then guiding and alignment accuracy is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from multiple dowel holes and steel pins, consolidating it into a single integrated positioning protrusion structure that provides both guiding and alignment functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple alignment features (dowel holes, steel pins, guiding surfaces) into a single integrated positioning protrusion with positioning surfaces that combines guiding and alignment functions in one element, reducing component count and manufacturing steps
2Ease of operation
If high mounting forces are used for disassembly and reassembly, then the split bearing arrangement can be separated, but damages to dowel holes, steel pins, and components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates positioning grooves and material displacement features during the initial manufacturing stage that prepare the structure for future disassembly and reassembly operations, allowing components to be separated and reconnected without damaging forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the positioning protrusion and groove interface with material displacement capabilities that cushion and absorb the stresses of disassembly and reassembly, preventing damage to the positioning features and components through controlled material flow
3Weight of moving object
If the bedplate section is made of iron material and block section of lighter material, then weight is reduced and material anchoring is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction with iron bedplate section providing strength and anchoring, and lighter block section material reducing weight, combining different materials to achieve optimal balance between weight, strength, and manufacturing considerations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different sections of the split bearing arrangement, using iron for the bedplate section where strength and anchoring are critical, and lighter materials for the block section where weight reduction is prioritized, optimizing local material properties for specific functional requirements
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 enhances the accuracy and robustness of the split bearing arrangement, reducing friction and manufacturing costs, while minimizing the risk of damage and improving engine efficiency and fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
when the bedplate section is first pressed into the block section at least one positioning groove located in a block section clamping surface is formed; the block section has at least one material groove located in its block section clamping surface, the material groove is connected to the positioning groove, the at least one material groove is adapted to receive material displaced from the block section when the at least one positioning protrusion of the bedplate section is forcibly pressed into the block section
Data Source
AI summary
A split bearing arrangement for reciprocating engines comprises a bedplate section and a block section made of materials differing in hardness. The bedplate section includes at least a bedplate section clamping surface made of an iron material, and has at least one positioning protrusion located on the bedplate section clamping surface. The block section, made of a material having a hardness which is less than the hardness of the iron material, is adapted to be clampable and forcibly pressed against the bedplate section. When the bedplate section is first pressed into the block section, at least one positioning groove located in a block section clamping surface is formed. The at least one positioning protrusion has two longitudinal concave surfaces, two transverse concave surfaces and a substantially flat upper surface.