Cam Follower Roller Retaining Plug Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam follower roller devices require complex assembly and retention methods, such as deformations and gluing, which complicate storage, transport, and installation in fuel injection pumps and valve rocker systems.
Innovation Solution
A cam follower roller device with a removable retaining plug that provides a radial interference fit with the tappet body, allowing for temporary axial retention of the insert and sub-assembly during storage and transport, eliminating the need for permanent fixing means like deformations or gluing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deformations are formed on the tappet body to fix the insert, then the insert is retained during storage and transport, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A removable retaining plug is introduced as an intermediary component between the tappet body and the insert. This plug serves as a temporary retention mechanism during storage and transport, but can be easily removed before installation, thus providing reliable retention without permanent complex fixing means.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is segmented into two distinct phases: temporary retention during storage/transport using the retaining plug, and permanent retention during operation using the deformation features. This segmentation allows each phase to have its own optimized retention mechanism without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If permanent fixing means such as deformations or gluing are used, then the insert is securely retained, but the device requires more complex manufacturing processes and longer assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining plug is pre-installed on the tappet body before the insert is mounted. This preliminary action ensures that the insert is securely retained during storage and transport without requiring complex permanent fixing means, thereby reducing assembly time when the device is actually installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining plug acts as a temporary, disposable component that serves its purpose during storage and transport but is removed before installation. This approach is more time-efficient and less complex than permanent fixing means, as it requires simple insertion and removal rather than deformation or gluing processes.
3Ease of operation
If the cam follower roller device is assembled as a preassembled unit, then storage and transport are simplified, but the retaining mechanism requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining plug serves multiple functions: it acts as a retention mechanism during storage and transport, provides alignment guidance during assembly, and can be easily removed before installation. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component by eliminating the need for more complex retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is extracted as a separate, removable component (the retaining plug) rather than being integrated into the tappet body structure. This extraction allows the plug to be easily removed before installation while providing simple retention during storage and transport.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates simplified assembly, storage, and handling as a preassembled unit, with the retaining plug being easily removable for installation, reducing design complexity and assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
A radial interference fit is provided between the retaining plug and the tappet body. The retaining plug comprises a mounting portion fitted on or into the tappet body.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The cam follower roller device comprises a tappet body (12) extending along an axis, an insert (18) mounted in the tappet body, a pin (14) mounted at least on said insert and a roller (16) mounted on said pin, The device further comprises a removable retaining plug (20) carried by the tappet body (12) and adapted to retain the insert relative to said body. A radial interference fit is provided between the retaining plug (20) and the tappet body.