Check ball assemblies and retention cages thereof

Abstract

A system includes a body comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber, a plunger in the lower chamber, and a control pin disposed within the upper chamber and extending down into the lower chamber. The control pin is configured to engage or disengage a check ball of a check ball valve assembly disposed within the plunger. The check ball valve assembly is configured to permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into the plunger. The check ball valve assembly includes the check ball and a retention cage configured to retain the check ball. The retention cage includes extended features to be coupled with corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body. The extended features include feet of the retention cage. The feet of the retention cage include a spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage and configured to remain depressed during assembly.

Description

ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23511 of 34CHECK BALL ASSEMBLIES AND RETENTION CAGES THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to fluid control systems, and more specifically to designs and methods of assembly and installation associated with valve assemblies comprising check ball and retention cage thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Engine valvetrains may include assemblies and control devices associated with selectively permitting fluid flow, such as Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs) and / or switchable capsules. In particular embodiments, such fluid control devices may include check ball valve assemblies comprising check ball retention cage. In particular embodiments, installation of a retention cage during assembly of such devices may be associated with undesirable contact of the retention cage with an assembly body, and / or with design challenges associated with temporary flexing of retention cage members.SUMMARY OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0003] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for the fabrication, assembly, installation and / or operation of check ball assemblies comprising check ball retention cages.

[0004] In particular embodiments, a check ball assembly is disclosed including a retention cage configured to retain a check ball, wherein the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of an assembly body 116.

[0005] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the one or more extended features of the retention cage include feet.

[0006] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the one or more corresponding features of the assembly body include a groove or an undercut.

[0007] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, an outermost radial extent of the retention cage feet prior to assembly of theACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23512 of 34 retention cage with the assembly body is less than or equal to an inner diameter of a bore of the assembly body.

[0008] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, an outermost radial extent of the retention cage feet following assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body is greater than an inner diameter of a bore of the assembly body.

[0009] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, an outermost radial extent of the retention cage feet following assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body comprises one or more extended zones.

[0010] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, generation of one or more of the extended zones of the retention cage feet is associated with application of a compressive force during assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

[0011] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the compressive force is applied parallel to a longitudinal axis of the retention cage or the check ball assembly.

[0012] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more portions of the retention cage feet comprise a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

[0013] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the flat or planar surfaces associated with the retention cage feet are locally deformed to generate one or more of the extended zones of the retention cage feet.

[0014] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more portions of the retention cage feet comprise one or more raised features prior to assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

[0015] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or of the more raised features associated with the retention cage feet are configured to be at least partially flattened during assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

[0016] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the retention cage of the check ball assembly comprises one or more sidewalls.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23513 of 34

[0017] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the sidewalls include one or more respective apertures configured for permitting fluid flow therethrough.

[0018] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the retention cage of the check ball assembly comprises an end portion provide opposite the retention cage feet.

[0019] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, a zone associated with the end portion is locally hardened to resist impact or wear based on contact with the check ball.

[0020] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, a tool is configured for facilitating assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

[0021] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the tool comprises an interfacing surface configured to provide one or more of engagement, support, or selective application of force to one or more contact portions of the retention cage during assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

[0022] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the interfacing surface of the tool comprises an annular surface.

[0023] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the interfacing surface of the tool comprises a circumferentially continuous surface.

[0024] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the interfacing surface of the tool comprises one or more grooves,

[0025] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the grooves are radially oriented.

[0026] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the interfacing surface of the tool comprises a convex beveling.

[0027] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the interfacing surface of the tool comprises a concave beveling.

[0028] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, the interfacing surface of the tool comprises one or more protruding features.

[0029] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the protruding features are circumferentially continuous.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23514 of 34

[0030] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the protruding features are circumferentially distributed.

[0031] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the protruding features are disposed proximate to a radially inner edge of an interfacing surface.

[0032] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the protruding features are disposed proximate to a radially outer edge of an interfacing surface.

[0033] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the protruding features comprise a circular cross-section.

[0034] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the protruding features comprise an elliptical or arcuate crosssection.

[0035] In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all above embodiments, one or more of the protruding features comprise at least a portion of a sphere.

[0036] Clause 1. A system, comprising: a body comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber; a plunger disposed within the lower chamber; a control pin disposed within the upper chamber and extending down into the lower chamber, wherein the control pin is configured to engage or disengage a check ball of a check ball valve assembly disposed within the plunger; and the check ball valve assembly, wherein the check ball valve assembly is configured to selectively permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into the plunger, wherein the check ball valve assembly comprises: a check ball; and a retention cage configured to retain the check ball, wherein the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body, wherein the one or more extended features include feet of the retention cage, and wherein the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage and configured to remain at least partially depressed during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0037] Clause 2. The system of Clause 1, wherein the feet of the retention cage comprise a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball assembly body.

[0038] Clause 3. The system of Clause 1, wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least four spherically shaped depressions.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23515 of 34

[0039] Clause 4. The system of Clause 1, wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least eight spherically shaped depressions.

[0040] Clause 5. The system of Clause 1, wherein an outermost radial extent of the feet is less than or equal to an inner diameter of a bore of the check ball valve assembly body prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0041] Clause 6. The system of Clause 5, wherein the outermost radial extent of the feet of the retention cage is greater than an inner diameter of the bore of the check ball valve assembly body following assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0042] Clause 7. The system of Clause 5, wherein the outermost radial extent of the feet of the retention cage comprises one or more extended zones following assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body, and wherein the one or more extended zones is formed in response to an application of a compressive force during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0043] Clause 8. The system of Clause 1, wherein the retention cage comprises a plurality of sidewalls, and wherein one or more of the sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls comprises an aperture configured to permit fluid flow therethrough.

[0044] Clause 9. The system of Clause 1, wherein the system comprises an engine brake capsule assembly.

[0045] Clause 10. A system, comprising: a check ball valve assembly configured to selectively permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into a plunger, wherein the check ball valve assembly comprises: a check ball; and a retention cage configured to retain the check ball, wherein the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body, wherein the one or more extended features include feet of the retention cage, and wherein the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage and configured to remain at least partially depressed during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0046] Clause 11. The system of Clause 10, wherein the feet of the retention cage comprise a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball assembly body.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23516 of 34

[0047] Clause 12. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least four spherically shaped depressions.

[0048] Clause 13. The system of Clause 10, wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least eight spherically shaped depressions.

[0049] Clause 14. The system of Clause 10, wherein the check ball valve assembly further comprises an interfacing tool configured to facilitate assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0050] Clause 15. The system of Clause 14, wherein the interfacing tool comprises an interfacing surface configured to provide one or more of an engagement, a support, or a selective application of force to the feet of the retention cage during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0051] Clause 16. The system of Clause 15, wherein the interfacing surface of the tool comprises a plurality of protruding features, and wherein the plurality of protruding features comprises a plurality of spherically shaped protruding features disposed circumferentially along the interfacing surface of the tool.

