| 摘要 |
<p>Rigidifying or structural members are used to increase structural stiffness of cylinder block and consequently have reduced vibrations and noise emitted therefrom. These devices in the past have reduced serviceability, increased engine component complexity, increased cost and allowed additional interfaces for lubricant to leak therefrom. The subject structural member or rigidifying member (70) provides a simple, inexpensive, light-weight solution to increasing structural stiffness of cylinder block (12). The subject structural member (70) has an uninterrupted flange (76) therearound and a plurality of equally spaced longitudinally positioned openings (78) therethrough. The flange (76) is secured in frictional contact with the inner mounting surface (48) inside the oil pan (60). Thus, the interface for lubrication leakage of past members has been eliminated. The openings (78) have reduced the weight of the member and provide an opening through which the crankshaft can swing preventing the need to increase the engine height. The structural member (70) is free of connection with the main bearing caps (14) which reduces component complexibility, cost and simplifies serviceability.</p> |
