Engine Block Clamp Assembly Using Waterjet Silicone Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine block clamps are costly and time-intensive to modify due to complex molding and tooling processes, limiting flexibility in configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
An engine block clamp assembly featuring a silicone insert formed using a waterjet cutting process with pure water, coupled with a tabbed and slot clamp frame configuration, allowing for easier assembly and modification without abrasive media, which reduces production costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex molding and cutting processes are used to form the silicone block, then the engine block clamp can be produced with precise shape and fit, but the production cost and tooling complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the silicone block from the complex molding process and replaces it with a simpler assembly approach. Instead of molding the entire silicone block with complex features, the invention uses a frame structure that holds the silicone block in place, allowing the silicone block to be a simpler component that can be easily replaced or modified without complex tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the engine block clamp into separate components: a frame structure and a silicone block. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, reducing overall tooling complexity while maintaining the precision fit through the assembly design rather than complex molding.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex molding and cutting processes are used to form the silicone block, then the engine block clamp can be produced with precise shape and fit, but the production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the silicone block from the complex molding process and replaces it with a simpler assembly approach. Instead of molding the entire silicone block with complex features, the invention uses a frame structure that holds the silicone block in place, allowing the silicone block to be a simpler component that can be easily replaced or modified without complex tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed to pre-position and guide the silicone block during assembly, ensuring precise fit without requiring the silicone block itself to be complexly molded. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modifications and changes to clamp configurations are made using traditional molding processes, then the clamp can be customized for different applications, but the cost and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engine block clamp into separate components: a frame structure and a silicone block. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, reducing overall tooling complexity while maintaining the precision fit through the assembly design rather than complex molding.
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
Enables cost-effective and rapid production of engine block clamps with improved flexibility in configuration changes, reducing the need for complex tooling and minimizing production time.
Implementation Method 1
The silicone insert may be formed using a waterjet cutting process. The waterjet cutting process may use a pure water to cut the silicone insert, without the use of any abrasive media in the water.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine block clamp assembly is provided. The engine block clamp assembly may comprise an engine block clamp frame configured to clamp around the axially outward edge of a silicone insert. The silicone insert may comprise a series of apertures configured to removably receive external engine tubes and electrical harnesses. The engine block clamp frame may comprise a tabbed clamp half and a slot clamp half. The tabbed clamp half may have a tabbed end and a mounting end. The tabbed end may comprise a tabbed hinge. The slot clamp half may comprise a slot end and a mounting end. The slot end may comprise a slot. The tabbed hinge may be configured to operatively fit within the slot to couple the tabbed clamp half to the slot clamp half.