WO2024097053A1

WO2024097053A1 - An internal combustion engine and a method of assembling an internal combustion engine

Info

Publication number: WO2024097053A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/035853
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael J. Ruth; David M. Barnes
Original assignee: Cummins Inc.
Priority date: 2022-11-01
Filing date: 2023-10-25
Publication date: 2024-05-10

Abstract

An internal combustion engine includes a crank carrier assembly including a first portion and a second portion, each of which defines a plurality of bolt apertures. The internal combustion engine includes a first head connected to a first cylinder block connected to the crank carrier assembly first portion, and a second head connected to a second cylinder block. Each of the first cylinder block, first head, second cylinder block, and second head defines a plurality of bolt apertures. The internal combustion engine includes a first bolt positioned in one of each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures, plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures, and plurality of first head bolt apertures, and a second bolt positioned in one of each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures, plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures, and plurality of second head bolt apertures.

Description

AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND A METHOD OF ASSEMBLING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/421,324, filed on November 1, 2022 to Ruth et al., titled “LIGHT WEIGHT ENGINE STRUCTURE” and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to light weight engine structures for use in internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND

[0003] For an internal combustion engine, it may be desirable to reduce the weight of the internal combustion engine. One approach that can be implemented to reduce the weight of the internal combustion engine is to manufacture some of the engine components from lower weight materials.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one set of embodiments, an internal combustion engine includes a crank carrier assembly. The crank carrier assembly includes a crank carrier assembly first portion and a crank carrier assembly second portion. The crank carrier assembly first portion defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures and the crank carrier assembly second portion defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures. The internal combustion engine further includes a first cylinder block positioned adjacent to the crank carrier assembly first portion, and includes a first head positioned adjacent to the first cylinder block. The first cylinder block defines a plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures, and the first head defines a plurality of first head bolt apertures. The internal combustion engine further includes a first bolt positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures, in one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures, and in one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures. [0005| In another set of embodiments, a method of assembling an internal combustion engine includes positioning a first bolt in one of a plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures defined by a crank carrier assembly first portion of a crank carrier, in one of a plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures defined by a first cylinder block, and in one of a plurality of first head bolt apertures defined by a first head. The method of assembling the internal combustion engine further includes positioning a second bolt in one of a plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures defined by a crank carrier assembly second portion of the crank carrier, in one of a plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures defined by a second cylinder block, and in one of a plurality of second head bolt apertures defined by a second head. This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[00071 FIG. 1 is an exploded, schematic representation of a portion of an internal combustion engine according to one embodiment.

[0008| FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a crank carrier assembly of the internal combustion engine portion of FIG. 1.

[0009| FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of assembling the internal combustion engine of FIG. 1.

[0010] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011 ] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

[0012] Implementations herein relate to an internal combustion engine that includes a first bolt positioned in bolt apertures defined by a crank carrier assembly first portion, a first cylinder block, and a first head of the internal combustion engine and that includes a second bolt positioned in bolt apertures defined by a crank carrier assembly second portion, a second cylinder block, and a second head of the internal combustion engine. When tightened, each bolt is configured to hold the engine components in compression, so that the first cylinder block, the first head, the second cylinder block, and the second head of the internal combustion engine may avoid experiencing tensile loads and may be made of lower weight materials. In this way, the internal combustion engine with the light weight engine structure may provide the benefit of a lower weight internal combustion engine without failing due to engine components experiencing tensile loads and by using materials that would otherwise fail a threaded connection.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an internal combustion engine 100 includes a crank carrier assembly 110. The crank carrier assembly 110 includes a crank carrier assembly first portion 120 and a crank carrier assembly second portion 150. The crank carrier assembly first portion 120 defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 and the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154. The internal combustion engine 100 further includes a first cylinder block 130 positioned adjacent to the crank carrier assembly first portion 120, and includes a first head 140 positioned adjacent to the first cylinder block 130. The first cylinder block 130 defines a plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134, and the first head 140 defines a plurality of first head bolt apertures 144. The internal combustion engine 100 further includes a first bolt 190 positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124, in one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134, and in one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144.

