Variable Compression Connecting Rod Check Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines with fixed compression ratios face inefficiencies during part-load operations due to limited adjustable compression ratios, leading to potential knocking issues, and existing variable compression systems are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A connecting rod with a hydraulic chamber and a check valve featuring a ring band closing element that can be opened radially outward, preventing backflow and allowing adjustable compression ratios through a compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional check valves are used in variable compression connecting rods, then hydraulic fluid backflow is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of the check valve (preventing backflow) from its conventional complex structure and implements it using only a simple ring band closing element. The ring band is retained by a retaining ring and can be radially displaced by hydraulic pressure to open the fluid path, while normally closing it to prevent backflow. This eliminates the need for complex valve mechanisms while maintaining the backflow prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is designed as a simple, inexpensive ring band that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This simple structure, retained by a retaining ring, provides reliable backflow prevention without the complexity and cost of conventional check valve designs.
2Productivity
If variable compression systems are implemented, then engine efficiency is improved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential backflow prevention function from complex variable compression systems and implements it with a simple ring band closing element in the connecting rod's hydraulic chamber. This simplifies the overall variable compression system while maintaining its efficiency benefits, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring band closing element automatically responds to hydraulic pressure changes, opening the fluid path when pressure increases and closing it when pressure decreases. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for additional control systems, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining variable compression functionality.
3Reliability
If complex check valve designs are used, then backflow prevention is reliable, but assembly and manufacturing are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the backflow prevention function from complex check valve designs and implements it with a simple ring band closing element that can be radially displaced by hydraulic pressure. The ring band is retained by a simple retaining ring structure, making the component easy to manufacture and assemble while maintaining reliable backflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element changes its position parameter radially in response to hydraulic pressure changes. Under normal conditions, the ring band closes the fluid path; when hydraulic pressure increases, the ring band is radially displaced to open the fluid path. This parameter change mechanism provides reliable backflow prevention with a simple, easily manufactured structure.
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 solution provides a reliable, long-lasting, and cost-effective means to adjust compression ratios, enhancing engine efficiency and preventing knocking, while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The closing element is provided as a ring band, for example as an elastic sheet metal band, which can be slotted at one point on its circumference, so that it can be widened radially outwards
Implementation Method 2
Such an elastic sheet metal strip has sufficient internal stress to close an opening, advantageously on a circumference of a cylindrical valve body, by the spring tension
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
Figure 10~14
AI summary
The invention relates to a check valve (1, 101, 201, 301) for a connecting rod (501) for a variable-compression internal combustion engine, comprising at least one hydraulic chamber (510, 511) with a valve body (3, 103, 203, 303) with a fluid path (4, 104, 204, 304) which is open and can be closed by means of a closing element (5, 105, 205, 305). According to the invention, the closing element (5, 105, 205, 305) is provided as an annular band. The invention further relates to a connecting rod (501) for an internal combustion engine with variable compression having at least one hydraulic chamber (510, 511), wherein the hydraulic chamber (510, 511) can be connected to a bearing shell (514) or a supply port (P) of the connecting rod (501) or to a further hydraulic chamber (511, 510) by means of a check valve (1, 101, 201, 301).