Test dipstick for sealing an oil sump during an engine oil leak test
The test dipstick, manufactured by 3D printing, employs multiple additive layers and O-ring sealing features, solving the problem of easy breakage of the test dipstick and achieving greater durability and better operating comfort.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing dipsticks are prone to breakage during engine leak tests, causing fragments to enter the engine, affecting equipment safety and increasing the risk of failure.
The test dipstick, manufactured using 3D printing technology, includes multiple additive layers and an O-ring seal feature. It is designed with a 50°±5° angle, uses Nylon 12 material, and features an optimized grip design to reduce the risk of breakage.
It reduced production costs, improved the durability of the test dipstick, reduced parts failures, and enhanced the operator's user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN122236532A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to a test dipstick, and more specifically, to a test dipstick for sealing an engine oil pan during engine leak testing on the production line. Background Technology
[0002] Engine oil leak testing is used to determine if the oil seals in the engine are functioning properly. Engine oil is stored in the oil pan and distributed throughout the engine; oil seals prevent oil leakage during engine operation. Engine leak testing ensures the oil seals are functioning by pressurizing the engine with air and monitoring for any air leaks. Any air leaks indicate a potential oil seal failure.
[0003] The oil pan contains passageways leading to the engine interior. To seal the oil pan during engine leak testing, the operator manually seals the passageways using a dipstick. After the engine leak test is complete, the operator removes the dipstick from the passageways. In some cases, operator manipulation of the dipstick may cause a portion of it to break off within the passageways. This breakage could result in fragments of the dipstick falling into the engine and causing damage.
[0004] Therefore, while the current dipstick test achieves its intended purpose, a new and improved dipstick test is needed to seal the oil pan during engine leak testing in order to improve ergonomics and reduce potential component failures. Summary of the Invention
[0005] According to several aspects, a test dipstick for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test is provided. The test dipstick includes a shaft extending along a central axis and having a first end opposite a second end. A tip portion engages with the first end, the tip portion having a plurality of sealing features configured to seal to the engine when the dipstick is placed inside the outlet. A handle portion engages with the second end. The handle portion has a base and a gripping portion extending from the base, the base abutting against the engine when the dipstick is placed inside the outlet. The test dipstick is 3D printed and includes a plurality of additive layers; each of the plurality of additive layers is parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of additive layers is angled relative to the central axis.
[0006] On one hand, multiple sealing features include multiple O-rings arranged along the length of the tip.
[0007] On the other hand, the plurality of O-rings includes a first O-ring disposed in a first groove at the tip, a second O-ring disposed in a second groove at the tip, and a third O-ring disposed in a third groove at the tip, wherein the second O-ring is disposed between the first O-ring and the third O-ring.
[0008] On the other hand, the diameter of the third O-ring is smaller than the diameter of both the second and third O-rings.
[0009] On the other hand, the diameter of the second O-ring is the same as the diameter of the first O-ring.
[0010] On the other hand, the angles of the multiple additive layers relative to the central axis are 50°±5°.
[0011] On the other hand, the angle between the multiple additive layers and the central axis is 50°.
[0012] On the other hand, multiple additive layers are 3D printed, with the 3D printing material being Nylon 12.
[0013] On the other hand, the handle also includes an end cap located on the grip portion and opposite to the base.
[0014] On the other hand, the base and end cap are defined by a first cross-sectional geometry, and the gripping part of the handle is defined by a second cross-sectional geometry that is different from the first cross-sectional geometry.
[0015] On the other hand, the first cross-sectional geometry is defined by a circle with a radius perpendicular to the central axis, and the second cross-sectional geometry is defined by a rectangle.
[0016] According to several other aspects, a test dipstick for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test is provided. The test dipstick includes a shaft extending along a central axis and having a first end opposite a second end. A tip portion engages with the first end and has a plurality of sealing features configured to seal to the engine when the dipstick is placed inside the outlet. A handle portion engages with the second end. The handle portion has a base and a gripping portion extending from the base, the base abutting against the engine when the dipstick is placed inside the outlet. The test dipstick is 3D printed and includes a plurality of additive layers; each of the plurality of additive layers is parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of additive layers is oriented at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein the angle is 50° ± 5°.
