Telescopic bridge assembly for rocker arm assembly

Abstract

A valve bridge assembly for actuating at least one valve. The valve bridge assembly includes a bridge having one surface configured to engage with the rocker arm assembly and an opposing surface configured to engage with a distal end of the at least one valve. At least one valve stem extension extends between the bridge and the at least one valve, where the valve stem extension is movable relative to one of the bridge and the at least one valve. A guide is attached to one of the bridge and the at least one valve for guiding the at least one valve stem extension relative to the one of the bridge and the at least one valve. At least one spring is provided for biasing the bridge and the at least one valve away from each other.

Description

[0001] Priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202211068005, filed on Nov. 25, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to a rocker arm assembly for use in an internal combustion engine, wherein the rocker arm assembly includes a lost motion mechanism for cylinder deactivation and a bridge for actuating one or more valves. More specifically, this application relates to a rocker arm assembly having a telescopic valve bridge assembly for maintaining contact with one or more valves during operation. Background Art

[0004] An internal combustion engine can utilize a rocker arm assembly having a front rocker arm and a rear rocker arm that are selectively coupled to each other via a latch mechanism. When the front rocker arm and the rear rocker arm are latched together, movement on the cam end of the rear rocker arm is transmitted to the valve end of the front rocker arm to actuate one or more valves. When the front rocker arm and the rear rocker arm are unlatched, movement on the cam end of the rear rocker arm is not transmitted to the valve end of the front rocker arm. Because a spring connects the rear rocker arm and the front rocker arm, when the rocker arm assembly is in a “critical transition”, the momentum of the front rocker arm may cause the front rocker arm to over-rotate, resulting in the valve bridge on the valve end of the rocker arm assembly disengaging from the one or more valves.

[0005] This application discloses a telescopic bridge assembly for maintaining alignment of a valve bridge with a distal end of a valve during over-rotation of a rear rocker arm relative to a front rocker arm. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A valve bridge assembly for actuating at least one valve is provided. The valve bridge assembly includes a bridge having one surface configured to engage a rocker arm assembly and an opposite surface configured to engage a distal end of at least one valve. At least one valve stem extension extends between the bridge and the at least one valve, wherein the valve stem extension is movable relative to one of the bridge and the at least one valve. A guide is attached to one of the bridge and the at least one valve for guiding the at least one valve stem extension relative to one of the bridge and the at least one valve. At least one spring is provided for biasing the bridge and the at least one valve away from each other.

[0007] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, the at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to engage a distal end of the at least one valve.

[0008] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, the at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to receive the at least one spring.

[0009] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, at least one valve stem extension includes a stem sized to slide relative to the bridge.

[0010] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, a guide is fixed to the bridge and the stem slides relative to the guide.

[0011] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, the guide is integrally formed with the bridge.

[0012] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, the guide is formed as a plate configured to be fixed to at least one valve.

[0013] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, at least one spring is compressed between the bridge and the guide.

[0014] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, at least one valve stem extension is fastened to the bridge.

[0015] There is also provided a valve bridge assembly for actuating at least one valve. The valve bridge assembly includes a bridge having one surface configured to engage a rocker arm assembly and an opposite surface configured to engage a distal end of at least one valve. At least one valve stem extension extends between the bridge and at least one valve, wherein the valve stem extension is movable relative to the bridge. A guide is provided for guiding at least one valve stem extension relative to the bridge. At least one spring is provided for biasing the bridge and at least one valve away from each other.

[0016] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to engage a distal end of at least one valve.

[0017] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to receive at least one spring.

[0018] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, at least one valve stem extension includes a stem sized to slide relative to the bridge.

[0019] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, a guide is fixed to the bridge and the stem slides relative to the guide.

[0020] In the foregoing valve bridge assembly, the guide is integrally formed with the bridge.

[0021] There is also provided a valve bridge assembly for actuating at least one valve. The valve bridge assembly includes a bridge having one surface configured to engage a rocker arm assembly and an opposite surface configured to engage a distal end of at least one valve. At least one valve stem extension extends between the bridge and at least one valve, wherein the valve stem extension is connected to the bridge and movable relative to at least one valve. A guide is attached to at least one valve for guiding at least one valve stem extension. At least one spring is provided for biasing the bridge and at least one valve away from each other.

[0022] In the aforementioned valve bridge assembly, the bridge includes a cavity sized to engage the distal end of at least one valve.

