Variable Compression Ratio Engine Oil Spray Cooling and Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable compression ratio engines face challenges in controlling piston temperature and ensuring adequate lubrication of their gear systems, particularly under high supercharging pressures, which can lead to premature wear or destruction of components.
Innovation Solution
A cooling and lubrication device using oil projection, with strategically placed injectors in the engine block to spray pressurized oil onto pistons, transmission members, and gear components, ensuring controlled temperature and improved lubrication by retaining oil through designed dams and scoops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oil is sprayed into the engine block to create oil mist for lubrication, then the gear system receives some lubrication, but the oil mist is insufficient to guarantee adequate lubrication of the gear system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lubrication function into two separate systems: (1) oil mist from hydrodynamic bearings for general lubrication, and (2) dedicated oil injectors for critical gear components. This segmentation ensures that each system is optimized for its specific function, with the injector system providing concentrated lubrication where the oil mist is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces oil injectors as an intermediary device to bridge the gap between the insufficient oil mist and the high lubrication demands of the gear system. The injectors act as a mediator that delivers additional oil directly to critical contact surfaces, ensuring adequate lubrication without disrupting the existing oil mist system.
2Power
If supercharging pressure is increased to deliver high specific torque and power, then engine performance improves, but piston temperature increases to dangerous levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces oil injectors as an intermediary cooling mechanism that sprays oil directly onto the piston crown and into the combustion chamber. This intermediary cooling system allows the engine to operate at high supercharging pressures by actively managing piston temperature, preventing thermal destruction while maintaining high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the piston by introducing cooling oil that absorbs heat from the piston crown and combustion chamber. This parameter change (temperature reduction) enables the engine to sustain high supercharging pressures without exceeding piston temperature limits, thus maintaining high specific torque while controlling temperature.
3Device complexity
If conventional pistons are used in supercharged engines, then the engine structure is simple, but the pistons risk reaching too high operating temperatures which could lead to their destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by spraying cooling oil onto the piston crown and into the combustion chamber before the piston reaches temperatures that could cause destruction. This preventive measure is taken continuously during operation, cooling the piston proactively rather than reactively, thereby ensuring piston durability without requiring fundamental structural changes.
4Device complexity
If the gear system is lubricated only by oil mist from hydrodynamic bearings, then the lubrication system is simple, but the contact surfaces of gear teeth may wear out prematurely or be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lubrication system into two independent but complementary parts: the oil mist system from hydrodynamic bearings for general atmospheric lubrication, and a dedicated injector system for critical gear contact surfaces. This segmentation allows the simple oil mist system to continue functioning while adding targeted lubrication where needed, ensuring gear durability without complete system redesign.
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 effectively maintains piston temperature within safe limits and enhances the durability of gear system contact surfaces, ensuring the desired service life of the engine components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one injector which is placed in the engine block so as to spray oil on at least one of the moving components of said engine
Implementation Method 2
to lubricate the gear system of the volumetric ratio motor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an oil spray lubrication and cooling device for a variable compression ratio engine, including at least one injector (701, 712, 713) which is placed in the engine block (100) of the variable compression ratio engine such as to spray oil onto at least one of the moving components of the engine. The aforementioned moving components include at least one piston (2), the lower part of which is solidly connected to a transmission element (3) that co-operates with a rolling guide device (4) and a toothed wheel (5) which co-operates with (i) a connecting rod (6) which is connected to a crankshaft (9) and (ii) a control rack (7) opposite the transmission element (3). The vertical position of the control rack in relation to the engine block (100) is controlled by a control device (12).