[0017] On one hand, multiple sealing features include multiple O-rings arranged along the length of the tip.
[0018] On the other hand, the plurality of O-rings includes a first O-ring disposed in a first groove at the tip, a second O-ring disposed in a second groove at the tip, and a third O-ring disposed in a third groove at the tip, wherein the second O-ring is disposed between the first O-ring and the third O-ring.
[0019] On the other hand, the diameter of the third O-ring is smaller than the diameter of both the second and third O-rings.
[0020] On the other hand, the diameter of the second O-ring is the same as the diameter of the first O-ring.
[0021] On the other hand, the angle between the multiple additive layers and the central axis is 50°.
[0022] On the other hand, multiple additive layers are 3D printed, with the 3D printing material being Nylon 12.
[0023] On the other hand, the handle also includes an end cap located on the grip portion and opposite to the base.
[0024] According to several other aspects, a test dipstick is provided for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test. The test dipstick includes a shaft extending along a central axis and having a first end opposite a second end. A tip engages with the first end and has a plurality of sealing features configured to seal to the engine when the dipstick is placed in the outlet. The plurality of sealing features include a plurality of O-rings disposed along the length of the tip. The plurality of O-rings includes a first O-ring disposed in a first groove of the tip, a second O-ring disposed in a second groove of the tip, and a third O-ring disposed in a third groove of the tip, wherein the second O-ring is disposed between the first and third O-rings. A handle engages with the second end. The handle has a base and a gripping portion extending from the base, the base abutting against the engine when the dipstick is placed in the outlet. An end cap abuts against the gripping portion opposite the base. The test dipstick is a 3D-printed part made of Nylon 12 and includes multiple additive layers; each of the multiple additive layers is parallel to each other and each of the multiple additive layers is set at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein the angle is 50°±5°.
[0025] Further applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the specification and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0026] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.
[0027] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary engine using a test dipstick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the dipstick.
[0029] Figure 3 This is the first side view of the dipstick tester;
[0030] Figure 4 This is the second side view of the dipstick with the O-ring attached;
[0031] Figure 5 It is an enlarged equidistant sectional view of one end of the dipstick. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses.
[0033] refer to Figure 1 The dipstick for testing oil according to the principles of this disclosure is indicated by reference numeral 10. The dipstick 10 is shown together with an exemplary engine 12. The engine 12 can be any type of internal combustion engine, typically including an engine block 14 and an oil pan 16. The oil pan 16 stores engine oil and communicates with a plurality of fluid passages (not shown) within the engine block 14 to distribute the oil throughout the engine 12. A filler hose 16 and an outlet 18 are disposed within the engine block 14 and each communicate with the oil pan 16.
[0034] During an engine oil leak test of engine 12, pressurized air is introduced into engine 12 via filler pipe 16. The operator inserts dipstick 10 into outlet 18. The pressure in engine 12 is then monitored for a period of time to detect any changes in the trapped air pressure within engine 12. Pressure changes exceeding a threshold may indicate a potential engine oil leak.
[0035] Go to Figures 2 to 4 The test dipstick 10 will be described in more detail below. The test dipstick 10 includes a shaft 20 extending along a central axis 22. The shaft 20 includes a first end 24 and a second end 26 opposite to the first end 24. A tip 28 engages with the first end 24, and a handle 30 engages with the second end 26.
[0036] The tip portion 28 includes a collar 32 and a distal end 34 opposite to the collar 32. The collar 32 directly engages with the first end 24. The distal end 34 is truncated conical and defines the end of the dipstick 10. A plurality of sealing features 36 are disposed within the tip portion 28 between the collar 32 and the distal end 34. The plurality of sealing features 36 are configured to seal to the engine block 14 when the dipstick 10 is inserted into the outlet 18.
[0037] Multiple sealing features 36 extend along the length of the tip 28 (e.g., the central axis 22). In the provided example, the multiple sealing features 36 include a first O-ring 38, a second O-ring 40, and a third O-ring 42. Figure 4 The image shows an O-ring attached to a test dipstick 10. A first O-ring 38 is disposed in a first recess 44. A second O-ring 40 is disposed in a second recess 46 adjacent to the first recess 44. A third O-ring 42 is disposed in a third recess 48 adjacent to the second recess 46. In the provided example, the first O-ring 38 and the second O-ring 40 have the same diameter, and the diameter of the third O-ring 42 is smaller than the diameter of the first O-ring 38 and the diameter of the second O-ring 40. The dimensions of each O-ring 38, 40, and 42 are designed to seal to the inner surface of an outlet 18 in the engine block 14.