[0023] In the aforementioned valve bridge assembly, at least one valve stem extension includes a stem sized to slide relative to a guide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rocker arm assembly having a lost motion mechanism;

[0025] Figure 2 is a side view of the rocker arm assembly showing a valve bridge for engaging two valves, wherein the valve bridge is disengaged from the distal ends of the valves;

[0026] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a telescopic valve bridge assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the telescopic valve bridge assembly;

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the valve stem extension of the telescopic valve bridge assembly;

[0029] Figure 6 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the extension guide of the telescopic valve bridge assembly;

[0030] Figure 7 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the compression spring of the telescopic valve bridge assembly;

[0031] Figure 8 is a side view of the telescopic valve bridge showing the front rocker arm in an over-rotated position, wherein the telescopic valve bridge assembly is in contact with the distal end of the valve stem;

[0032] Figure 9 is Figure 8 an enlarged view;

[0033] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a telescopic valve bridge assembly according to a second embodiment;

[0034] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a cross-sectional view of the telescopic valve bridge assembly;

[0035] Figure 12 is Figure 10 a side view of the telescopic valve bridge showing the front rocker arm in an over-rotated position, wherein the telescopic valve bridge assembly is in contact with the distal end of the valve stem;

[0036] Figure 13 isFigure 12 An enlarged view; and

[0037] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a telescopic valve bridge assembly according to the third embodiment. Detailed Description

[0038] A description of the present disclosure is presented below; however, various aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Additionally, the following examples may be provided individually or in combination with one or any combination of the examples discussed herein. Directional references (such as "left" and "right") are for convenience in referring to the drawings.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 , shows a rocker arm assembly 10. The rocker arm assembly 10 generally includes a front rocker arm 22, a rear rocker arm 24, a latch mechanism 26 ( Figure 1 partially visible therein), and a spring 28 connecting the front rocker arm 22 and the rear rocker arm 24. The rocker arm assembly 10 has a valve end 12 configured to engage with a valve bridge 50 ( Figure 2 ), and a cam end 14 configured to engage with a cam 40 ( Figure 2 ). The front rocker arm 22 and the rear rocker arm 24 each include apertures 22a, 24a ( Figure 2 ) to allow the front rocker arm 22 and the rear rocker arm 24 to receive a main rocker shaft 30. The front rocker arm 22 and the rear rocker arm 24 are configured to pivot about the main rocker shaft 30 via actuation of the cam 40. The cam 40 includes a cam profile configured such that the entire rocker arm assembly 10 pivots about the main rocker shaft 30 at a predetermined interval as the cam 40 rotates.

[0040] When the latch mechanism 26 is in the latched position, a center pin (not shown) of the latch mechanism 26 is partially located in both the front rocker arm 22 and the rear rocker arm 24 to couple them together such that they pivot as a single body. When the latch mechanism 26 is in the unlatched position (i.e., the center pin (not shown) is only in one of the front rocker arm 22 and the rear rocker arm 24), the rear rocker arm 24 can pivot independently of the front rocker arm 22. In this position, when the cam 40 applies motion / displacement to the rear rocker arm 24, the motion is not transmitted to the front rocker arm 22 or the valve end 12 of the rocker arm assembly 10.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 , when the rocker arm assembly 10 is in a critical position (referred to as "critical transition"), in which the rocker arm assembly 10 actuates the valve 60, but the front rocker arm 22 is disengaged from the rear rocker arm 24. During this critical transition, the front rocker arm 22 freely over-rotates by an angle A. This over-rotation in turn causes the valve bridge 50 to disengage from the distal end 62 of the valve 60 by a distance X fo(referred to as maximum bridge detachment). This detachment is commonly referred to as "fly-off" and may cause the rocker arm assembly 10 to malfunction if the valve bridge 50 fails to realign and engage with the distal end 62 of the valve 60.

[0042] Reference Figures 3 to 7 , there is shown a telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 generally includes a bridge 110, an extension guide 120, a valve stem extension 130, and a spring 150.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 , the bridge 110 of the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 includes a countersunk hole 112 extending into the lower surface 114 of the bridge 110. A hole 118 extends through the bottom of the countersunk hole 112 through the bridge 110 and exits from the upper surface 116 of the bridge 110. The portion of the lower surface 114 surrounding the countersunk hole 112 is recessed to define a peripheral seat 112a.

[0044] The extension guide 120 is sized to be received in the hole 118 and extend into the countersunk hole 112. Reference Figure 6 , the extension guide 120 includes a tubular body 122 having an outwardly extending peripheral flange 124 at one end thereof.