[0014] Additionally shown in FIG. 3, a method of assembling an internal combustion engine 100 includes positioning the first bolt 190 in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 defined by the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 of the crank carrier 110, in one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 defined by the first cylinder block 130, and in one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144 defined by the first head 140. The method of assembling the internal combustion engine 100 further includes positioning a second bolt 192 in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 defined by the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 of the crank carrier 110, in one of a plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 defined by a second cylinder block 160, and in one of a plurality of second head bolt apertures 174 defined by the second head 170.

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded, schematic representation of a portion the internal combustion engine 100, according to an example embodiment. The internal combustion engine 100 may be on a passenger vehicle (e.g., sedan, van, pick-up truck), a commercial vehicle (e.g., semi-trailer truck), or on other systems that employ an internal combustion engines. The internal combustion engine 100 may, for example, be a diesel -powered internal combustion engine or a spark-ignition internal combustion engine powered by gasoline, ethanol, or other fuels.

[0016] The internal combustion engine 100 includes the crank carrier assembly 110. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the crank carrier assembly 110. In some embodiments, the crank carrier assembly 110 may comprise bearings, a crank, and oil circuits. The crank carrier assembly 110 includes the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 and the crank carrier assembly second portion 150. The crank carrier assembly first portion 120 and the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 define a crankshaft bore 112 therebetween. The crankshaft bore 112 is configured to receive a crankshaft. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, a cross-sectional shape of the crankshaft bore 112 is circular. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the crankshaft bore 112 may have an oval, rectangular, polygonal, rounded polygonal, or other non-circular shape.

[0017] The crank carrier assembly first portion 120 defines the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124. Each of the crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 is configured to receive the first bolt 190 (e.g., fastener). In FIG. 1, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 defines ten crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 may define more or fewer crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124. In FIG. 1, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 defines the ten crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 in two rows of five each. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 may define the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 in different numbers of rows.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first portion of one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 is threaded and is configured to engage corresponding threads on a corresponding first bolt 190. In other embodiments, a first portion of multiple of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 is threaded and is configured to engage corresponding threads on a corresponding first bolt 190.

[0019] The crank carrier assembly first portion 120 defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly first piston bores 126. Each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first piston bores 126 is configured to receive a piston (e.g., reciprocator). In FIG. 1, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 defines four crank carrier assembly first piston bores 126. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 may define more or fewer crank carrier assembly first piston bores 126. In FIG. 1, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 defines the four crank carrier assembly first piston bores 126 in one row. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 may define the plurality of crank carrier assembly first piston bores 126 in different numbers of rows.

10020] The crank carrier assembly first portion 120 may be made of a material having a higher weight (e.g., higher specific weight) than a material of another engine component of the internal combustion engine 100. In some embodiments, the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 comprises iron.

[0021 ] The first cylinder block 130 is connected to the crank carrier assembly first portion 120. In some embodiments, the first cylinder block 130 may comprise a water jacket. The first cylinder block 130 defines the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134. Each of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 is configured to receive a respective first bolt 190. The plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 is not threaded. At least one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 is configured to be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 to allow at least a portion of a respective first bolt 190 to pass through the at least one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 and the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124.

[0022] In FIG. 1, the first cylinder block 130 defines ten of the first cylinder block bolt apertures 134. In other embodiments, the first cylinder block 130 may define more or fewer of the first cylinder block bolt apertures 134. In FIG. 1, the first cylinder block 130 defines the ten first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 in two rows of five each. In other embodiments, the first cylinder block 130 may define the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 in different numbers of rows.

[0023] The first cylinder block 130 defines a plurality of first cylinder block piston bores 136. Each of the plurality of first cylinder block piston bores 136 is configured to receive a piston. In FIG. 1, the first cylinder block 130 defines four first cylinder block piston bores 136. In other embodiments, the first cylinder block 130 may define more or fewer first cylinder block piston bores 136. In FIG. 1, the first cylinder block 130 defines the four first cylinder block piston bores 136 in one row. In other embodiments, the first cylinder block 130 may define the plurality of first cylinder block piston bores 136 in different numbers of rows.

[0024] The first cylinder block 130 may be made of a material having a lower weight (e.g., lower specific weight) than a material of another engine component of the internal combustion engine 100. In some embodiments, the first cylinder block 130 comprises aluminum, which allows for an internal combustion engine 100 of a lower total weight in contrast to when higher weight materials are used.

