TEST RIBBON FOR SEALING AN OIL PAN DURING AN ENGINE OIL LEAK TEST

Abstract

A test dipstick for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test comprises a shaft extending along a central axis and having a first end section opposite a second end section. A tip section is connected to the first end section, the tip section having a plurality of sealing features configured to seal against the engine when the dipstick is positioned within the outlet. A handle section is connected to the second end section. The handle section has a base that rests against the engine when the dipstick is positioned within the outlet and a grip section extending from the base. The test dipstick comprises a plurality of additive layers, each of the plurality of additive layers parallel to one another, and each of the plurality of additive layers arranged at an angle relative to the central axis.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a test probe and in particular a test probe for sealing an oil pan of an engine during an engine leak test on a production line.

[0002] Documents DE 10 2019 003 809 A1 and DE 10 2020 004 046 A1 describe test rods for sealing an outlet opening of an engine during an engine oil leak test. Further state of the art is described in WO 2019 / 241 286 A1.

[0003] An engine oil leak test is used to determine if the oil seals in an engine are functioning correctly. The oil seals prevent engine oil, which is held in an oil pan and distributed throughout the engine, from leaking out during operation. The engine leak test confirms the functionality of the oil seals by pressurizing the engine with air and monitoring the pressurized engine for air leaks. Any air leak is an indication of a possible oil seal failure.

[0004] The oil pan includes a passage that provides access to the engine's interior. To seal the oil pan during the engine leak test, an operator manually plugs the passage with a test dipstick. After the engine leak test is complete, the operator withdraws the test dipstick from the passage. In some cases, the operator's handling of the test dipstick can cause a section of it to break inside the passage. This breakage can result in fragments of the dipstick falling into the engine and causing damage.

[0005] Although the current test dipsticks fulfill their purpose, there is a need for a new and improved test dipstick for sealing an oil pan during an engine leak test that improves ergonomics and has improved potential part failure capabilities. SUMMARY

[0006] According to several aspects, a test dipstick is provided for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test. The test dipstick comprises a shaft extending along a central axis and featuring a first end section opposite a second end section. A tip section is connected to the first end section, the tip section having multiple sealing features configured to seal against the engine when the dipstick is positioned within the outlet. A handle section is connected to the second end section. The handle section has a base that rests against the engine when the dipstick is positioned within the outlet and a grip section extending from the base.The test probe is 3D printed and comprises a plurality of additive layers, each of the plurality of additive layers parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of additive layers is arranged at an angle relative to the central axis.

[0007] In one aspect, the majority of sealing features include a plurality of O-rings arranged along a length of the tip section.

[0008] In another aspect, the majority of O-rings comprise a first O-ring arranged in a first groove of the tip section, a second O-ring arranged in a second groove of the tip section, and a third O-ring arranged in a third groove of the tip section, wherein the second O-ring is arranged between the first O-ring and the third O-ring.

[0009] In another aspect, the third O-ring has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the second O-ring and the diameter of the third O-ring.

[0010] In another aspect, the diameter of the second O-ring is the same as the diameter of the first O-ring.

[0011] In another aspect, the angle of the majority of additive layers relative to the central axis is 50 ± 5°.

[0012] In another aspect, the angle of the majority of additive layers relative to the central axis is 50°.

[0013] In another aspect, the majority of additive layers are 3D printed, with the 3D printing material being Nylon 12.

[0014] In another aspect, the handle section also includes an end cap that is positioned on the handle section opposite the base.

[0015] In another aspect, the base and end cap are defined by a first cross-sectional geometry, and the handle section of the handle is defined by a second cross-sectional geometry that differs from the first cross-sectional geometry.

[0016] In another aspect, the first cross-sectional geometry is defined by a circle with a radius extending perpendicular to the central axis, and the second cross-sectional geometry is defined by a rectangle.

[0017] According to several other aspects, a test dipstick is provided for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test. The test dipstick comprises a shaft extending along a central axis and having a first end section opposite a second end section. A tip section is connected to the first end section, the tip section having a plurality of sealing features configured to seal against the engine when the dipstick is positioned within the outlet. A handle section is connected to the second end section. The handle section has a base that rests against the engine when the dipstick is positioned within the outlet and has a grip section extending from the base.The test probe is 3D printed and comprises a plurality of additive layers, each of the plurality of additive layers parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of additive layers is arranged at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein the angle is 50 ± 5°.

[0018] In one aspect, the majority of sealing features include a plurality of O-rings arranged along a length of the tip section.