[0045] Return reference Figure 4 , the valve stem extension 130 is sized to slide within the extension guide 120. As Figure 5 shown, the valve stem extension 130 includes a tubular body 132 having an outwardly extending peripheral flange 134 at one end thereof. A partition 136 spans the inner cavity of the body 132 to divide the inner cavity into a first chamber 142a and a second chamber 142b. A rod 144 extends from one side of the partition 136, through the first chamber 142a and out of the end of the body 132. The second chamber 142b is sized to receive the distal end 62 of a corresponding valve 60, as described in detail below.

[0046] The compression spring 150 is sized to be received in the first chamber 142a. Reference Figure 7 , the compression spring 150 is a wire wound into a coil. The compression spring 150 is configured to apply an axial force when compressed.

[0047] Reference Figure 4, the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 is assembled by the following method: arranging the extension guide 120 into the hole 118 in the bridge 110 such that the flange 124 is positioned adjacent to the upper surface 116 of the bridge 110, and the body 122 of the extension guide 120 extends into the counterbore 112. It is contemplated that the extension guide 120 can be press-fitted into the hole 118. The spring 150 is sized such that its inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the extension guide 120 but less than the inner diameter of the first cavity 142a of the valve stem extension 130. The spring 150 is arranged in the first cavity 142a. Then the valve stem extension 130 is inserted into the extension guide 120. Specifically, the rod 144 is inserted into the bridge from the lower surface 114 of the bridge 110 and into the extension guide 120. When the rod 144 moves into the extension guide 120, the spring 150 is compressed between the surface of the partition 136 defining the first cavity 142a and the end surface of the counterbore 112. The spring 150 is configured to bias the valve stem extension 130 outward from the counterbore 112.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 , the second cavity 142b of the valve stem extension 130 is sized to receive the distal end 62 of the valve 60. The second cavity 142b is sized to allow the distal end 62 to slide therein. During normal operation, i.e., when the latch mechanism 26 is in the latched position or the front rocker arm 24 has not rotated an excessive distance (i.e., when observed in the clockwise direction in Figure 3 ), the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 is captured between the valve end 12 of the rocker arm assembly 10 and the distal end 62 of the valve 60. In this position, the valve stem extension 130 is fully seated in the bridge 110 such that the spring 150 is compressed, and the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 acts as a rigid single body. Any movement applied to the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 by the valve end 12 of the rocker arm assembly 10 is transmitted through the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 to the distal end 62 of the valve 60 such that the valve 60 moves accordingly.

[0049] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 (wherein the spring 150 is not shown for clarity), when the rocker arm assembly 10 is at the critical transition, as explained in detail above, the bridge 110 still experiences a valve disengagement displacement of distance X fo , but the spring 150 in the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 causes the valve stem extension 130 to move outward from the counterbore 112 in the bridge 110. The length D1 of the valve stem extension 130 and the length D2 of the extension guide 120 (see Figure 4is selected such that while the second cavity 142b remains in engagement with the distal end 62 of the valve 60, the stem 144 of the valve stem extension 130 remains in sliding engagement with the extension guide 120. For example, it is contemplated that the valve stem extension 130 and the extension guide 120 may be configured to provide an engagement of approximately 22 mm when the maximum fly-off of the bridge 110 is approximately 19 mm.

[0050] It is contemplated that the valve stem extension 130 may move out of the counterbore 112 in the bridge 110 during rotation of the front rocker arm 22. The seat 112a of the counterbore 112 may be chamfered to facilitate re-engagement of the valve stem extension 130 with the counterbore 112 as the bridge 110 moves towards the valve 60. It is also contemplated that the length D1 of the stem 144 of the valve stem extension 130 may be selected based on the maximum anticipated rotation of the front rocker arm 22 ( Figure 4 ), such that the valve stem extension 130 remains in contact with the valve 60 and the extension guide 120 at all times during movement of the front rocker arm 22.

[0051] After the first rocker arm 22 reaches its maximum displacement in the clockwise direction, the front rocker arm 22 begins to move in the counterclockwise direction. Since the telescoping valve bridge assembly 100 remains in engagement with the valve 60 during the critical transition of the front rocker arm 22, the alignment of the telescoping valve bridge assembly 100 with the valve 60 is maintained. Then the rocker arm assembly 10 may return to Figure 3 the position shown.

[0052] It is contemplated that the clearance between the outer diameter of the stem 144 of the valve stem extension 130 and the inner diameter of the extension guide 120 may be approximately 0.015 mm to allow the stem 144 to slide within the extension guide 120. The clearance between the outer diameter of the body 132 of the valve stem extension 130 and the inner diameter of the counterbore 112 of the bridge 110 may be approximately 0.05 mm to allow the valve stem extension 130 to slide within the bridge 110. The clearance between the outer diameter of the flange 134 of the valve stem extension 130 and the seat 112a surrounding the counterbore 112 of the bridge 110 may be approximately 0.10 mm to allow the valve stem extension 130 to slide within the bridge 110.

