Hydraulic Lash Adjuster for Engine Brake Valve Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines with engine braking devices require laborious and error-prone manual adjustments for valve clearance, risking damage or incomplete gas exchange due to improper settings.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism connected to a main oil circuit and an additional hydraulic valve control unit connected to an auxiliary oil circuit, allowing for automatic valve clearance adjustment and independent operation of the engine braking device, reducing assembly and service efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual valve clearance adjustment is used, then assembly and service effort is required, but this leads to laborious and error-prone adjustments with risk of damage or incomplete gas exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism automatically adjusts valve clearance using hydraulic pressure from the main oil circuit, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by assembly or service personnel. The system self-regulates the valve clearance based on hydraulic pressure, preventing both excessive clearance and insufficient opening of the exhaust valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with a hydraulic automatic adjustment system. The hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism uses fluid pressure to automatically set and maintain proper valve clearance, substituting the mechanical screw-adjustment method that requires human intervention and is prone to errors.
2Power
If the additional valve control unit is integrated into the connecting mechanism, then engine braking effect is achieved, but the system requires complex oil circuit management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oil circuit system into two independent segments: the main oil circuit for general lubrication and the additional oil circuit specifically for the engine braking device. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently, with the additional circuit providing controlled hydraulic pressure only when engine braking is activated, reducing interference with the main circuit operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional oil circuit acts as an intermediary system between the operator's braking command and the additional valve control unit. It transmits hydraulic pressure selectively to activate the engine braking function only when needed, mediating between the control system and the valve actuation mechanism while maintaining independence from the main lubrication circuit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate adjustment screws are provided for valve clearance compensation, then adjustment capability is available, but time-consuming and costly regular manual adjustments are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism provides continuous automatic adjustment of valve clearance without requiring periodic manual intervention. The system uses hydraulic pressure from the main oil circuit to automatically compensate for wear and maintain proper clearance, eliminating the time-consuming service intervals required by traditional adjustment screw systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic hydraulic adjustment system maintains continuous valve clearance compensation throughout engine operation, rather than relying on periodic manual adjustments. The hydraulic pressure continuously acts on the lash adjuster mechanism to maintain optimal valve clearance, ensuring consistent performance without interruption or service downtime.
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
Ensures safe and efficient operation by eliminating the need for manual adjustments, providing precise control over engine braking and preventing undesirable braking effects during normal engine operation, while maintaining reliable gas exchange.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism is connected to a main oil circuit for supplying oil
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic valve auxiliary control unit being connected to an auxiliary oil circuit provided in addition to the main oil circuit for supplying oil
Data Source
AI summary
The internal combustion engine (1) has a combustion chamber, from which exhaust gas is discharged by outlet valves (3,4). An engine brake assembly (2) is provided with a hydraulic valve-auxiliary unit (19), which is integrated in connecting mechanisms (5,6,7) connecting the outlet valves with a camshaft and which hold the outlet valves in an intermediate opened position during operated engine brake assembly. The hydraulic valve-auxiliary unit is connected to an additional oil circuit for feeding.