[0038] The handle portion 30 includes a base 50 and an end cap 52 opposite to the base 50. A grip portion 54 extends between the base 50 and the end cap 52. The base 50 engages with a second end 26 of the shaft 20. The base 50 includes a radial surface 56 configured to abut against the engine block 14 around the outlet 18 when the test dipstick 10 is inserted into the engine 12. The grip portion 54 is sized to be effectively held by the operator's hand during engine leak testing. Thus, the base 50 and the end cap 52 are defined by a first cross-sectional geometry, and the grip portion 54 is defined by a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first cross-sectional geometry. For example, the first cross-sectional geometry is defined by a circle extending with a radius perpendicular to the central axis 22. The second cross-sectional geometry is defined by a rectangle. The grip portion 54 is located at the center of the base 50, and the end cap 52 is located at the center of the end of the grip portion 54 opposite to the base 50. The geometry of the handle portion 30 provides the operator with an optimized grip to minimize potential component failure.
[0039] Go to Figure 5The test dipstick 10 is manufactured using additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing. In a preferred embodiment, the test dipstick 10 is made of nylon 12 (polyamide 12) to provide a smooth texture and meet the requirements for durability and flexibility. Apart from the O-rings 38, 40, and 42, the entire test dipstick 10 consists of multiple additive layers 58. Each additive layer 58 is parallel to each other. A single additive layer 58 is printed first, followed by the next. Furthermore, the printing angle is set at an angle (Φ) relative to the central axis 22. In other words, the planar surface 60 of each additive layer 58 is set at an angle (φ) relative to the central axis 22. In a preferred embodiment, the angle (Φ) is 50 degrees ± 5 degrees. Therefore, any breakage of the test dipstick 10 will occur along one of the multiple additive layers 58 and along the planar surface 60. This increases the size of the damaged portion compared to a breakage at a printing angle of zero degrees (i.e., the planar surface is perpendicular to the central axis 22).
[0040] The oil dipstick 10 disclosed herein offers several advantages. First, the oil dipstick 10, manufactured by additive manufacturing, reduces production costs while improving quality and preventing small debris from entering the engine during part failure. Furthermore, the oil dipstick 10 improves ergonomics when held in the hand.
[0041] The description in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A dipstick for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test, the dipstick comprising: A shaft that extends along a central axis and has a first end opposite to the second end; A tip portion that engages with the first end portion, the tip portion having a plurality of sealing features configured to seal to the engine when the dipstick is placed in the outlet; as well as A handle portion, which engages with the second end, the handle portion having a base and a gripping portion extending from the base, the base abutting against the engine when the dipstick is placed in the outlet. The test dipstick includes multiple additive layers, each of which is parallel to each other and is set at a certain angle relative to the central axis.
2. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of sealing features include a plurality of O-rings disposed along the length of the tip.
3. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of O-rings includes a first O-ring disposed in a first groove at the tip, a second O-ring disposed in a second groove at the tip, and a third O-ring disposed in a third groove at the tip, wherein the second O-ring is disposed between the first O-ring and the third O-ring.
4. The test dipstick according to claim 3, wherein, The diameter of the third O-ring is smaller than the diameter of the second O-ring and the diameter of the third O-ring.
5. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 4, wherein, The diameter of the second O-ring is the same as the diameter of the first O-ring.
6. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 1, wherein, The angle between the plurality of additive layers and the central axis is 50°±5°.
7. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 1, wherein, The angle between the plurality of additive layers and the central axis is 50°.
8. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple additive layers were 3D printed using Nylon 12.
9. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 1, wherein, The handle portion also includes an end cap disposed on the grip portion and opposite to the base.
10. The dipstick for testing oil according to claim 9, wherein, The base and the end cap are defined by a first cross-sectional geometry, and the grip portion of the handle is defined by a second cross-sectional geometry that is different from the first cross-sectional geometry.