[0053] According to Figures 10 to 13 the second embodiment shown in (wherein, for clarity, Figure 12 and Figure 13 the spring 250 is not shown), the telescoping valve bridge assembly 200 includes a bridge 210 that incorporates the features of the extension guide 120 into the bridge 110. Refer to Figure 11, the bridge 210 includes a hole 212 that extends between the lower surface 214 and the upper surface 216 of the bridge 210. The hole 212 defines an entire sliding support surface for the rod 244 of the valve stem extension 230 (described in detail below). A peripheral groove 218 is formed around the hole 212 starting from the lower surface 214 of the bridge 210. The peripheral groove 218 defines a cavity for receiving a compression spring 250 that biases the valve stem extension 230 away from the lower surface 214 of the bridge 210.

[0054] The valve stem extension 230 includes: a rod 244 that engages with the hole 212; a flange 234; and a lower cavity 242 that receives the distal end 62 of the valve 60 (similar to the second cavity 142b of the valve stem extension 130). A hole 238 extends through the rod 244 and is sized to receive a retaining wire 260.

[0055] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the telescopic valve bridge assembly 200 is assembled by: arranging the spring 250 in the peripheral groove 218, and then inserting the rod 244 of the valve stem extension 230 into the hole 212 such that the flange 234 of the valve stem extension 230 is positioned adjacent to the lower surface 214 of the bridge 210. The hole 238 is positioned and sized such that when the rod 244 extends from the upper surface 216 of the bridge 210, the retaining wire 260 can be inserted into the hole 238 to prevent the valve stem extension 230 from being forced out of the hole 212 in the bridge 210. Then the telescopic valve bridge assembly 200 is positioned to engage with the valve 60 such that the distal end 62 of the valve 60 is received and engaged in the lower cavity 242 of the valve stem extension 230. Then the retaining wire 260 is removed to allow the valve stem extension 230 to move, as described below.

[0056] Similar to the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 of the first embodiment, when the latch mechanism 26 is in the unlocked position (i.e., the front rocker arm 22 can rotate freely relative to the rear rocker arm 24), the front rocker arm 22 rotates excessively in the clockwise direction when observed in Figure 12 and Figure 13 such that the bridge 210 is offset by a distance X Figure 12 in the angle A in fo ( Figure 13 ), the spring 250 in the telescopic valve bridge assembly 200 moves the valve stem extension 230 outward from the hole 212 in the bridge 210. The hole 212 and the valve stem extension 230 are sized such that while the lower cavity 242 remains engaged with the distal end 62 of the valve 60, the rod 244 of the valve stem extension 230 remains in sliding engagement with the hole 212 in the bridge 210.

[0057] It is contemplated that the length D3 of the rod 244 of the valve stem extension 230 can be selected based on the expected maximum rotation of the front rocker arm 22 Figure 11), such that the valve stem extension 230 remains in contact with the valve 60 and the hole 212 at all times during the movement of the front rocker arm 22.

[0058] After the first rocker arm 22 reaches its maximum displacement in the clockwise direction, the front rocker arm 22 begins to move in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed in Figure 12 ). Since the telescopic valve bridge assembly 200 remains engaged with the valve 60 during the movement of the front rocker arm 22, the alignment of the telescopic valve bridge assembly 200 with the valve 60 is maintained.

[0059] According to the third embodiment, referring to Figure 14 , the telescopic valve bridge assembly 300 generally includes a bridge 310, a rod guide plate 320, and a valve stem extension 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge 310 includes a recess 312 sized to receive the distal end 62 of the valve 60. The valve stem extension 330 (two valve stem extensions are shown in Figure 14 ) is shown as an elongated rod attached at one end to the bridge 310. The opposite ends of the valve stem extension 330 are sized to slide through holes 322 formed in the rod guide plate 320.

[0060] The rod guide plate 320 includes a hole 324 for attaching the rod guide plate 320 to the distal end 62 of the valve 60. A spring 350 is positioned between the lower surface 314 of the bridge 310 and the upper surface 326 of the rod guide plate 320 for biasing the rod guide plate 320 away from the lower surface 314 of the bridge 310.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the rod guide plate 320 is attached to two valves 60, two valve stem extensions 330 extend from the bridge 310 through the rod guide plate 320, and two springs 350 are provided for biasing the rod guide plate 320 away from the bridge 310. The telescopic valve bridge assembly 300 is assembled by arranging the rod guide plate 320 on the distal end 62 of the valve 60. Then, the spring 350 is arranged on the valve stem extension 330, and the valve stem extension 330 is inserted through the mating holes 322 in the rod guide plate 320.