[0019] In another aspect, the majority of O-rings comprise a first O-ring arranged in a first groove of the tip section, a second O-ring arranged in a second groove of the tip section, and a third O-ring arranged in a third groove of the tip section, wherein the second O-ring is arranged between the first O-ring and the third O-ring.

[0020] In another aspect, the third O-ring has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the second O-ring and the diameter of the third O-ring.

[0021] In another aspect, the diameter of the second O-ring is the same as the diameter of the first O-ring.

[0022] In another aspect, the angle of the majority of additive layers relative to the central axis is 50°.

[0023] In another aspect, the majority of additive layers are 3D printed, with the 3D printing material being Nylon 12.

[0024] In another aspect, the handle section also includes an end cap that is positioned on the handle section opposite the base.

[0025] According to several other aspects, a test dipstick is provided for sealing an engine outlet during an engine oil leak test. The test dipstick comprises a shaft extending along a central axis and featuring a first end section opposite a second end section. A tip section is connected to the first end section, the tip section having a plurality of sealing features configured to seal against the engine when the dipstick is positioned within the outlet. The plurality of sealing features includes a plurality of O-rings arranged along a length of the tip section.The majority of O-rings comprise a first O-ring positioned in a first groove of the tip section, a second O-ring positioned in a second groove of the tip section, and a third O-ring positioned in a third groove of the tip section, with the second O-ring positioned between the first and third O-rings. A handle section is connected to the second end section. The handle section has a base that rests against the motor when the measuring rod is positioned within the outlet opening, and a handle section extending from the base. An end cap rests against the handle section opposite the base.The test probe is a 3D-printed part comprising Nylon 12, and the test probe comprises a plurality of additive layers, each of the plurality of additive layers parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of additive layers is arranged at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein the angle is 50°±5°.

[0026] Further areas of application will become apparent from this description. It should be understood that the description and specific examples serve only as illustrations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary engine in which a test probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. Fig. Figure 2 is an isometric view of the measuring rod. Fig. Figure 3 is a first side view of the test probe. Fig. Figure 4 is a second side view of the test probe with attached O-rings. Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged isometric cross-sectional view of one end of the test probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application or use.

[0029] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 is a dipstick according to the principles of the present invention, designated by reference numeral 10. The dipstick 10 is shown with an exemplary engine 12. The engine 12 can be any type of internal combustion engine and generally comprises an engine block 14 and an oil pan 16. The oil pan 16 serves to store engine oil and communicates with a plurality of fluid passages (not shown) in the engine block 14 to distribute oil throughout the engine 12. An oil filler neck 16 and an outlet opening 18 are arranged in the engine block 14 and each communicate with the oil pan 16.

[0030] During an engine oil leak test performed on engine 12, compressed air is introduced into engine 12 via the oil filler pan 16. An operator inserts the test dipstick 10 into the outlet opening 18. The pressure inside engine 12 is then monitored over a specific period to detect any changes in the pressure of the air trapped within engine 12. A change in air pressure exceeding a certain threshold may indicate a potential engine oil leak.

[0031] With reference to Fig. Sections 2-4 describe the test measuring rod 10 in more detail. The test measuring rod 10 comprises a shaft 20 extending along a central axis 22. The shaft 20 includes a first end section 24 and a second end section 26 opposite the first end section 24. A tip section 28 is connected to the first end section 24, and a handle section 30 is connected to the second end section 26.

[0032] The tip section 28 comprises a collar 32 and a distal end 34 opposite the collar 32. The collar 32 is directly connected to the first end section 24. The distal end 34 is frustoconical and forms the end of the test probe 10. A plurality of sealing elements 36 are arranged within the tip section 28 between the collar 32 and the distal end 34. The plurality of sealing elements 36 are configured to seal against the engine block 14 when the test probe 10 is inserted into the outlet opening 18.

[0033] The majority of sealing features 36 extend over the entire length (i.e., along the central axis 22) of the tip section 28. In the present example, the majority of sealing elements 36 comprise a first O-ring 38, a second O-ring 40, and a third O-ring 42, which are located on the test gauge 10. Fig. 4 are attached. The first O-ring 38 is arranged in a first groove 44. The second O-ring 40 is arranged in a second groove 46 adjacent to the first groove 44. The third O-ring 42 is arranged in a third groove 48 adjacent to the second groove 46. In this example, the first O-ring 38 and the second O-ring 40 have the same diameter, and the third O-ring 42 has a smaller diameter than the first O-ring 38 and the second O-ring 40. Each O-ring 38, 40, and 42 is dimensioned to seal against an inner surface of the outlet opening 18 in the motor block 14.