[0052] Clause 17. The system of Clause 16, wherein each spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features is equal in diameter to each other spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features.

[0053] Clause 18. The system of Clause 17, wherein each spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features comprises an N diameter.

[0054] Clause 19. The system of Clause 17, wherein each spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features comprises an N / 2 diameter.

[0055] Clause 20. A system, comprising: a check ball valve assembly configured to selectively permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into a plunger, wherein the check ball valve assembly comprises: a check ball; a retention cage configured to retain the check ball, wherein the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body, wherein the one or more extended features include feet of the retention cage, and wherein the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of features disposed over or within the feet of the retention cage and configured to remain at least partially raised or depressed during assembly of theACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23517 of 34 retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body; and an interfacing tool configured to facilitate assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

[0056] Clause 21. The system of Clause 20, wherein one or more portions of the feet of the retention cage comprises a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

[0057] Clause 22. The system of Clause 21, wherein the flat or planar surface is associated with the feet of the retention cage are locally deformed to generate one or more the extended zones of the feet of the retention cage.

[0058] Clause 23. The system of Clause 20, wherein the plurality of features disposed over or within the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of raised features.

[0059] Clause 24. The system of Clause 20, wherein the plurality of features disposed over or within the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of depressed features.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] To assist in understanding the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary check ball and retention cage assemblies, according to particular embodiments.

[0062] FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate schematic perspective views of exemplary check ball retention cages, according to particular embodiments.

[0063] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary check ball retention cage assemblies interfacing with components of an assembly tooling system, according to particular embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic top view of a plate edge depicting exemplary effects of a tooling operation, according to particular embodiments.

[0065] FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary check ball retention cage assembly, according to particular embodiments.

[0066] FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary control system arrangement for an assembly tooling system, according to particular embodiments.

[0067] FIG. 4D illustrates schematic plots of exemplary assembly process characteristics, according to particular embodiments.

[0068] FIGS. 4E-4F illustrate schematic views of exemplary force application schemes for assembly tooling systems, according to particular embodiments.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23518 of 34

[0069] FIGS. 5A-17C illustrate schematic perspective views and enlarged portions of exemplary interfacing tools for installation of check ball retention cage assemblies, according to particular embodiments.

[0070] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate perspective views of interfacing tools, according to particular embodiments.DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0071] To facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, the following examples of certain embodiments are given. The following examples are not to be read to limit or define the scope of the disclosure.

[0072] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, various devices, systems, and methods for the fabrication, assembly, installation and / or operation of check ball assemblies and / or retention cages thereof are disclosed herein. In particular embodiments, assemblies such as valve assemblies may employ check ball assemblies and systems to selectively prevent or permit a fluid to flow through a channel or other flow passage of the system. In particular embodiments, a retention cage or other constraining device may be used to prevent loss of a check ball of such check ball assemblies. By way of example and not limitation, when a check ball is opened to permit fluid flow through the channel, the check ball may be required to uncover the channel without flowing away or being otherwise lost, so that in an alternative state of the check ball system, the check ball may be available to block the channel or otherwise prevent fluid flow through the channel. By way of example and not limitation, check ball assemblies and systems may be used in Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs), fluidically controlled capsules, and / or other hydraulic valves. By way of example and not limitation, HLAs and / or switchable capsules comprising check ball assemblies may be used in rocker arm assemblies of valvetrains, such as engine valvetrains. It will be appreciated that while balls and / or check balls of check ball assemblies may be spherical and / or ball-shaped, this disclosure is not limited to specific designs, shapes, or forms of check balls, such as spherical and / or ball-shaped check balls.

[0073] In particular embodiments, a system includes a body comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber, a plunger disposed within the lower chamber, and a control pin disposed within the upper chamber and extending down into the lower chamber. In one embodiment, the control pin may be configured to engage or disengage a check ball of a check ball valve assembly disposed within the plunger. In particular embodiments, the system may furtherACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.23519 of 34 include the check ball valve assembly, which may be configured to selectively permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into the plunger. In particular embodiments, the check ball valve assembly may include a check ball and a retention cage configured to retain the check ball

[0074] For example, in particular embodiments, the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more extended features include feet of the retention cage. In particular embodiments, the feet of the retention cage may include a plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage and may be configured to remain at least partially depressed during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body. In some embodiments, the feet of the retention cage may include a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball assembly body. In particular embodiments, the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage may include at least four spherically shaped depressions. In other embodiments, the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage may include at least eight spherically shaped depressions.

[0075] In particular embodiments, an outermost radial extent of the feet is less than or equal to an inner diameter of a bore of the check ball valve assembly body prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body. In particular embodiments, the outermost radial extent of the feet of the retention cage is greater than an inner diameter of the bore of the check ball valve assembly body following assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly. In particular embodiments, the outermost radial extent of the feet of the retention cage may include one or more extended zones following assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more extended zones may be formed in response to an application of a compressive force during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body. In particular embodiments, the retention cage may include a plurality of sidewalls. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls may include an aperture configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. In one embodiment, the system may include an engine brake capsule assembly.

[0076] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary check ball and retention cage assemblies 100A, 100B, and 100C, according to particular embodiments. InACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235110 of 34 one embodiment, the check ball and retention cage assemblies 100A, 100B, and 100C may be included as part of an engine brake capsule assembly as depicted by FIG. 1A. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 1 A, a check ball 104 of a check ball assembly 102 may control flow of a control fluid, for example, a hydraulic fluid, between a first chamber 108 and a second chamber 110, through a selectively closable flow channel 106. In particular embodiments, a check ball 104 of a check ball assembly 102 may open or close due to relative fluid pressure in the first chamber 108 and / or the second chamber 110. In particular embodiments, a check ball 104 of a check ball assembly 102 may separately or additionally be controlled to open or close the flow channel 106 by one or more separate means, such as by a control pin 112 depicted in the second exemplary assembly of FIG. 1A acting on the check ball 104 to open the flow passage, and / or disengaging from the check ball 104 to close the flow passage. In particular embodiments, a check ball 104 of a check ball assembly 102 may be suitable to be constrained, trapped, and / or otherwise retained in the proximity of the flow channel 106 when the flow channel 106 is open, for example, to permit closing the flow channel 106 when desired, such as by a retention cage 114.

[0077] In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 for a check ball 104 may be configured to permit fluid to flow through in and / or out of the retention cage 114, while preventing loss of the check ball 104 from the retention cage 114 in any state of a check ball assembly 102, for example, of opening and or closure of the flow channel 106. By way of example and not limitation, if unconstrained by means such as a retention cage 114, a check ball 104 of a check ball assembly 102 may be prone to loss from the vicinity of the flow channel 106 based on one or more forces, such as fluid drag, buoyancy, and / or gravity, among others forces. In particular embodiments, a check ball assembly 102 may include or be otherwise associated with one or more other components, such as one or more of control pins 112, fluid ports, and / or biasing springs. It will be appreciated that while particular exemplary descriptions and / or figures provided herein may include particular components, such as notes above, and / or refer to particular applications (e.g., engine valvetrains) to provide a better understanding in the context of describing check ball 104 assemblies and / or retention cages 114, this disclosure does not require such components and / or applications, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed to be limited to such components and / or applications.

