Chain Tensioner Securing Ring for Multi-Function Piston Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulically actuated tensioning devices for internal combustion engine chain drives are complex and costly due to multiple components required for transport securing, adjustment, and end position securing devices, necessitating a simpler and cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional securing ring is used within the piston bore, accessible through cutouts in the tensioner housing, to perform the functions of transport securing, adjustment, and end position securing, reducing component count and production costs while ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for transport securing, adjustment, and end position securing, then each function can be performed reliably, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate securing functions (transport securing, adjustment, and end position securing) into a single integrated securing ring component. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components while maintaining all required functions, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing ring is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it secures the tensioning piston during transport, enables incremental adjustment of the working range, and provides loss-proof end position securing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while ensuring reliable operation across all phases.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for transport securing, adjustment, and end position securing, then each function can be performed reliably, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging three separate securing components into one integrated securing ring, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining all required functions through the multi-functional design of the single component.
3Device complexity
If a single securing ring is used for multiple functions, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the risk of malfunction may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing ring is designed with multiple engagement positions and configurations that allow it to perform different functions (transport securing, adjustment, end position securing) reliably. The universal design includes specific geometric features that ensure proper engagement for each function, maintaining reliability despite the reduced component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing ring incorporates segmented or profiled features that allow it to engage with different positions on the tensioning piston for different functions. This segmentation enables the single component to perform multiple discrete functions reliably, reducing malfunction risk while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning device, more particularly a hydraulically actuated chain tensioner, for a chain drive of an internal combustion engine, having a tensioner housing, a tensioning piston which is displaceably guided in a piston bore of the tensioner housing and has a piston skirt, a transport securing means for fastening the tensioning piston in the tensioner housing, a adjustment apparatus for incrementally adjusting and limiting the working range of the tensioning piston, and a final position securing means for the captive arrangement of the tensioning piston in the piston bore. The transport securing means, the adjustment apparatus and the final position securing means together have a single securing ring for fastening the tensioning piston in the tensioner housing, the incremental adjustment and limiting of the working range of the tensioning piston and the captive arrangement of the tensioning piston. A chain drive, more particularly a control chain drive, of an internal combustion engine, having such a tensioning device is also provided.