Single Through-Bolt Engine Assembly for Lightweight Structural Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engines face a tradeoff between weight reduction and efficiency when using lower weight materials, as they may not withstand the forces associated with high efficiency operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single through-bolt aperture and through-bolt configuration that compresses multiple engine components made of lower weight and strength materials, such as aluminum, while being supported by higher strength materials like iron, to maintain structural integrity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If engine components are manufactured from lower weight materials, then the weight of the internal combustion engine is reduced, but the strength and efficiency to withstand high efficiency forces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where lighter materials (such as aluminum) are used for engine components that do not require maximum strength, while stronger materials (such as iron) are strategically placed in critical load-bearing areas. This creates a hybrid structure that optimizes both weight reduction and strength requirements, resolving the contradiction between using lightweight materials and maintaining sufficient strength.
2Strength
If multiple through-bolts are used to secure engine components, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple through-bolts into a single through-bolt that passes through all engine components (cylinder head, cylinder block, piston) along a common aperture. This merging of fastening elements simplifies the overall structure, reduces the number of parts, and decreases manufacturing complexity while still providing sufficient structural integrity through the centralized compression force.
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
Achieves a lighter internal combustion engine capable of withstanding high efficiency forces, balancing weight reduction with performance by using a single through-bolt to compress and align components effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a single through-bolt to compress and align components effectively
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes a first cylinder block, a first head, a first overhead structure, a second cylinder block, a second head, a second overhead structure, a first through-bolt aperture, and a first through-bolt. The first head is in contact with the first cylinder block. The first overhead structure is in contact with the first head opposite the first cylinder block. The second cylinder block is in contact with the first cylinder block opposite the first head. The second head is in contact with the second cylinder block opposite the first cylinder block. The second overhead structure is in contact with the second head opposite the second cylinder block. The first through-bolt aperture is defined through the first overhead structure, the first head, the first cylinder block, the second cylinder block, the second head, and the second overhead structure.