[0025] The first head 140 is connected to the first cylinder block 130. The first head 140 defines the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144. Each of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144 is configured to receive a respective first bolt 190. The plurality of first head bolt apertures 144 is not threaded. At least one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144 is configured to be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 to allow at least a portion of the respective first bolt 190 to pass through the at least one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144 and the at least one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134.

]0026[ In FIG. 1, the first head 140 defines ten first head bolt apertures 144. In other embodiments, the first head 140 may define more or fewer first head bolt apertures 144. In FIG. 1, the first head 140 defines the ten first head bolt apertures 144 in two rows of five each. In other embodiments, the first head 140 may define the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144 in different numbers of rows.

[0027] The first head 140 may be made of a material having a lower weight (e.g., lower specific weight) than a material of another engine component of the internal combustion engine 100. In some embodiments, the first head 140 comprises aluminum, which allows for an internal combustion engine 100 of a lower total weight in contrast to when higher weight materials are used.

[0028] The crank carrier assembly second portion 150 defines the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154. Each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 is configured to receive the respective second bolt 192 (e.g., fastener). In FIG. 2, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 defines ten crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 may define more or fewer crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154. In FIG. 2, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 defines the ten crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 in two rows of five each. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 may define the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 in different numbers of rows.

[0029] In some embodiments, a second portion of one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 is threaded and is configured to engage corresponding threads on a respective second bolt 192. In other embodiments, the second portion of multiple of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 is threaded and is configured to engage corresponding threads on a respective second bolt 192.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 is configured to be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 to allow at least one of a respective first bolt 190 and at least a portion of a respective second bolt 192 to pass through the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 and the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 is configured to not be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 such that at least one of a respective first bolt 190 and at least a portion of a respective second bolt 192 is not able to pass through both of the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 and the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124.

[0031] The crank carrier assembly second portion 150 defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly second piston bores 156. Each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second piston bores 156 is configured to receive a piston. In FIG. 2, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 defines four crank carrier assembly second piston bores 156. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 may define more or fewer crank carrier assembly second piston bores 156. In FIG. 2, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 defines the four crank carrier assembly second piston bores 156 in one row. In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 may define the plurality of crank carrier assembly second piston bores 156 in different numbers of rows. [0032] The crank carrier assembly second portion 150 may be made of a material having a higher weight (e.g., higher specific weight) than a material of another engine component of the internal combustion engine 100. In some embodiments, the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 comprises iron.

[0033] The second cylinder block 160 is connected to the crank carrier assembly second portion 150. The second cylinder block 160 defines the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164. Each of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 is configured to receive a respective second bolt 192. The plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 is not threaded. At least one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 is configured to be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 to allow at least a portion of the respective second bolt 192 to pass through the at least one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 and the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154.

[0034] In FIG. 1, the second cylinder block 160 defines ten of the second cylinder block bolt apertures 164. In other embodiments, the second cylinder block 160 may define more or fewer of the second cylinder block bolt apertures 164. In FIG. 1, the second cylinder block 160 defines the ten second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 in two rows of five each. In other embodiments, the second cylinder block 160 may define the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 in different numbers of rows.

[0035] The second cylinder block 160 defines a plurality of second cylinder block piston bores 166. Each of the plurality of second cylinder block piston bores 166 is configured to receive a piston. In FIG. 1, the second cylinder block 160 defines four second cylinder block piston bores 166. In other embodiments, the second cylinder block 160 may define more or fewer second cylinder block piston bores 166. In FIG. 1, the second cylinder block 160 defines the four second cylinder block piston bores 166 in one row. In other embodiments, the second cylinder block 160 may define the plurality of second cylinder block piston bores 166 in different numbers of rows.

[0036] The second cylinder block 160 may be made of a material having a lower weight (e.g., lower specific weight) than a material of another engine component of the internal combustion engine 100. In some embodiments, the second cylinder block 160 comprises aluminum, which allows for an internal combustion engine 100 of a lower total weight in contrast to when higher weight materials are used.

[0037] The second head 170 is connected to the second cylinder block 160. The second head 170 defines the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174. Each of the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174 is configured to receive a respective second bolt 192. The plurality of second head bolt apertures 174 is not threaded. At least one of the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174 is configured to be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 to allow at least a portion of the respective second bolt 192 to pass through the at least one of the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174 and the at least one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164.

