Camshaft Phaser Clip Latching for Play-Free Flange Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshaft adjustment devices face challenges in improved assembly methods that prevent play and relative movement between the housing flange and the housing, while also requiring easy disassembly and secure fastening.
Innovation Solution
The camshaft adjustment device employs fastening clips with dual latching contours and a connecting leg, allowing for positive and non-positive engagement with the housing, utilizing an arc-shaped connecting leg for preload and preventing play, and featuring assembly and disassembly tabs for easy locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening means are provided to retain the housing flange on the housing, then secure fastening and prevention of play are achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means is divided into multiple fastening clips (at least two) that can be independently installed. Each clip has separate legs with specific latching contours that engage with corresponding features on the housing and housing flange, allowing modular assembly that secures the connection while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization of the clip design
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening clips act as intermediary elements between the housing and housing flange. These clips provide the connecting function while isolating the complexity of the latching mechanism from both the housing and housing flange, allowing simple main components with the complex fastening function concentrated in the removable clips
2Stability of the object's composition
If positive and nonpositive engagement is provided through fastening clips, then play and relative movement are prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different legs of the fastening clip have different latching contours tailored for specific engagement types. The first leg has a first latching contour for positive engagement with the housing, while the second leg has a second latching contour for nonpositive engagement with the housing flange. This localized differentiation provides stable anti-play connection while keeping each individual leg's manufacturing relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening clip combines different engagement mechanisms (positive and nonpositive latching) in a single integrated component. This composite approach provides both types of engagement stability simultaneously while being manufactured as one piece, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to using separate components for each engagement type
3Ease of operation
If assembly tabs and disassembly tabs are provided on fastening clips, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tab and disassembly tab enable the fastening clip to be installed and removed through simple manual manipulation without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The tabs provide leverage points that allow the clip to be easily deflected into the locked position during assembly and released during disassembly, making the system self-servicing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing complex locking mechanisms that require complex unlocking procedures, the design inverts the approach by providing simple tabs that enable easy manipulation. The assembly tab pushes the clip into the locked position, while the disassembly tab pulls it out, reversing the typical complexity direction where simple assembly would require complex disassembly
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
This solution ensures secure axial retention of the housing flange on the housing with a spring action, preventing play and relative movement, while allowing for rapid and simple disassembly, enhancing the assembly process and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting leg, which connects the two legs, is under preload as a result of its arc-shaped design
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a camshaft adjustment device for changing an angular position of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The device comprising an actuator, the actuator having a housing flange, fastening means to lock the housing flange to a housing. A latching section is formed on the housing, and a locking section, which comes to bear axially on the latching section, is formed on the housing flange. The fastening means comprises at least two fastening clips for connecting the housing to the housing flange in a frictional and interlocking manner. Each fastening clip has a first leg with a first latching contour and a second leg with a second latching contour. The first latching contour bears against a latching groove in the latching section, and the second latching contour bears against a latching groove in the locking section.