Modular Cam Follower With Adjustable Spacing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mechanical systems for cam followers and rocker arms, used in injection pumps and valve actuators, require custom forged parts for different applications, leading to inefficiencies and high manufacturing costs due to the lack of standardization.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical system comprising a support element with standardized parts, including a tappet and a pin, and a spacing element that can be adapted for specific applications, allowing for maximum standardization and reduced manufacturing costs by using standardized elements with adjustable spacing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom forged parts are used for each application, then the mechanical system can be adapted to different geometries and applications, but the manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tappet is divided into multiple separable components including a support element, spacing element, and retention element. These modular segments can be standardized and recombined in different configurations to suit various applications, eliminating the need for custom forged parts for each geometry while reducing manufacturing costs through standardized production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized tappet components are designed to serve multiple functions across different applications. The support element, spacing element, and retention element can be combined in various arrangements to create cam followers and rocker arms for different geometries and applications, making the same basic components universal rather than application-specific
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom forged parts are used for each application, then the mechanical system can be adapted to different geometries, but the manufacturing time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tappet into standardized modular components, the manufacturing process can produce each component through efficient standardized processes rather than time-consuming custom forging for each application. This segmentation enables parallel production and assembly, significantly improving manufacturing productivity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows adaptation to different geometries by changing parameters such as the length and positioning of the spacing element, rather than requiring complete custom forging. This parameter adjustment approach maintains productivity by using standardized base components with variable dimensional parameters
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized components are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to adapt to different geometries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tappet assembly incorporates dynamic adjustability through the modular spacing element and retention element configuration. These components can be adjusted, repositioned, or reconfigured to adapt to different geometries and applications, allowing standardized base components to achieve custom-fit performance without requiring custom forged parts
4Reliability
If complex assembly processes like caulking are used, then the pin connection is secure, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the assembly process. Instead of requiring complex caulking operations to secure the pin, the retention element provides a straightforward mechanical retention mechanism that achieves secure connection through simpler assembly steps, reducing both complexity and manufacturing time while maintaining reliability
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
This approach enables the use of standardized components across various applications, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing for flexible adaptation to different geometries without increasing system weight, while maintaining performance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the roller is movable in rotation relative to the pin around its axis... adapted to roll on a cam
Implementation Method 2
The pin may be caulked, in other words plastically deformed, on both opposite ends to create a mechanical connection by press-fit in the tappet bores
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
This mechanical system (1) forms a cam follower or a rocker arm and comprises a support element (10) comprising a first body portion (11) and a second body portion (12), a pin (30) extending between two opposite ends (35, 36) along a first axis (X1) and supported by the first body portion (11) of said support element (10), and a roller (40) mounted on pin (30), movable in rotation relative to the pin (30) around the first axis (X1) and adapted to roll on a cam (2). The mechanical system (1) further comprises a spacing element (60, 70) comprising a first body portion (61, 71) connected to the second body part (12) of the support element (10) and a second body portion (62, 72) adapted to be supported by a movable support (3).