[0038] In FIG. 1, the second head 170 defines ten second head bolt apertures 174. In other embodiments, the second head 170 may define more or fewer second head bolt apertures 174. In FIG. 1, the second head 170 defines the ten second head bolt apertures 174 in two rows of five each. In other embodiments, the second head 170 may define the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174 in different numbers of rows.

[0039] The second head 170 may be made of a material having a lower weight (e.g., lower specific weight) than a material of another engine component of the internal combustion engine 100. In some embodiments, the second head 170 comprises aluminum, which allows for an internal combustion engine 100 of a lower total weight in contrast to when higher weight materials are used.

[0040] Each first bolt 190 is positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124, in one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134, and in one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144. In some embodiments, the first bolt 190 comprises steel. Tightening the first bolt 190 pulls the first head 140 and the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 against the first cylinder block 130 and compresses these engine components.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more respective first bolt 190 is further positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154. In such embodiments, tightening the respective first bolt 190 pulls the first head 140 and the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 against the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 and the first cylinder block 130 and compresses these engine components.

[0042] While only a single first bolt 190 is shown in FIG. 1, it is understood that in various embodiments multiple first bolts will be included. In some embodiments, the number of the first bolts 190 is equal to at least one of the number of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124, the number of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134, and the number of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144. In some embodiments, the number of the first bolts 190 is less than the number of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124.

[0043] Each second bolt 192 is positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154, in one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164, and in one of the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174. In some embodiments, each second bolt 192 comprises steel. Tightening a respective second bolt 192 pulls the second head 170 and the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 against the second cylinder block 160 and compresses these engine components.

[0044] In some embodiments, each second bolt 192 is further positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124. In such embodiments, tightening a respective second bolt 192 pulls the second head 170 and the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 against the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 and the second cylinder block 160 and compresses these engine components.

[0045] While only a single second bolt 192 is shown in FIG. 1, it is understood that in various embodiments multiple first bolts 190 will be included. In some embodiments, the number of the second bolts 192 is equal to at least one of the number of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154, the number of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164, and the number of the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174. In some embodiments, the number of the second bolts 192 is less than the number of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154. [0046] In FIG. 1, the crank carrier assembly 110 is positioned between the first cylinder block 130 and the second cylinder block 160 (e.g., boxer-style configuration). In other embodiments, the crank carrier assembly 110 is not positioned between the first cylinder block 130 and the second cylinder block 160.

100471 Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 of assembling the internal combustion engine 100, according to an example embodiment. The method 300 comprises positioning the first bolt 190 in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 defined by the crank carrier assembly first portion 120 of the crank carrier 110, in one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134 defined by the first cylinder block 130, and in one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144 defined by the first head 140. The method 300 also comprises positioning the second bolt 192 in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 defined by the crank carrier assembly second portion 150 of the crank carrier 110, in one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164 defined by the second cylinder block 160, and in one of the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174 defined by the second head 170.

[0048] The method 300 includes having a crank carrier assembly 110 at 302. At 304, the first cylinder block 130 is positioned adjacent to the crank carrier assembly 110. At 306, the first head 140 is positioned adjacent to the first cylinder block 130. At 308, the second cylinder block 160 is positioned adjacent to the crank carrier assembly 110. At 310, the second head 170 is positioned adjacent to the second cylinder block 160. At 312, the first bolt 190 is positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124, in one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures 134, and in one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures 144. At 314, the second bolt 192 is positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154, in one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures 164, and in one of the plurality of second head bolt apertures 174.

[0049] The method 300 also may include positioning a plurality of the first bolts 190 in a plurality of the crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124, in a plurality of the first cylinder block bolt apertures 134, and in a plurality of the first head bolt apertures 144, as well as positioning a plurality of the second bolts 192 in a plurality of the crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154, in a plurality of the second cylinder block bolt apertures 164, and in a plurality of the second head bolt apertures 174. In some embodiments, ten of the first bolts 190 may be positioned in the internal combustion engine 100, or more or fewer of the first bolts 190 may be positioned. In the same or other embodiments, ten of the second bolts 192 may be positioned in the internal combustion engine 100, or more or fewer of the second bolts 192 may be positioned.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 is configured to be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 to allow the positioning of at least one of a respective first bolt 190 and a respective second bolt 192 into the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 and the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 is configured to not be contiguous with at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124 such that at least one of a respective first bolt 190 and a respective second bolt 192 is not able to be positioned through both of the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures 154 and the at least one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures 124.

