Engine Cover Assembly with Integrated Fastening Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cover solutions are complex and costly, making them inefficient for accessing and servicing engine parts in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly with a plate and fastening element that includes a clamping element with radially extending arms, allowing for secure and easy access to service openings on engine blocks, using a simplified design with fewer parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cover device with multiple parts is used to close a service opening, then the cover can be securely closed, but the construction becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover plate and fastening element into a single integrated unit. The fastening element is directly formed as an extension of the cover plate, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the secure closure function through the integrated design that allows the fastening element to engage with threaded holes in the engine block.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate serves multiple functions: it covers the service opening to prevent contamination, provides a mounting surface for the integrated fastening element, and acts as a structural component that can be securely attached to the engine block. The integrated fastening element simultaneously provides both the covering function and the fastening function in a single component.
2Reliability
If a traditional cover device with multiple parts is used, then the cover can be securely closed, but development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cover plate and fastening element into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be designed, manufactured, and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces tooling requirements, and lowers development costs while maintaining secure closure through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cover assembly is designed as a single manufacturable unit that can be produced as one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate components. This segmentation into a single component reduces manufacturing complexity and development costs associated with managing multiple parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified cover design with fewer parts is used, then costs are reduced, but the risk of lost fasteners may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is integrally formed with the cover plate, creating a single piece that cannot be separated or lost. The fastening element acts as a permanent part of the cover assembly, eliminating the risk of lost fasteners while maintaining cost efficiency through the reduced part count and simplified manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design makes the fastening element an inherent part of the cover plate itself, eliminating the need for separate fasteners that could be lost. The cover plate serves its own fastening function through the integrated element, ensuring reliable retention without additional components.
4Reliability
If a complex multi-part cover system is used, then secure closure is achieved, but service access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cover plate and fastening element design allows for quicker installation and removal as a single unit, reducing service access time. The unified structure eliminates the need to handle and assemble multiple separate parts, enabling technicians to quickly secure or access the service opening while maintaining reliable closure.
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
The cover assembly provides a cost-effective and efficient means to cover and uncover service openings, preventing contamination and reducing the risk of lost fasteners, while allowing quick access for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded receptacle is configured to threadably engage with the second portion of the fastening element
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly is provided for an engine block having at least one sidewall defining a service opening therein. The cover assembly includes a plate defining an opening therein, a fastening element rotatably disposed in the opening, and a clamping element. The plate has a first side, and a second side. The second side is configured to seat against an outer surface of the sidewall. The fastening element has a first portion configured to be axially restricted by the plate, and a second portion axially extending from the first portion. The second portion is disposed beyond the second side. The clamping element includes a central core disposed at the second side. The central core defines a threaded receptacle configured to engage with the second portion. The clamping element also includes multiple arms that radial extend from the central core and seat against an inner surface of the sidewall.