[0034] The grip section 30 comprises a base 50 and an end cap 52 opposite the base 50. A grip section 54 extends between the base 50 and the end cap 52. The base 50 is connected to the second end section 26 of the shaft 20. The base 50 includes a radial surface 56 configured to rest against the engine block 14 around the outlet opening 18 when the test probe 10 is inserted into the engine 12. The grip section 54 is dimensioned to allow it to be effectively gripped by an operator's hand during the engine leak test. Therefore, the base 50 and the end cap 52 are defined by a first cross-sectional geometry, and the grip section 54 is defined by a second cross-sectional geometry that differs from the first. For example, the first cross-sectional geometry is defined by a circle with a radius extending perpendicular to the central axis 22.The second cross-sectional geometry is defined by a rectangle. The grip section 54 is positioned centrally on the base 50, and the end cap 52 is positioned centrally on the grip section 54 at one end opposite the base 50. This geometry of the grip section 30 provides the operator with an optimal grip to minimize potential part failure.

[0035] With reference to Fig.5. The test rod 10 is manufactured using additive manufacturing, e.g., by 3D printing. In a preferred embodiment, the test rod 10 is made of nylon 12 (polyamide 12) to achieve a smooth texture and meet the requirements for durability and flexibility. With the exception of the O-rings 38, 40, and 42, the entire test rod 10 comprises a plurality of additive layers 58. Each additive layer 58 is parallel to the others. A single additive layer 58 is printed before the next additive layer 58 is started. Additionally, a printing angle is set to an angle (ϕ) relative to the central axis 22. In other words, a flat surface 60 of each additive layer 58 is located at an angle (ϕ) relative to the central axis 22. In a preferred embodiment, the angle (ϕ) is 50 degrees, ± 5 degrees.Therefore, each fracture of the test rod 10 occurs along one of the plurality of additive layers 58 and along the planar surface 60. This increases the size of the broken part relative to a fracture along an additive layer with a pressure angle of zero degrees (i.e., a planar surface perpendicular to the central axis 22).

[0036] The test measuring rod 10 of the present invention offers several advantages. First, the test measuring rod 10, manufactured by additive manufacturing, reduces production costs while simultaneously improving quality and preventing small parts from entering the engine in the event of a component failure. Additionally, the test measuring rod 10 improves the ergonomics for the operator when handling it.

Claims

[1] Test dipstick (10) for sealing an outlet opening (18) of an engine (12) during an engine oil leak test, the test dipstick (10) comprising: a shaft (20) extending along a central axis (22) and having a first end section (24) opposite a second end section (26); a tip section (28) connected to the first end section (24), the tip section (28) having a plurality of sealing features (36) configured to seal against the motor (12) when the measuring rod (10) is positioned inside the outlet opening (18); and a handle section (30) connected to the second end section (26), wherein the handle section (30) has a base (50) that rests against the motor (12) when the measuring rod (10) is arranged inside the outlet opening (18), and has a handle section (54) extending from the base (50), wherein the test probe (10) comprises a plurality of additive layers (58), each of the plurality of additive layers (58) being arranged parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of additive layers (58) being arranged at an angle relative to the central axis (22). [2] Test probe (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sealing features (36) comprises a plurality of O-rings (38, 40, 42) arranged along a length of the tip section (28). [3] Test measuring rod (10) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of O-rings (38, 40, 42) comprises a first O-ring (38) arranged in a first groove (44) of the tip section (28), a second O-ring (40) arranged in a second groove (46) of the tip section (28), and a third O-ring (42) arranged in a third groove (48) of the tip section (28), and wherein the second O-ring (40) is arranged between the first O-ring (38) and the third O-ring (42). [4] Test probe (10) according to claim 3, wherein the third O-ring (42) has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the second O-ring (40) and the diameter of the third O-ring (42). [5] Test probe (10) according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of the second O-ring (40) is the same as the diameter of the first O-ring (38). [6] Test probe (10) according to claim 1, wherein the angle of the plurality of additive layers (58) relative to the central axis (22) is 50 ± 5°. [7] Test probe (10) according to claim 1, wherein the angle of the plurality of additive layers (58) relative to the central axis (22) is 50°. [8] Test probe (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of additive layers (58) are 3D printed using Nylon 12. [9] Test measuring rod (10) according to claim 1, wherein the handle section (30) further comprises an end cap (52) which is arranged on the handle section (30) opposite the base (50). [10] Test measuring rod (10) according to claim 9, wherein the base (50) and the end cap (52) are defined by a first cross-sectional geometry, and the handle section (30) of the handle is defined by a second cross-sectional geometry which differs from the first cross-sectional geometry.

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