V-Bank Engine Layout for Compact Fuel and Controller Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine designs face challenges in downsizing while maintaining workability and addressing issues related to electric wiring and fuel system placement within the V-bank space.

Innovation Solution

The engine is configured with a controller and fuel pump positioned in the intra-bank area between cylinder rows, with a fuel pipe placed below the controller and a displaced joint portion to optimize space utilization and maintenance access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the fuel supply system including fuel pump and engine controller is placed inside the V-bank space, then engine downsizing is achieved, but workability of maintenance work deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine sizeVSAvoidmaintenance workability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The V-bank space is segmented into multiple floors (first floor and second floor), with different components placed on different floors. The fuel pump is placed on the first floor while the engine controller is placed on the second floor, allowing maintenance personnel to access and maintain each component separately without interference from the other, thus improving maintenance workability while maintaining engine downsizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the fuel supply system is placed inside the V-bank space, then engine downsizing is achieved, but electric wiring issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine sizeVSAvoidelectric wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension (floor levels) to organize the placement of components and wiring. Electric wiring is routed through vertically separated paths, with wiring for the fuel pump on the first floor and wiring for the engine controller on the second floor. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension reduces wiring complexity and improves maintainability while achieving engine downsizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4242439B1engine
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4242439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4242439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4242439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a technology appropriate for downsizing an engine provided with two cylinder rows. [Solution] An exemplary engine is an engine provided with a first cylinder row and a second cylinder row. The engine includes: a controller that is placed in an intra-bank area positioned between the first cylinder row and the second cylinder row; and a fuel pipe that is placed below the controller in the intra-bank area and included in a passage of a fuel. In plan view from an up and down direction, a joint portion possessed by the fuel pipe is displaced from the controller.