Sheet Steel OHC Support Module for Engine Valve Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier modules for OHC valve trains are overly massive, complex, and costly to produce, with unnecessary space usage and increased manufacturing effort due to their solid construction and multiple functional surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight and compact carrier module made of stamped and bent sheet steel, featuring two support plates connected by transverse walls, with bores for cam and valve actuating lever shafts, and optional reinforcement via deep-drawn sleeves and external webs, allowing for simplified manufacturing and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid construction with multiple functional surfaces is used, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support module is divided into multiple support walls that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each support wall can be produced using simple stamping processes, and the final structural strength is achieved through the combined assembly with proper connection elements, avoiding the need for complex monolithic manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters from traditional solid casting or machining to sheet metal stamping and assembly. This parameter change enables the production of structurally strong components through optimized sheet metal forming processes and assembly techniques, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining or improving structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a massive solid construction is used, then structural stability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support module into thin-walled support walls assembled together, the design achieves structural stability through the geometric arrangement and connection of multiple lightweight components rather than relying on the mass of a single solid structure. This segmentation dramatically reduces the overall volume and installation space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction using multiple sheet metal components joined together, creating a structure that achieves high stability-to-weight ratio and optimal stability-to-volume ratio. The composite assembly provides structural stability equivalent to or better than solid constructions while occupying significantly less installation space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate camshaft and valve actuation lever shafts are accommodated, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support module design incorporates universal features that can accommodate different types of shafts (camshaft and valve actuation lever shafts) within the same structural framework. The standardized support walls and bearing arrangements allow the module to serve multiple functions and adapt to different engine configurations without increasing inherent device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention proposes a unipartite support module (1), produced from a sheet steel blank by punching and bending techniques, for an OHC valve drive of an internal combustion engine, having two upright supporting walls (2) which are spaced apart from one another and which are connectable, at the top ends (3) thereof, to a cylinder head cover and, at the bottom ends (4) thereof, to a cylinder head and which have in each case at least one main and secondary bore (5, 6) for the mounting of a camshaft and valve actuating lever shaft (7, 8, 9) between said supporting walls, wherein each supporting wall (2) is composed of two supporting plates (10, 11) which are integrally connected either at the top or bottom ends (3, 4) by a transverse wall (12), and wherein opposite inner supporting plates (11) are connected by a transverse plate (13) which runs on a side opposite the transverse walls (12).