[0062] Similar to the telescopic valve bridge assembly 100 of the first embodiment, when the rocker arm assembly 10 is in the critical position (described in detail above), the front rocker arm 22 is when viewed in Figure 14During the counterclockwise over-rotation when observing in the middle, the bridge 310 also moves away from the valve 60 (which is stationary) in the counterclockwise direction B. When the bridge 310 moves, the gap Y between the bridge 310 and the rod guide plate 320 increases because the spring 350 in the telescopic valve bridge assembly 300 biases the rod guide plate 320, that is, it is biased away from the bridge 310. The hole 322 in the rod guide plate 320 and the valve stem extension 330 are sized such that when the bridge 310 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the valve stem extension 330 remains engaged with the hole 322 in the rod guide plate 320. After the front rocker arm 22 reaches its maximum displacement (referred to as X above) fo ), the valve stem extension 330 is guided by the hole 322 to realign the recess 312 in the bridge 310 with the distal end 62 of the valve 60. Then, the telescopic valve bridge assembly 300 can return to Figure 14 the position shown.

[0063] It is contemplated that the length D4 of the valve stem extension 330 ( Figure 14 can be selected based on the expected maximum rotation of the front rocker arm 22 such that the valve stem extension 330 remains in contact with the rod guide plate 320 throughout the movement of the front rocker arm 22.

[0064] The present invention thus provides a telescopic bridge assembly that maintains contact between the bridge and the distal end of the valve during the "fly-off" state of the bridge. By maintaining contact between the bridge and the distal end of the valve, the present invention allows the bridge to be realigned with the distal end of the valve and reduces the likelihood that the bridge will not seat properly on the valve. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve stem extension is fixed to the bridge or the valve and is configured to move relative to each other. In other words, when the valve stem extension is fixed to the valve, the valve stem extension is guided by a guide fixed to the bridge. Similarly, when the valve stem extension is fixed to the bridge, the valve stem extension is guided by a guide fixed to the valve.

[0065] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A valve bridge assembly for actuating at least one valve, the valve bridge assembly comprising: A bridge having one surface configured to engage a rocker arm assembly and an opposite surface configured to engage a distal end of at least one valve; At least one valve stem extension extending between the bridge and the at least one valve, wherein the valve stem extension is movable relative to one of the bridge and the at least one valve; A guide attached to one of the bridge and the at least one valve for guiding the at least one valve stem extension relative to one of the bridge and the at least one valve; and At least one spring for biasing the bridge and the at least one valve away from each other.

2. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to engage a distal end of the at least one valve.

3. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to receive the at least one spring.

4. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension includes a stem sized to slide relative to the bridge.

5. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The guide is fixed to the bridge and the stem slides relative to the guide.

6. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The guide is integrally formed with the bridge.

7. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The guide is formed as a plate configured to be fixed to the at least one valve.

8. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one spring is compressed between the bridge and the guide.

9. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension is fastened to the bridge.

10. A valve bridge assembly for actuating at least one valve, the valve bridge assembly comprising: A bridge having one surface configured to engage a rocker arm assembly and an opposite surface configured to engage a distal end of at least one valve; At least one valve stem extension extending between the bridge and the at least one valve, wherein the valve stem extension is movable relative to the bridge; A guide for guiding the at least one valve stem extension relative to the bridge; and At least one spring for biasing the bridge and the at least one valve away from each other.

11. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to engage a distal end of the at least one valve.

12. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension includes a cavity sized to receive the at least one spring.

13. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension includes a stem sized to slide relative to the bridge.

14. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The guide is fixed to the bridge and the at least one valve stem slides relative to the guide.

15. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The guide is integrally formed with the bridge.

16. A valve bridge assembly for actuating at least one valve, the valve bridge assembly comprising: A bridge having one surface configured to engage a rocker arm assembly and an opposite surface configured to engage a distal end of at least one valve; At least one valve stem extension extending between the bridge and the at least one valve, wherein the valve stem extension is connected to the bridge and is movable relative to the at least one valve; A guide attached to the at least one valve for guiding the at least one valve stem extension; And At least one spring for biasing the bridge and the at least one valve away from each other.

17. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 16, wherein, The bridge includes a cavity sized to engage a distal end of the at least one valve.

18. The valve bridge assembly according to claim 16, wherein, The at least one valve stem extension includes a stem sized to slide relative to the guide.

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