Expander Piston Ring Feeder with Projection Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing expander piston rings into piston grooves often result in overlapping of the ring's split ends due to the 'whip lash' effect, leading to potential failure of the piston assembly in engines.
Innovation Solution
The use of a piston ring feeder with projection features, such as a rearward-tapered projection feature and a front projection feature, to separate and trap the split ends of the expander piston ring, preventing overlap and ensuring proper seating within the piston groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional piston ring feeding methods are used, then the installation process is simple, but the split ends of the piston ring overlap during installation causing potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feeder device with projection features that acts as an intermediary between the operator and the piston ring. The projection features temporarily hold and guide the split ends of the piston ring, preventing overlap during the installation process. This mediator ensures reliable installation without requiring complex manual dexterity or additional tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder device performs preliminary positioning of the piston ring split ends before the actual installation into the groove. The projection features pre-separate and align the split ends, ensuring they will not overlap when the ring is snapped into the groove. This preliminary action prevents the harmful overlap effect before it can occur.
2Ease of operation
If the piston ring is expanded to fit into the groove, then the ring can be installed, but the split ends may overlap due to whip lash effect
Solution Approach 1:
The projection features on the feeder device apply preliminary anti-action by physically blocking and separating the split ends of the piston ring. As the ring is expanded and moved into position, the projections maintain separation between the ends, counteracting the whip lash effect that would otherwise cause them to overlap and contact prematurely.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual feeding methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but precision of end gap formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device serves as a precision intermediary that mechanically ensures proper end gap formation. The projection features physically maintain the correct spacing between split ends throughout the installation process, guaranteeing precise end gap formation without relying on operator skill or judgment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for installing a piston ring onto a piston include a piston ring feeder having at least one projection feature and a receiving aperture. Methods include receiving a piston end having a piston groove into the receiving aperture until the piston groove is above piston rings on the piston ring feeder and below projection feature top ends; raising a ring to partially snap into the piston groove with ring ends separated by a first projection feature and the ring wrapped around a second projection feature; raising the piston such that the ring is pulled off the second projection feature while the first projection feature separates the ring ends; and raising the piston such that the first projection feature releases the ring ends and the ring fully snaps into the piston groove to form a gap between the ring ends of the ring seated in the piston groove.