V-Type 16-Cylinder Engine Crank Star Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current V-type 4-stroke internal combustion engines with 16 cylinders face challenges in managing axial vibrations and optimizing firing sequences, leading to inefficiencies in dynamic behavior and increased stress on components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a lengthwise symmetric or quasi-symmetric crank star with specific angular sequences for the crank throws and optimized firing sequences, combined with a torsional vibration damper, to enhance dynamic behavior and reduce axial vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional crank star configurations are used in V-type 16-cylinder engines, then the engine can operate with standard component layouts, but axial vibrations increase and dynamic behavior deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial vibrationsVSAvoiddynamic behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using a lengthwise quasi-symmetric crank star configuration where the angular sequences of crank throws are deliberately arranged to create specific vibration patterns. The crank throws are positioned at asymmetric angles (e.g., C1-C8 at 0°, C2-C7 at 90°, C3-C6 at 180°, C4-C5 at 270°) to balance axial vibrations while maintaining operational stability. This quasi-symmetric arrangement reduces harmful axial vibrations without compromising engine dynamic behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the angular parameters of crank throws to optimize vibration control. By specifically setting the angular positions of crank throws (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° sequences) and implementing specific firing sequences (e.g., 1-8-4-5-3-6-2-7 for counter-clockwise rotation), the system transforms the vibration characteristics to minimize axial vibrations while maintaining stable dynamic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If optimized firing sequences are implemented, then axial vibration control improves, but the complexity of engine control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial vibration controlVSAvoidfiring sequence control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through optimized firing sequences that follow regular patterns. For counter-clockwise rotation, the sequence 1-8-4-5-3-6-2-7 creates periodic combustion events that balance axial vibrations. For clockwise rotation, the sequence 7-2-6-3-5-8-4-1 provides similar vibration balancing. These periodic firing patterns simplify control compared to arbitrary sequences while effectively reducing axial vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 configuration improves axial vibration control, reduces torsional load, and minimizes stress on components, leading to more efficient engine operation and extended component lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a torsional vibration damper and a flywheel arranged on the crankshaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsional vibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3485154B1V-type 4-stroke internal combustion engine with 16 cylinders
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 LIEBHERR COMPONENTS COLMAR SAS
  • EP3485154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3485154B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3485154B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention comprises a V-type 4-stroke internal combustion engine with 16 cylinders, having a counter-clockwise direction of rotation, comprising a firing sequence controller that fires the cylinders A1 to A8 and B1 to B8 in at least one of the following firing sequences, wherein the direction of rotation and the cylinder numbering is defined in accordance with DIN ISO 1204: a) A1 -B7-A2-B6-A3-B5-A5-B1 -A8-B2-A7-B3-A6-B4-A4-B8 b) A1 -B7-A2-B6-A6-B4-A5-B1 -A8-B2-A7-B3-A3-B5-A4-B8 c) A1-B7-A2-B5-A4-B3-A6-B1-A8-B2-A7-B4-A5-B6-A3-B8 d) A1 -B4-A4-B6-A3-B7-A2-B8-A8-B5-A5-B3-A6-B2-A7-B1 e) A1-B5-A5-B3-A6-B2-A7-B1-A8-B4-A4-B6-A3-B7-A2-B8. and further shows a corresponding engine having a clockwise direction of rotation, comprising a firing sequence controller that fires the cylinders A1 to A8 and B1 to B8 in at least one of the following firing sequences: a) B1-A7-B2-A6-B3-A5-B5-A1-B8-A2-B7-A3-B6-A4-B4-A8 b) B1-A7-B2-A6-B6-A4-B5-A1-B8-A2-B7-A3-B3-A5-B4-A8 c) B1-A7-B2-A5-B4-A3-B6-A1-B8-A2-B7-A4-B5-A6-B3-A8 d) B1-A4-B4-A6-B3-A7-B2-A8-B8-A5-B5-A3-B6-A2-B7-A1 e) B1 -A5-B5-A3-B6-A2-B7-A1 -B8-A4-B4-A6-B3-A7-B2-A8.