[0051 ] The schematic flow chart diagrams and method schematic diagrams described above are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of representative embodiments. Other steps, orderings and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the methods illustrated in the schematic diagrams.

[0052] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0053] As utilized herein, the terms “substantially,” “generally,” “approximately,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0054] The term “coupled” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, with the two components, or with the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0055] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various systems shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0056] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other example embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0057] Also, the term “or” is used, in the context of a list of elements, in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An internal combustion engine, comprising: a crank carrier assembly comprising a crank carrier assembly first portion and a crank carrier assembly second portion, the crank carrier assembly first portion defining a plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures and the crank carrier assembly second portion defining a plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures; a first cylinder block positioned adjacent to the crank carrier assembly first portion, the first cylinder block defining a plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures; a first head positioned adjacent to the first cylinder block, the first head defining a plurality of first head bolt apertures; and a first bolt positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures, in one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures, and in one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures.

2. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein: a first portion of one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures is threaded and is configured to engage corresponding threads on the first bolt.

3. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of the first bolts, and wherein one of each of the plurality of first bolts is positioned in each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures, in each of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures, and in each of the plurality of first head bolt apertures.

4. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein the crank carrier assembly comprises iron.

5. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein the first cylinder block and the first head comprise aluminum.

6. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein the first bolt comprises steel.

7. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein the crank carrier assembly first portion and the crank carrier assembly second portion define a crankshaft bore therebetween, the crankshaft bore configured to receive a crankshaft.

8. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, further comprising: a second cylinder block connected to the crank carrier assembly second portion, the second cylinder block defining a plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures; a second head connected to the second cylinder block, the second head defining a plurality of second head bolt apertures; and a second bolt positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures, in one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures, and in one of the plurality of second head bolt apertures.

9. The internal combustion engine of claim 8, wherein: a second portion of one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures is threaded and is configured to engage corresponding threads on the second bolt.

10. The internal combustion engine of claim 8, wherein: the first bolt is further positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures.

11. The internal combustion engine of claim 9, wherein: the second bolt is further positioned in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures.

12. The internal combustion engine of claim 9, wherein the crank carrier assembly first portion defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly first piston bores, each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first piston bores configured to receive a piston.

13. The internal combustion engine of claim 12, wherein the crank carrier assembly second portion defines a plurality of crank carrier assembly second piston bores, each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly piston bores configured to receive a piston.

14. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein the first cylinder block comprises a water jacket.

15. The internal combustion engine of claim 9, wherein the internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of the second bolts, and wherein one of each of the plurality of second bolts is positioned in each of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures, in each of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures, and in each of the plurality of second head bolt apertures.

16. A method of assembling an internal combustion engine, comprising: positioning a first bolt in one of a plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures defined by a crank carrier assembly first portion of a crank carrier, in one of a plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures defined by a first cylinder block, and in one of a plurality of first head bolt apertures defined by a first head; and positioning a second bolt in one of a plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures defined by a crank carrier assembly second portion of the crank carrier, in one of a plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures defined by a second cylinder block, and in one of a plurality of second head bolt apertures defined by a second head.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: positioning the first bolt the first bolt to threadedly engage with one or more of one of the plurality of crank carrier first bolt apertures, one of the plurality of first cylinder block bolt apertures, and one of the plurality of first head bolt apertures, and positioning the second bolt causes the second bolt to threadedly engage with one or more of one of the plurality of crank carrier second bolt apertures, one of the plurality of second cylinder block bolt apertures, and one of the plurality of second head bolt apertures.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: positioning the first bolt in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly second bolt apertures.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: positioning the second bolt in one of the plurality of crank carrier assembly first bolt apertures.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: tightening the first bolt, thereby moving the first head and the crank carrier assembly first portion against the first cylinder block; and tightening the second bolt, thereby moving the second head and the crank carrier assembly second portion against the second cylinder block.