[0078] FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate schematic perspective views of exemplary check ball retention cages 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, and 200G, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 for a check ball assembly 102ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235111 of 34 may include a first end 130 and a second end 132 opposite the first end 130, such as along a longitudinal axis of the retention cage 114. In particular embodiments, a first end 130 of a retention cage 114 may be initially open to permit placement of a check ball 104 into the retention cage 114 before installation or assembly. In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 may be configured to be attached or otherwise coupled during installation so that a first end 130 is oriented facing an open end of a flow channel 106 of the check ball assembly 102. In particular embodiments, a second end 132 of a retention cage 114 and / or the apertures 128 of the retention cage 114 may be configured to prevent a check ball 104 placed in the retention cage 114 from escaping the bounds of the retention cage 114 for example, once the retention cage 114 is installed.

[0079] In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 may include one or more sidewalls 120 between the first end 130 and the second end 132. In particular embodiments, one or more sidewalls 120 may constitute and / or support the retention cage 114 along a longitudinal direction. In particular embodiments, one or more sidewalls 120 may be, but need not be, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the retention cage 114. In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 may include one or more features configured to couple with an assembly body 116 during assembly or installation; such feature(s) may be referred to herein as retention cage feet 118. By way of example and not limitation, retention cage feet 118 may be associated with an outer edge or rim of the retention cage 114. In particular embodiments, a second end 132 of the retention cage 114 may include an end portion provided longitudinally opposite the open end and / or retention cage feet 118 of the retention cage 114. In particular embodiments, retention cage feet 118 may be continuous, such as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2G by way of example and not limitation, or they may include discontinuous or discrete portions. Alternative and / or additional aspects and features of retention cage feet 118 will be further described herein.

[0080] In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 may include one or more respective apertures 128, windows, and / or flow windows. By way of example and not limitation, one or more sidewalls 120 may at least partially comprise one or more apertures 128 of the retention cage 114. In particular embodiments, one or more sidewalls 120 of a retention cage 114, and / or other structural parts of the retention cage 114, may include one or more slots 146. In particular embodiments, one or more apertures 128 may be provided in the retention cage 114. By way of example and not limitation, one or more apertures 128 may be configured as flow windows to permit fluid flow in and / or out of the retention cage 114, such as during operation once the retention cage 114 is installed in a corresponding assembly.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235112 of 34

[0081] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary check ball retention cage assemblies 300A, 300B, 300C, and 300D interfacing with components of an assembly tooling system, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, installation of a retention cage 114 may include coupling of a first or open end of the retention cage 114 with an assembly body 116, for example, to trap a check ball 104 within the retention cage 114 and / or hold the check ball 104 in the neighborhood of the flow channel 106 for normal operation during the life of the assembly. By way of example and not limitation, an assembly body 116 may be provided with a bore 122 to receive a first or open end of the retention cage 114. By way of example and not limitation, such as with reference to FIG. IB, a retention cage 114 of a check ball assembly 102 may be temporarily compressed, deflected, and / or deformed for installation, in particular embodiments. By way of example and not limitation, installation of a retention cage 114 to couple the retention cage 114 with an assembly body 116 may be associated with temporarily decreasing of an effective radius of a portion of the retention cage 114 associated with the first or open end of the retention cage 114, so that at least a portion of the retention cage 114 (e.g., feet comprising an outer edge or rim, which may be discrete or continuous) may be inserted past an inner diameter of a bore 122 provided in an assembly body 116.

[0082] In particular embodiments, the bore 122 may include an inner diameter smaller than a nominal diameter of the first or open end of the retention cage 114. In particular embodiments, the bore 122 may include an undercut, groove, and / or other suitable feature(s) to accept and lock corresponding features of a retention cage 114, for example, radially outward oriented features such as rim, edge, and / or feet, when the retention cage 114 is installed in the assembly body 116. In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 may include one or more slots 146. By way of example and not limitation, one or more slots 146 may include a cutout or cavity at least partially provided in or along a sidewall 120, endwall, corner, end, face, and / or other portion of a retention cage 114. In particular embodiments, one or more slots 146 may be configured to permit one or more portions of a retention cage 114, such as parts of one or more sidewalls 120, to be flexed, compressed, deflected, and / or otherwise deformed. By way of example and not limitation, such flexing, compression, deflection, and / or other deformation may be intended to be temporary, such as to permit assembly and / or installation of the retention cage 114.

[0083] In particular embodiments, a bore 122 of the assembly body 116 may be provided with one or more features to ease installation and / or alignment of the retention cage 114, suchACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235113 of 34 as an initial chamfer. By way of example and not limitation, one or more features on the retention cage 114 and / or the assembly body 116 provided to facilitate installation, assembly, and / or retention during operational life may be continuous or discrete. In particular embodiments, an undercut, groove, and / or other suitable feature(s) of the assembly body 116 may include a larger effective radius than an inner diameter that the first or open end of the retention cage 114 is required to pass through during assembly and / or installation of the retention cage 114. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 may be configured meet certain requirements for retention force and / or other parameters characterizing the ability of the retention cage 114 to remain correctly installed and coupled with the assembly body 116 during the operational life of the check ball assembly 102 and / or associated systems, such as once the retention cage 114 is assembled or otherwise installed with respect to the assembly body 116.

[0084] In particular embodiments, installation of the retention cage 114 may cause undesirable damage to the retention cage 114 and / or to the assembly body 116, for example, at the inner diameter of the bore 122. By way of example and not limitation, an assembly process involving longitudinally sliding, forcing, and / or other means of installing a radially interfering retention cage 114 through a narrow bore 122 may incur a risk of surface damage, burrs, and / or other stray material or residue production or dislocation, which may cause immediate damage, operational and / or reliability issues, malfunction, cessation or other interruption of intended operation, and / or eventual failure of the assembly and / or one or components thereof. By way of example and not limitation, in particular embodiments, radially compressing the retention cage 114 for installation may incur a risk of immediate damage or eventual failure to one or more parts of the retention cage 114, due to stress concentration and / or yielding.

[0085] Accordingly, particular designs of components, assemblies, and / or methods of assembly and installation are described herein to mitigate or overcome such risks, and / or provide related benefits. In particular embodiments, particular designs of check ball 104 and / or retention cage 114 components, related assemblies, and / or methods of assembly and installation are described herein such that a retention cage 114 may be configured to be installed or assembled relative to an assembly body 116 with mitigation or elimination of contact, contact damage, burr or other stray material creation and / or dislocation associated with one or both of the retention cage 114 and / or remaining assembly.

