Engine oil level management system and method of assembling engines in vehicles
US8069834B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01M2011/0041
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An oil level management system for a vehicle has an oil pan configured to contain oil and to be mountable to an engine block with a baffle extending transverse to the axis of rotation of the engine crankshaft when the oil pan is so mounted. The baffle is configured to partially define a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir, as well as an oil flow opening such that the oil reservoirs are in fluid communication with one another and are characterized by respective first and second oil levels within the pan. The second reservoir drains to the first reservoir when the engine is running and when the engine block and crankshaft are positioned on the vehicle with the axis of rotation tilted from horizontal. The first oil level is lower than the second oil level to avoid oil contact with the crankshaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.