Leak Test Fixture Spring System for Negative-Pressure Part Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak test fixtures for vehicle parts like cylinder heads and blocks face issues with uncertain forces causing damage during part removal due to negative pressure, leading to scratching or dropping of the parts.
Innovation Solution
A leak test fixture with biasing mechanisms, such as compression springs, that compress during testing and rebound to eject the part away from sealing plates, using soft pads to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing plates are used to seal the part for leak testing, then leak detection capability is improved, but negative pressure force causes part damage during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the negative pressure force before the sealing plates are removed. By positioning the biasing mechanism to exert force in the direction opposite to the negative pressure, the system neutralizes the harmful effect before it can cause part damage, allowing safe removal of sealing plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the sealing plates and the part. It provides a controlled force that mediates the interaction between the sealing plates and the part during removal, preventing direct harmful contact between the sealing plates and the part that would otherwise occur due to negative pressure.
2Reliability
If sealing plates are clamped tightly against the part, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but part damage risk increases during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the clamping force before removal. By positioning the biasing mechanism to exert force in the direction opposite to the clamping force, the system gradually reduces the net force on the part, allowing the sealing plates to be removed without suddenly releasing all clamping force and potentially damaging the part.
3Measurement precision
If the part is held firmly during testing, then test accuracy is improved, but removal smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism introduces dynamic force adjustment capability to the otherwise static clamping system. During testing, the biasing mechanism remains compressed and maintains firm holding for accurate testing. During removal, the biasing mechanism rebounds and dynamically adjusts the force, transitioning from a firm hold to a gentle release, enabling smooth part removal.
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 smooth part removal without damage by neutralizing negative pressure forces, preventing scratching or dropping of parts during the removal process.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of biasing mechanisms compress toward the face of the sealing plates during clamping of the plates during testing. The plurality of biasing mechanisms rebounding after testing ejecting the part, cylinder block/head, away from the sealing plates.
Implementation Method 2
The biasing mechanisms generally are compression springs.
Implementation Method 3
Each of the plurality of biasing members or springs include a pad for resting against the part such as a cylinder head or block to prevent marring of the part. The pad is generally a soft material such as rubber, felt or the like.
Data Source
AI summary
A leak test fixture for a cylinder head or block has a plurality of side face sealing plates, a bottom face sealing plate and a top face sealing plate. The sealing plates collectively seal a part, such as a cylinder head or block, for testing. A plurality of biasing mechanisms on at least one sealing plate. The plurality of biasing mechanism compresses toward a face of the sealing plates during clamping of the plates during testing. The plurality of biasing mechanisms rebound after testing moving the cylinder block/head way from the sealing plates.