[0086] In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 2A, 3A, and / or 3C by way of example and not limitation, retention cage feet 118 may be provided with one or more featuresACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235114 of 34 that may be raised features 138 or depressed features 136 relative to surrounding surface(s), such as taken along a longitudinal axis of the retention cage 114. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 2A depicts retention cage feet 118 comprising a raised rim, whereas FIG. 2B depicts relatively smooth retention cage feet 118. In particular embodiments, retention cage feet 118 may include one or more of curls, grooves (e.g., raised features 138), embossments, ridges, depressions (e.g., depressed features 136), dimples (e.g., spherical depressed features 140), standoffs, elongated features, interrupted features, and / or truncated features. In particular embodiments, one or more features of a retention cage 114 may be different before and after installation or assembly of the retention cage 114, i.e., may be specifically modified during installation or assembly. In particular embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 2C and will be further described herein, one or more portions of a retention cage 114 may be configured to receive material and / or surface treatment, such as to improve particular properties. In particular embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2D-2G by way of example and not limitation, a final appearance and / or an assembled design of a retention cage 114 after installation or assembly may include one or more continuous or discretely distributed features, such as indentations disposed within and / or on the retention cage feet 118.

[0087] In particular embodiments, retention cage 114 designs contemplated herein may include features, for example, retention cage feet 118, which may include one or more raised features 138 or depressed features (e.g., depressed features 136, spherical depressed features 140), wherein one or more such feature may be present prior to assembly, and configured to (a) to be at least partially flattened during assembly; (b) to remain at least partially raised or depressed during assembly, and / or (c) to be laterally and / or radially extended outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the retention cage 114 during assembly. Additionally or alternatively, in particular embodiments, retention cage 114 designs contemplated herein may include features, for example, retention cage feet 118, that may be smooth and / or otherwise lacking specific raised features 138 or depressed features (e.g., depressed features 136, spherical depressed features 140), prior to assembly, and configured (d) to be at least partially flattened, indented, or raised during assembly; and / or (e) to be laterally and / or radially extended outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the retention cage 114 during assembly.

[0088] In particular embodiments, the spherical depressed features 140 may engender a more robust retention cage 114 as compared to that engender by the depressed features 136 and / or the raised features 138. For example, by providing the retention cage 114 with the spherical depressed features 140, the retention cage 114 stronger, more durable, and moreACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235115 of 34 resilient, and thus able to withstand stress, damage, or various conditions without failing or deforming in an undesirable manner. In one embodiment, the retention cage 114 may include four spherical depressed features 140 each disposed along the retention cage feet 118 and spaced 90 degrees apart. In another embodiment, the retention cage 114 may include eight spherical depressed features 140 each disposed along the retention cage feet 118 and spaced 45 degrees apart to further increase robustness (e.g., stiffness, durability, resilience, and so forth) of the retention cage 114.

[0089] In particular embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3C by way of example and not limitation, a retention cage 114 may include a raised or depressed ridge, or suitable feature(s), on one or more portions of retention cage feet 118 prior to assembly. In particular embodiments, an outermost diameter of the retention cage 114 may be less than or equal to an innermost radial dimension of passage of an assembly body 116 prior to installation, such that the retention cage 114 may longitudinally pass through the innermost radial dimension with little or no contact and / or damage. Thereafter, in particular embodiments, one or more tools may be employed to engage with one or portions of the retention cage feet 118 to straighten, flatten, deflect, and / or deform material associated with the feet such that a final outermost radial dimension of the retention cage 114 increases during installation and / or assembly, and the retention cage 114 may be accordingly retained relative to the assembly body 116, for example, corresponding to an undercut or groove 126 provided in the body. By way of example and not limitation, FIGS. 3B and 3D illustrate possible final installed or assembled depictions of the retention cage 114 relative to FIGS. 3 A and 3C, respectively, wherein an outermost radial dimension has increased to interfere with features and / or dimensions of the body following installation of the retention cage 114.

[0090] It will be appreciated that while an outward radial dimensional change may be depicted as a suitable change in particular embodiments described herein as non-limiting examples for a better understanding, this disclosure contemplates any suitable dimensional change(s) during installation and assembly as may be appropriate to provide a well-retained retention cage 114 relative to an assembly body 116, and all such dimensional changes as fully contemplated herein.

[0091] In particular embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a retention cage 114 may lack slots 146 so that installation and assembly may rely more significantly on local deformation and / or yielding of material of particular features of the retention cage 114, such as retention cage feet 118. In particular embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D,ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235116 of 34 a retention cage 114 may be provided with one or more longitudinal slots 146 so that installation and assembly of the retention cage 114 may be additionally or alternatively associated with larger scale deflection of one or more retention cage 114 components, such as of portions of slots 146 and / or slotted sidewalls 120 of the retention cage 114, to provide an effective dimensional change, for example, an increase of outermost radial dimension, of the retention cage 114 during and / or following installation and assembly.

[0092] FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a plate edge 400A depicting exemplary effects of a tooling operation, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, one or more suitable portions of the retention cage 114 material, such as retention cage feet 118, may be locally deformed by force application to produce lateral extension of the material during and / or following such force application. When such force is suitably oriented and applied, in particular embodiments, such lateral extension may correspond to suitable dimensional changes, for example, an increase of outermost radial dimension, of the retention cage 114 during and / or following installation and assembly. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary plate or material surface wherein a linear edge has been laterally extended by a dimension (A) based on application of a localized compressive force across the plate thickness. By way of example and not limitation, a localized force may be applied via a discretized protrusion, such as a spherical or semi-spherical surface comparable to that depicted in the inset below FIG. 4 A and / or in FIG. 17.

[0093] FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary check ball retention cage assembly 400B, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, a retention cage 114 feature, for example, retention cage feet 118, may be provided with an initial or pre-assembly dimension that is non-interfering with a corresponding assembly body 116 to facilitate non-damaging initial assembly. By way of example and not limitation, an initial pre-assembly outermost radial dimension of retention cage feet 118 may be limited to (B). Subsequently, in particular embodiments, localized force application, for example, by a staking operation, may be used to locally deform and extend one or more features, for example, retention cage feet 118, to form an interference fit with associated portions of an assembly body 116.

[0094] By way of example and not limitation, the retention cage 114 may be staked or otherwise deformed during assembly and installation, for example, by application of a force between an interfacing tool 144 and a supporting tool member 142, to deform one or more portions of the retention cage feet 118 laterally or radially extend outward to a larger radialACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235117 of 34 dimension (C), for example, into an undercut or groove 126, such that the retention cage 114 may be coupled and retained with the assembly body 116 during operation thereafter. It will be appreciated that combinations of methods and / or features are contemplated herein for design and / or assembly of retention cages 114. By way of example and not limitation, a combination of flattening a ridge on retention cage feet 118 and a local lateral extension based on staking or other deformation may be used for installation and assembly in particular embodiments.

