Switch Valve Interlocking Pin for Variable Compression Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch valves for internal combustion engines with variable compression ratios are complex and expensive to reconfigure, prone to material fatigue, and risk hydraulic short circuits due to excessive impression forces and deformation, which can lead to engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective switch valve design featuring a spring-loaded interlocking element with a cylindrical pin in the valve housing, allowing for axial displacement and limited travel, reducing the need for complex interlocking contours and minimizing leakage, with a transition fit or press fit between the valve housing and connecting rod, and using a single pressed interconnection to secure the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex interlocking contour is used in the switch valve, then the interlocking reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism is segmented into separate functional elements: a simple cylindrical interlocking pin in the valve housing and a corresponding recess in the connecting rod. This segmentation replaces complex interlocking contours with simpler, modular components that achieve the same interlocking function with reduced manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking pin acts as an intermediary element between the valve housing and connecting rod. Instead of creating complex direct interlocking contours between the two main components, the cylindrical pin serves as a mediator that provides reliable interlocking through a simple geometric form that is easier to manufacture.
2Reliability
If excessive impression forces are applied during assembly, then the valve is securely fixed, but material fatigue and deformation occur leading to hydraulic short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates beforehand cushioning by using a transition fit or press fit between the valve housing and connecting rod, combined with the interlocking pin mechanism. This allows for secure fixation while distributing assembly forces more evenly, preventing excessive localized impression forces that would cause material fatigue and deformation leading to hydraulic short circuits.
3Reliability
If multiple interlocking elements are used, then the switching position reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple interlocking functions are merged into a single cylindrical interlocking pin element. This single element provides both positioning and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate interlocking components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining switching position reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical interlocking pin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical interlocking, defines switching positions, and prevents valve rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate interlocking elements needed while maintaining or improving reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If a precise borehole is created in the valve housing, then the interlocking accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking pin uses a homogeneous cylindrical geometry throughout its length, which simplifies manufacturing compared to complex contoured pins. The uniform circular cross-section allows for easier boring and machining while still providing precise interlocking when combined with the corresponding recess in the connecting rod.
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 design enhances the switch valve's reliability and durability by reducing material fatigue, preventing hydraulic short circuits, and simplifying assembly, while maintaining system performance with minimal leakage influence.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded interlocking element
Data Source
AI summary
A switch valve for controlling a hydraulic fluid flow, the switch valve comprising a tapping element that is arranged in a valve housing, wherein the tapping element is displaceable into a first switching position or a second switching position and interlockable by a spring loaded interlocking element in the first switching position or the second switching position, wherein a first hydraulic connection is connected with a relief connection in the first switching position and a second hydraulic connection is connected with the relief connection in the second switching position, wherein a switching travel of the tapping element is limited, wherein the interlocking element is at least partially arranged in a recess of the tapping element, wherein the valve housing includes a first groove that is oriented in an axial direction of the valve housing and limited in the axial direction.