Timing Chain Oiling via Gravity-Driven Cylinder Head Features
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oiling systems for timing chains in engines often rely on nozzles to spray oil at increased pressure, which can be inefficient and may not effectively utilize drainback oil, leading to potential lubrication and corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
An oiling system that includes a redirect feature, a vent window, and a transfer feature integral to the cylinder head, which channels and transfers oil to the timing chain at ambient pressure using gravity, eliminating the need for a dedicated nozzle and utilizing drainback oil for lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nozzle is used to spray oil at increased pressure onto the timing chain, then oil delivery is achieved, but system complexity increases and drainback oil utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the nozzle component from the oiling system, extracting the harmful element that increased system complexity. Instead of using a nozzle to spray oil, the system relies on gravity-driven oil flow through strategically positioned features (redirect feature, vent window, rail feature) that channel oil to the timing chain without requiring pressurized delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by utilizing the engine's existing oil drainage and circulation system. Drainback oil that would otherwise be wasted is redirected through the vent window and rail feature to lubricate the timing chain, allowing the system to serve itself using resources already present in the engine without requiring additional pressurized oil delivery infrastructure
2Reliability
If a nozzle system is implemented for timing chain oiling, then oil can be delivered under pressure, but the system fails to effectively utilize drainback oil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of unrestricted oil drainage into a beneficial resource by capturing drainback oil through the redirect feature and vent window. The oil that would normally drain away is instead channeled through the rail feature to lubricate the timing chain, transforming a waste stream into a useful lubrication source
Solution Approach 2:
The vent window and rail feature serve multiple functions: they act as oil collection channels, gravity-driven transfer mechanisms, and lubrication delivery systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated pressurized oil delivery components while effectively utilizing drainback oil for timing chain lubrication
3Productivity
If pressurized oil spray is used for timing chain lubrication, then oil delivery is forced onto the chain, but the system increases complexity and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressurized spray system with a gravity-driven flow system. Instead of using mechanical pressure to force oil onto the timing chain, the system uses the natural force of gravity to channel oil through the vent window and rail feature, eliminating complex pressurization mechanisms while maintaining effective lubrication
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than forcing oil onto the timing chain through pressurized spray from above, the system inverts the approach by allowing oil to flow naturally along the chain's path using gravity. The redirect feature, vent window, and rail feature create a passive flow path that delivers oil efficiently without requiring active pressurization
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
This system effectively lubricates and cools the timing chain using ambient pressure oil transfer, preventing corrosion and optimizing the use of drainback oil, thereby enhancing engine performance and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The oil is transferred from the transfer feature to the timing chain at substantially ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
The redirect feature is configured to channel oil toward the vent window
Implementation Method 3
The rail feature is configured to channel oil from the vent window to the transfer feature
Implementation Method 4
The rail feature is configured to channel oil from the vent window to the transfer feature
Implementation Method 5
The transfer feature is configured to transfer oil to the timing chain. The oil is transferred from the transfer feature to the timing chain at substantially ambient pressure
Implementation Method 6
The transfer feature is configured to transfer oil to the timing chain
Implementation Method 7
This system effectively lubricates and cools the timing chain using ambient pressure oil transfer
Implementation Method 8
This system effectively lubricates and cools the timing chain using ambient pressure oil transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An oiling system for providing oil to a timing chain adjacent a cylinder head of an engine is provided. The oiling system includes a redirect feature, a vent window defined by the cylinder head, a rail feature, and a transfer feature. The redirect feature is configured to channel oil toward the vent window, the rail feature is configured to channel oil from the vent window to the transfer feature, and the transfer feature is configured to transfer oil to the timing chain. The oil is transferred from the transfer feature to the timing chain at substantially ambient pressure. The engine may be characterized by the absence of a nozzle configured to transfer oil onto the timing chain. Furthermore, the redirect feature, the rail feature, and the transfer feature may all be formed as integral, one-piece structures with the cylinder head.