[0095] By way of example and not limitation, in particular embodiments, a lateral dimensional extension of retention cage 114 features, for example, (C) minus (B) for retention cage feet 118, based on force application, for example, by staking, may lie between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. By way of example and not limitation, in particular embodiments, a lateral dimensional extension of retention cage 114 features, for example, (C) minus (B) for retention cage feet 118, may be less than 0.5 mm. By way of example and not limitation, in particular embodiments, a lateral dimensional extension of retention cage 114 features, for example, (C) minus (B) for retention cage feet 118, may lie between 1 mm and 5 mm. In particular embodiments, one or more portions of a retention cage 114, for example, retention cage feet 118, may include a medium carbon steel. In particular embodiments, one or more retention cage 114 portions may include alloy steels, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and / or combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, a thickness of material for retention cage feet 118 may lie between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm. In particular embodiments, a thickness of material for a retention cage 114 may be different at the retention cage feet 118 relative to the remaining retention cage 114.

[0096] In particular embodiments, this disclosure contemplates tool assemblies comprising one or more tool components that may be used to facilitate installation or assembly of particular embodiments of retention cage 114 designs with corresponding assemblies. By way of example and not limitation, FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate schematic views of interfacing tool 144 and supporting tool members 142 that may be associated with installation and / or assembly of a retention cage 114 with corresponding illustrated assemblies. In particular embodiments, tool assemblies may include one or more members associated with application of forces on one or more portions of the retention cage 114. By way of example and not limitation, such forces may be longitudinally directed compressive forces. As discussed herein, such forces may include time-wise distributed force application, such as by orbital forming. In particular embodiments, a single tool component may be provided, such as with a reaction force derived from an existing portion of the assembly. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235118 of 343A-3D by way of non-limiting example, two or more tool components may be used to apply force during installation or assembly of the retention cage 114 relative to an assembly body 116.

[0097] In particular embodiments, force application during installation or assembly for producing material deflection, flattening, localized deformation, and / or lateral extension, may include one or more profiles of force application. By way of example and not limitation, one or more profiles of force application may include constant force application, linearly or non- linearly changing forces at slow and / or rapid rates, pauses and / or rest periods between force application instances, and / or impulse loading, as well temporal and / or spatial distribution of force application.

[0098] FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary control system arrangement 400C for an assembly tooling system, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, assembly and / or installation of a retention cage 114 with an assembly body 116 may be accomplished using one or more processes which may involve material deformation and / or forming, such as pressing, staking, peening, swaging, spinning, rolling, orbital forming, stamping, and / or crimping. In particular embodiments, one or more force-application members of a tooling assembly may provide controlled force application during installation and / or assembly. By way of example and not limitation, an interfacing tool 144 of a tooling assembly may interface directly with the retention cage 114 and / or assembly body 116. In particular embodiments, one or more other members, such as one or more supporting tool members 142, may be used to provide force and / or other reaction support during installation or assembly, such as via the assembly body 116.

[0099] It will be appreciated with while various tooling assemblies, check ball retention cage assemblies, and / or components thereof may be depicted herein in specific orientations for illustration, they may be deployed in other relative or absolute orientations during installation or operational use. In particular embodiments, a tooling assembly control system may be used to control, monitor and / or provide specific magnitudes and / or profiles of force during installation or assembly of the retention cage 114 with the assembly body 116. In particular embodiments, a control system may include sensors for sensing physical quantities associated with one or more processes of installation or assembly, such as applied force(s) or proxies thereof, relative positional changes, and / or higher order statistics associated with force application and / or motion such as velocity and / or acceleration, for components during installation or assembly of a retention cage 114 with an assembly body 116.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235119 of 34

[0100] FIG. 4D illustrates schematic plots of exemplary assembly process characteristics, according to particular embodiments. By way of example and not limitation, assembly process characteristics may include load characteristics, such as depicted in FIG. 4D, of axial displacement of members (e.g., an interfacing tool 144 relative to a supporting tool member 142) versus applied force or load during installation or assembly processes. As will be discussed further herein, in particular embodiments, displacement signature and / or other load characteristics may include one or more smooth or gradual transitions, such as depicted by plot ‘1’ in FIG. 4D by way of non-limiting example. In other embodiments, displacement signature and / or other load characteristics may include one or more relatively sharp or abrupt transitions, such as depicted by plot ‘2’ in FIG. 4D by way of non-limiting example. In particular embodiments, process monitoring may be performed, for example, to apply a deforming load until the force required per unit displacement to produce deformation-associated transitions, and then perform one or more process steps, such as stop load application, and / or retract.

[0101] FIGS. 4E-4F illustrate schematic views of exemplary force application schemes 400E and 400F for assembly tooling systems, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 4E by way of example and not limitation, a direction of force application associated with a tooling assembly during installation or assembly may be axial, for example, comprising compressive loading aligned with a longitudinal axis of the assembly during installing or assembly processes. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 4F by way of example and not limitation, a direction of force application associated with a tooling assembly during installation or assembly may be non-axial and / or dynamic during installation or assembly processes.

[0102] By way of example and not limitation, an orbital forming process may be employed whereby a forming or interfacing tool 144 may revolve around the retention cage 114 during the process to act on a circumferentially small section of the retention cage 114 at a time, for example, to deform the retention cage feet 118. In particular embodiments, a revolving interfacing tool 144 may be tilted at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the assembly while revolving around the longitudinal axis. In particular embodiments, such a process comprising time-wise distributed or piecemeal application of deforming forces may permit deformation or other processing of one or more portions of the retention cage 114 during installation or assembly while requiring a lower maximum force rating of the tooling assembly relative to simultaneous deformation approaches. By way of example and not limitation, the continuousACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235120 of 34 indentations depicted in FIGS. 2D and 2E may be formed by either a direct axial force application approach or a time-wise distributed force application approach.

[0103] FIGS. 5A-17C illustrate perspective views and enlarged portions of exemplary interfacing tools for installation of check ball retention cage assemblies 500A-1700C, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, such as schematically illustrated in FIG. 5A by way of example and not limitation, one or more tool interfaces configured to engage with one or more parts of the retention cage 114, such as retention cage feet 118, during installation and / or assembly may include a planar surface, and / or a smooth surface, and / or a surface generally configured to make smooth surface-to-surface contact upon initially engaging with a corresponding surface of the retention cage 114.

[0104] FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a retention cage 114 prior to assembly with an assembly body 116, according to particular embodiments. FIG. 5C schematically illustrates the retention cage 114 of FIG. 5B during assembly with an assembly body 116, according to particular embodiments. FIG. 5D schematically illustrates the retention cage 114 of FIG. 5B following assembly with an assembly body 116, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, retention cage feet 118 may be initially configured prior to assembly to pass through a bore 122 of an assembly body 116 without interference. By way of example and not limitation, such as depicted in FIG. 5B, retention cage feet 118 may include an initial radius not exceeding a bore 122 radius of the assembly body 116. In particular embodiments, following deformation during assembly, retention cage feet 118 may radially extend outward to engage and occupy a corresponding feature provided in an assembly body 116, such as a groove or undercut. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, retention cage feet 118 may be finally configured following assembly to be axially constrained or retained with the assembly body 116.

