Flexible Locking Dipstick Module Prevents Expulsion Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art dipsticks in motor vehicles are prone to expulsion under high pressure, leading to potential engine fires, oil leaks, and interference with vacuum systems, resulting in decreased horsepower and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible locking dipstick module with a quick disconnect coupling and a braided metallic housing resistant to rupture, featuring a polymeric lining and a secure anchoring system to prevent expulsion and maintain vacuum pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prior art dipstick is used in the oil reservoir, then the dipstick can be inserted and removed for fluid level checking, but the dipstick is prone to expulsion under high pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The dipstick assembly is divided into separate components: a dipstick body with an outboard end, a housing with an open end, and a structural element. These segments can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing the dipstick to be inserted and removed while maintaining secure retention through the structural element that engages with the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural element is pre-configured with a friction fit mechanism that automatically engages when the dipstick is inserted into the housing. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that under normal pressure conditions, the dipstick remains securely retained without requiring additional active retention mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a prior art dipstick with friction fit sealing is used, then the dipstick can seal the housing opening, but leakage occurs under certain vehicle operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The structural element incorporates a curved friction fit surface that creates a sealing interface between the dipstick and housing. This curved geometry maintains consistent contact pressure around the circumference, preventing fluid leakage paths that would occur with flat or rigid sealing surfaces under varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction fit sealing mechanism utilizes changes in contact pressure parameters between the structural element and housing opening. As pressure conditions vary during vehicle operation, the flexible or compliant nature of the friction fit interface allows the sealing parameters to self-adjust, maintaining effective sealing across different operating conditions.
3Strength
If a rigid dipstick housing is used to prevent rupture, then structural strength is improved, but the housing cannot accommodate pressure variations and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates flexible or compliant wall structures that can deform elastically in response to pressure variations within the oil reservoir. This flexibility allows the housing to accommodate pressure changes without rupture while maintaining overall structural integrity, unlike completely rigid housings that would fail under extreme pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing may utilize composite material construction combining rigid and flexible components. This composite structure provides the necessary structural strength to prevent rupture while incorporating flexible elements that can accommodate pressure variations, achieving both strength and adaptability simultaneously.
4Power
If a vacuum system is installed to assist crankcase evacuation, then horsepower is increased, but air leakage through the dipstick housing decreases vacuum efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The dipstick assembly design separates the fluid level checking function from the vacuum sealing function. The structural element and housing configuration create a sealed environment that prevents air leakage paths, allowing the vacuum system to operate efficiently without contamination from atmospheric air entering through the dipstick housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural element acts as an intermediary barrier between the dipstick and the vacuum system environment. Its friction fit engagement with the housing opening creates a sealing interface that prevents air leakage, thereby protecting the vacuum system efficiency while still allowing dipstick insertion and removal for fluid level checking.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible locking dipstick module useful with a motor vehicle including an oil reservoir. A dipstick is disposed within a housing which has one end thereof affixed to the oil reservoir and extends therefrom to a location within the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. The end of the module disposed within the engine compartment includes a quick disconnect locking coupling providing for ready installation and removal of the dipstick. The coupling further provides protection against blow out of the dipstick in the event of inordinate build up of pressure within the oil reservoir. Further, one portion of the outboard coupling may be employed as a liquid-tight closure for a dipstick entry opening in the oil reservoir during removal and/or storage of the engine.