# US 8,770,170 B2 · Bedplate assembly and method

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- Number: US 8,770,170 B2
- Document ID: US8770170B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/343,022
- Filed: 2012-01-04
- Published: 2013-07-04
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2012-01-04
- Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
- Applicants: Pururawa A Mulay; Allen G. Sheppard; Dean Lee Weed
- Inventors: Pururawa A Mulay; Allen G. Sheppard; Dean Lee Weed
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8770170B2

## CPC

- B22D 19/04: for joining parts
- F02F 7/0053: {Crankshaft bearings fitted in the crankcase}
- Y10T 29/49229: Prime mover or fluid pump making
- Y10T 29/49231: I.C. [internal combustion] engine making
- B22D: CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES (shaping of plastics or substances in a plastic state B29C; metallurgical processing, selection of substances to be added to metal C21, C22)
- F02F: CYLINDERS, PISTONS OR CASINGS, FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES; ARRANGEMENTS OF SEALINGS IN COMBUSTION ENGINES
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A method of constructing a bedplate assembly for retention of a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine having an engine block includes forming a bedplate insert in a first pattern tool. The bedplate insert is defined by a height, a width, and a thickness. The bedplate insert also includes a shape having a variation in the width along the height. The method also includes arranging the formed bedplate insert in a second pattern tool. The method additionally includes forming in the second pattern tool a bedplate frame around the formed bedplate insert to generate the bedplate assembly. During forming of the bedplate frame, the variation in the width of the bedplate insert generates an internal rib in the bedplate frame that is configured to fix and retain the bedplate insert inside the bedplate frame and decrease deflection of the bedplate frame under crankshaft loads during operation of the engine.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of constructing a bedplate assembly for retention of a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine having an engine block, the method comprising:
forming a bedplate insert in a first pattern tool, wherein the bedplate insert is defined by an insert height, an insert width, and an insert thickness, the bedplate insert has a shape with a variation in the insert width along the insert height, and wherein the first pattern tool defines the variation in the insert width;
arranging the formed bedplate insert in a second pattern tool; and
forming in the second pattern tool a bedplate frame around the formed bedplate insert to generate the bedplate assembly, wherein during forming of the bedplate frame the variation in the insert width of the bedplate insert generates an internal rib in the bedplate frame that is configured to fix and retain the bedplate insert inside the bedplate frame and decrease deflection of the bedplate frame under crankshaft loads during operation of the engine.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the variation in the insert width is part of a trough extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the bedplate insert.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the trough extends around the entire perimeter of the bedplate insert.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said forming the bedplate insert includes casting the insert from a ferrous alloy.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The method of claim 4, wherein the ferrous alloy is a nodular iron.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said forming the bedplate frame includes casting the frame from a non-ferrous alloy.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, wherein the non-ferrous alloy is one of aluminum and magnesium.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising machining the generated bedplate assembly to achieve a precision fit between the bedplate assembly and the engine block.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising forming at least two bolt passages in the bedplate insert along the insert height for subsequent attachment of the bedplate assembly via respective bolts to the engine block to affect retention of the crankshaft relative to the engine block.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising mounting a bearing on the bedplate insert, wherein the bearing is configured to rotatably support the crankshaft against the engine block.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the shape of the bedplate insert additionally includes projections arranged along the insert height, extending out from the insert width, and configured to aid retention of the bedplate insert inside the bedplate frame, and wherein the first pattern tool defines the projections.