[0105] It will be appreciated that the perfectly flattened retention cage feet 118 depicted in FIG. 5D following assembly constitute a relatively idealized representation, and may retain distortions and / or aspects of the initial pre-assembly shape of the retention cage feet 118, such as due to spring back. However, such as depicted in FIG. 5D, in particular embodiments, retention cage feet 118 may include a final radius exceeding a bore 122 radius of the assembly body 116 to permit retention of the retention cage 114 with the assembly body 116. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 5B by way of example and not limitation, an outer edge of retention cage feet 118 may be configured, for example, including an initially angled edge, to facilitate entry into an undercut or groove 126 of an assembly body 116 during installationACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235121 of 34 or assembly, to reduce risk of contact or scraping with the channel features of the assembly body 116, and / or otherwise prevent installation issues associated with deformation. By way of example and not limitation, such as depicted in FIG. 5C, an initially angled edge of a retention cage 114 may be angled to match an entry angle of a groove or undercut of an assembly body 116.

[0106] In particular embodiments, the features of the retention cage feet 118 prior to and following assembly and installation, as well as the corresponding features of the assembly body 116 such as the retention groove or undercut, may be configured so that when installed, any axial motion of the retention cage 114 is eliminated or constrained to within tight tolerances post installation and through the operating life of the assembly, for example, based on check ball 104 spring forces and / or other check ball 104 opening / closing operational parameters. By way of example and not limitation, check ball 104 motion forces (e.g., g-forces and / or due to hydraulic fluid) and frequencies of check ball 104 motion may act to move, distort, and / or wear portions of the retention cage 114 during the operational life.

[0107] In particular embodiments, such as described above with respect to FIGS. 5B-5D, retention cage feet 118 may be initially non-flat prior to installation or assembly. In particular embodiments, retention cage feet 118 may be initially flat prior to installation or assembly. In particular embodiments, initially flat retention cage feet 118 may be configured to be deformed during installation and / or assembly. In particular embodiments, initially flat retention cage feet 118 may permit greater latitude in certain aspects and trade-offs of retention cage 114 design and / or assembly, for example, due to inherently radial-only deformation, corresponding feature design for an undercut or retention groove of an assembly body 116, and / or generally tight requirements for axial constraint of the retention cage 114 during operational life of the check ball assembly 102.

[0108] In particular embodiments, such as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 9A, 11, 13A, and / or 15 by way of example and not limitation, one or more tool interfaces configured to engage with one or more parts of the retention cage 114, such as retention cage feet 118, during installation and / or assembly may include one or more continuous and / or annular features. By way of example and not limitation, such features may include one or more of grooves, embossments, ridges, depressions, and / or elongated features. By way of example and not limitation, one or more such features may be used to impart relatively localized forcing on corresponding portions of a retention cage 114 during assembly or installation, such as toACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235122 of 34 produce material deflection, flattening, localized deformation, and / or lateral extension in the retention cage 114 material.

[0109] In particular embodiments, tools associated with forming continuous features may have greater durability relative to others configured for forming discretized features. By way of example and not limitation, tools associated with forming continuous features may experience lower wear and / or damage, and / or may retain one or more feature shapes and / or process dimensional tolerances longer into their useful life. In particular embodiments, retention cage 114 features associated with installation or assembly to be continuous and / or annular, for example, circumferentially continuous deformed retention cage feet 118, may provide improved and / or more reliable and / or spatially consistent contact of the retention cage 114 bottom or feet with the assembly body 116 during the operational life.

[0110] By way of example and not limitation, it may be important to ensure reliable maintenance of a distance specified between the opening plane and a check ball 104 stop of a check ball assembly 102 (e.g., distance (D) marked in FIG. 9C) within tight tolerances during an operational life, for example, to assure consistent check ball 104 spring load and / or check ball 104 opening and / or closing per design specifications. By way of example and not limitation, a full circumferential contact and / or retention, or a larger fractional contact thereof, and / or a more suitable distributions of discretized contact thereof, may mitigate or prevent distortions, and / or asymmetric or overall changes in axial positioning of the retention cage 114 relative to the assembly body 116 over the operational life of the assembly.

[0111] In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 9C, a beveled contact surface may be relatively steeply angled at a radial position of contact (i.e., contact edge) of the tool interface with the retention cage feet 118, such as to decrease a force requirement for deforming the retention cage feet 118. In particular embodiments, it may not be necessary to deform a large radial zone of the retention cage feet 118 to meet performance and operational requirements. In particular embodiments, a sharp edge of a tool interface, for example, comprising a small local radius at the edge, may incur risk of increased tool wear, damage, loss of dimensional suitability, or durability issues. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 13C, a relatively thin zone of deformation may be achieved while still controlling a local radius of an edge (e.g., fillet radius) of a tool interface from being too thin or sharp based on a durability perspective, for example, by providing a relatively rounded edge, or with another suitable local cross-sectional profile (e.g., spherical, elliptical, oval, arcuate, flattened, and / or combinations thereof, which may be continuous or discretized).ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235123 of 34

[0112] In particular embodiments, discretized features of a tool interface may be formed integral with the tool interface. By way of example and not limitation, spherical protrusions may be formed of a high-compressible strength material, such as by carbide sintering. In particular embodiments, a radially inward angle and / or profile of a tool interface away from a contact edge may be configured based on retaining a large cross-sectional area (e.g., at radial position (E) in FIG. 13C) in proximity to the contact edge for tool robustness, such as to sustain assembly and installation process forces and / or pressures, for example, axial forming pressure. In particular embodiments, an axial height of a protrusion or other forming feature of a tool interface may be constrained to reduce a risk of shear failure of retention cage feet 118, for example, by over-reduction of a thickness of the retention cage feet 118, an exemplary thickness depicted by dimension (F) in FIG. 13C by way of non-limiting example. In particular embodiments, retention cage feet 118 may be provided with locally different (e.g., greater) thickness than other portions of the retention cage 114 material to mitigate such limitations.

[0113] In particular embodiments, as previously discussed, process monitoring may be associated with the tooling assembly, for example, to apply a deforming load until the force required per unit displacement to produce deformation transitions, and then cease force application. In particular embodiments, such as associated with a tool interface having a relatively flat near-edge profile, such as depicted in FIG. 13C, load characteristics may include a relatively sharp and / or distinct transition to a higher force requirement regime. In particular embodiments, such as associated with a tool interface having a more angled near-edge profile, such as depicted in FIG. 9C, load characteristics may include a smoother, relatively more continuous, and / or less distinct transition to a higher force requirement regime.

[0114] In particular embodiments, a relatively pronounced or distinct transition in load characteristics may beneficially permit configuration of tooling equipment to monitor and use allow use of such transitions, for example, to determine a stop point for axial force application, to determine a retraction stage. Accordingly, well-defined load characteristics transitions may allow improved process control for assembly and installation over the life of the process equipment, as well as improved part quality, and / or improved part yield rates. In particular embodiments, a cross-sectional portion of a protrusion radially outward of a first contact point or edge may be proportionally more significant for producing desirable local deformation and radially outward material motion in retention cage feet 118. Separately or additionally, in particular embodiments, a cross-sectional portion of a protrusion radially outward of a first or initial contact point or edge of a tool interface may be proportionally more significant forACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235124 of 34 providing desirable transition of displacement signature load characteristics for process equipment.

[0115] In particular embodiments, such as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8, 10A, 12, 14, 16, and / or 17A by way of example and not limitation, one or more tool interfaces configured to engage with one or more parts of the retention cage 114, such as retention cage feet 118, during installation and / or assembly may include one or more discretized features. In particular embodiments, such features may be discretized along one or more dimensions, for example, radially and / or circumferential. In particular embodiments, such features may include one or more of grooves, embossments, ridges, depressions, dimples, standoffs, elongated features, interrupted features, and / or truncated features. In particular embodiments, one or more such features may be used to impart relatively localized forcing on corresponding portions of a retention cage 114 during assembly or installation, such as to produce material deflection, flattening, localized deformation, and / or lateral extension in the retention cage 114 material.

[0116] In particular embodiments, discretized tool interface features may permit relatively improved control, planarity, and / or predictability of modification of at least certain portions of retention cage 114 material during assembly or installation. In particular embodiments, discretized tool interface features may permit lower total force application requirements during installation or assembly, which may permit the use of smaller and / or less expensive assembly equipment, while satisfactorily meeting other requirements such as a retention cage 114 fastening or retaining force holding the retention cage 114 in place, for example, axially, relative to the assembly body 116 during operation.

[0117] It will be appreciated that while particular numbers, sizes, and / or types of discretized features may be depicted and / or described herein to provide an understanding, any suitable number, size, and / or type, or other combination of discretized features are fully contemplated in this disclosure. By way of example and not limitation, a number, size, and / or type of discretized features may be selected to provide sufficient retaining force in operation while reducing the maximum force required during installation or assembly, and / or other consideration affecting the type, size, rating, and / or cost of installation or assembly equipment and processing. In particular embodiments, a pushout force associated with disengaging a tool interface from a retention cage 114 following deformation or processing during installation or assembly can be used directly or indirectly for determining, estimating, or otherwise assessing retention cage 114 retaining force during operation.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235125 of 34

[0118] In particular embodiments, such as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and / or 10 by way of example and not limitation, one or more tool interfaces configured to engage with one or more parts of the retention cage 114, such as retention cage feet 118, during installation and / or assembly may include one or more longitudinally offset and / or angled aspects relative to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 by way of example and not limitation, particular portions of a tool interface may include convexity 150 as the tool interface longitudinally advances to engage with a retention cage 114 during retention cage 114 assembly, so that radially inward features of the tool interface may be relatively longitudinally extended toward the retention cage 114.

[0119] In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 by way of example and not limitation, particular portions of a tool interface may include concavity as the tool interface longitudinally advances to engage with a retention cage 114 during retention cage 114 assembly, so that radially inward features of the tool interface may be relatively longitudinally depressed or withdrawn away from the retention cage 114. Accordingly, zones of initial and / or preferential relative contact, and / or localized concentrations of force application between a tool interface and corresponding features of a retention cage 114 such as retention cage feet 118 may be suitably configured and controlled.

[0120] In particular embodiments, such as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 11-17 by way of example and not limitation, one or more tool interfaces configured to engage with one or more parts of the retention cage 114, such as retention cage feet 118, during installation and / or assembly may include one or more radially offset aspects. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14 by way of example and not limitation, particular features of a tool interface may be relatively radially outwardly located for engagement with a retention cage 114 during retention cage 114 assembly. In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16 by way of example and not limitation, particular features of a tool interface may be relatively radially inwardly located for engagement with a retention cage 114 during retention cage 114 assembly.

[0121] In particular embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 13, 14, and 17 by way of example and not limitation, particular features of a tool interface may be relatively radially centered between radially inward or outward extremes of an interface for engagement with a retention cage 114 during retention cage 114 assembly. Accordingly, zones of initial and / or preferential relative contact, and / or localized concentrations of force application between a toolACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235126 of 34 interface and corresponding features of a retention cage 114 such as retention cage feet 118 may be suitably configured and controlled.

[0122] In particular embodiments, improved tailoring and control of force application by a tool interface at a radially inward zone of retention cage feet 118 may be desirable in proximity to corners, edges, and / or other zones of potential stress concentration and / or potential risk of retention cage 114 material failure. By way of example and not limitation, better control of force application near a corner between retention cage feet 118 and retention cage 114 sidewalls 120 may permit avoiding damage to tight corner features and enable longer component operational life and / or otherwise reduced risk of material failure. In particular embodiments, improved control of force application by a tool interface at a radially outward zone of retention cage feet 118 may be desirable based on proximity to an outer edge, wherein local deformation of retention cage feet 118 may more efficiently and readily provide one or more laterally extended zones or features capable of retaining the retention cage 114 following installation.

[0123] It will be appreciated that a plurality of features, and / or combinations of features, of tool interface and / or a retention cage 114, may be used to effect particular modification of retention cage 114 features during installation, and all such features and combinations are fully contemplated herein. By way of example and not limitation, a continuously annular feature of a tool interface having a particular raised height and a particular radial offset may provide a specific kind and degree of change in retention cage feet 118, for example, based on flattening of a correspondingly provided initially raised curl of the retention cage feet 118. Separately or additionally, by way of non-limiting example, a set of discretized raised spherical protrusions on a tool interface may provide correspondingly discretized local extension, or “ear” formation, of the edge of the retention cage feet 118.

[0124] In particular embodiments, retention cages 114sand / or portions thereof contemplated herein may be globally and / or locally treated to provide desirable properties, such as for improved wear resistance and / or impact resistance (e.g., based on check ball 104 contact with the retention cage 114). In particular embodiments, specific zones or feature of the retention cage 114 may be locally treated to improve ability to permit, and / or resist failure based on, deflection deformation, flattening, and / or bending. By way of example and not limitation, sidewalls 120, slots 146, and / or corners thereof, may be designed to provide a degree of radial outward force and / or displacement, such as to insert and / or hold retention cage feet 118 in place in an undercut, groove, or other suitable feature of an assembly body 116.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235127 of 34

[0125] Accordingly, in particular embodiments, localized annealing of particular zones of corners or bends associated with sidewalls 120 and / or slots 146 may be performed, such as by joule heating or laser heating. In particular embodiments, localized hardening of particular zones, such as indicated in FIG. 2C by way of example and not limitation, may be performed to resist wear due to contact and / or impact by a check ball 104 during an operational life of the assembly. By way of example and not limitation, such localized hardening may be imparted by a laser hardening, flame hardening, and / or induction hardening process. In particular embodiments, case hardening may be provided to one or more portions of the retention cage 114. By way of example and not limitation, one or more portions of the retention cage 114 may be masked to be shielded from case hardening, for example, to retain low hardness and / or malleability for deformation. In particular embodiments, material selection, use, and / or localized hardening of one or more portions of the retention cage 114 may be optimized, such as to balance formability with wear resistance.

[0126] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate perspective views of interfacing tools 1800A and 1800B, according to particular embodiments. As depicted by FIGS. 18A and 18B, the interfacing tools 1800A and 1800B may each include an interfacing tool (e.g., interfacing tool 144) configured to facilitate assembly of the retention cage 114 with the check ball valve assembly body 116. For example, in one embodiment, the interfacing tool (e.g., interfacing tool 144) may include an interfacing surface configured to provide one or more of an engagement, a support, or a selective application of force to the feet of the retention cage 114 during assembly of the retention cage 114 with the check ball 104 valve assembly body 116. The interfacing surface of the interfacing tool (e.g., interfacing tool 144) may include a number of protruding features 1802, 1804, in which the number of protruding features 1802, 1804 includes a number of spherically shaped protruding features 1802 disposed circumferentially along the interfacing surface of the interfacing tool (e.g., interfacing tool 144).

[0127] In some embodiments, each spherically shaped protruding feature 1802 of the number of spherically shaped protruding features 1802 is equal in diameter to each other spherically shaped protruding feature 1802 of the number of spherically shaped protruding features 1802. In other embodiments, the number of spherically shaped protruding features 1802, 1804 may include a first set of spherically shaped protruding features 1802 and a second set of spherically shaped protruding features 1804. In one embodiment, each spherically shaped protruding feature of the first set of spherically shaped protruding features 1802 is unequal inACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION006976.235128 of 34 diameter to each spherically shaped protruding feature of the second set of spherically shaped protruding features 1804. Specifically, in one embodiment, the number of spherically shaped protruding features 1802 may include wholly or fully spherically shaped protruding features and the number of spherically shaped protruding features 1804 may include halved or partial spherically shaped protruding features.

[0128] The benefits and advantages of the inventive concepts are now believed to have been amply illustrated in view of the exemplary embodiments disclosed.Miscellaneous

[0129] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. For example, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments that may not be described in words or by reference to the drawings, but which are fully contemplated. It will also be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the disclosure, illustrations, and / or the following claims. Such variations are fully contemplated herein and not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0130] The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and / or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpretedACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235129 of 34 as including any singular entity from the listed elements, for example, A, any subset from the listed elements, for example, A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

[0131] It should be noted that figures provided herein may be illustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely; components and aspects of the figures may not necessarily be to scale. Moreover, while like reference labels or numerals may designate corresponding parts throughout the different views in many cases, like parts may not always be provided with like reference numerals or labels in each view. Further, like parts may not be labeled in every view or figure.

[0132] Numerical ranges recited in this application should be construed to be inclusive of the end points of the stated ranges. Particular axes, such as one or more rotational, lateral and / or longitudinal axes, which may be omitted herein in particular illustrations, should be construed to exist in every illustration or situation where it is referred to, or to which it reasonably corresponds.ACTIVE 513287095.1

Claims

ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235130 of 34CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system, comprising: a body comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber; a plunger disposed within the lower chamber; a control pin disposed within the upper chamber and extending down into the lower chamber, wherein the control pin is configured to engage or disengage a check ball of a check ball valve assembly disposed within the plunger; and the check ball valve assembly, wherein the check ball valve assembly is configured to selectively permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into the plunger, wherein the check ball valve assembly comprises: a check ball; and a retention cage configured to retain the check ball, wherein the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body, wherein the one or more extended features include feet of the retention cage, and wherein the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage and configured to remain at least partially depressed during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the feet of the retention cage comprise a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball assembly body.

3. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least four spherically shaped depressions.

4. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least eight spherically shaped depressions.

5. The system of Claim 1, wherein an outermost radial extent of the feet is less than or equal to an inner diameter of a bore of the check ball valve assembly body prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235131 of 346. The system of Claim 5, wherein the outermost radial extent of the feet of the retention cage is greater than an inner diameter of the bore of the check ball valve assembly body following assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

7. The system of Claim 5, wherein the outermost radial extent of the feet of the retention cage comprises one or more extended zones following assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body, and wherein the one or more extended zones is formed in response to an application of a compressive force during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

8. The system of Claim 1, wherein the retention cage comprises a plurality of sidewalls, and wherein one or more of the sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls comprises an aperture configured to permit fluid flow therethrough.

9. The system of Claim 1, wherein the system comprises an engine brake capsule assembly.

10. A system, comprising: a check ball valve assembly configured to selectively permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into a plunger, wherein the check ball valve assembly comprises: a check ball; and a retention cage configured to retain the check ball, wherein the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body, wherein the one or more extended features include feet of the retention cage, and wherein the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage and configured to remain at least partially depressed during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the feet of the retention cage comprise a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the check ball assembly body.

12. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least four spherically shaped depressions.ACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235132 of 3413. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of spherically shaped depressions disposed within the feet of the retention cage comprises at least eight spherically shaped depressions.

14. The system of Claim 10, wherein the check ball valve assembly further comprises an interfacing tool configured to facilitate assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

15. The system of Claim 14, wherein the interfacing tool comprises an interfacing surface configured to provide one or more of an engagement, a support, or a selective application of force to the feet of the retention cage during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

16. The system of Claim 15, wherein the interfacing surface of the tool comprises a plurality of protruding features, and wherein the plurality of protruding features comprises a plurality of spherically shaped protruding features disposed circumferentially along the interfacing surface of the tool.

17. The system of Claim 16, wherein each spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features is equal in diameter to each other spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features.

18. The system of Claim 17, wherein each spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features comprises an N diameter.

19. The system of Claim 17, wherein each spherically shaped protruding feature of the plurality of spherically shaped protruding features comprises an N / 2 diameter.

20. A system, comprising: a check ball valve assembly configured to selectively permit or restrict flow of a hydraulic fluid into a plunger, wherein the check ball valve assembly comprises: a check ball; a retention cage configured to retain the check ball, wherein the retention cage includes one or more extended features configured to be coupled with one or more corresponding features of a check ball valve assembly body, wherein the one or more extended features include feet of the retention cage, and wherein the feet of the retentionACTIVE 513287095.1ATTORNEY DOCKET PATENT APPLICATION 006976.235133 of 34 cage comprises a plurality of features disposed over or within the feet of the retention cage and configured to remain at least partially raised or depressed during assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body; and an interfacing tool configured to facilitate assembly of the retention cage with the check ball valve assembly body.

21. The system of Claim 20, wherein one or more portions of the feet of the retention cage comprises a flat or planar surface prior to assembly of the retention cage with the assembly body.

22. The system of Claim 21, wherein the flat or planar surface is associated with the feet of the retention cage are locally deformed to generate one or more the extended zones of the feet of the retention cage.

23. The system of Claim 20, wherein the plurality of features disposed over or within the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of raised features.

24. The system of Claim 20, wherein the plurality of features disposed over or within the feet of the retention cage comprises a plurality of depressed features.ACTIVE 513287095.1

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