Universal Plate Assembly with Removable Insert for Cylinder Head Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plate assemblies used to support cylinder heads in internal combustion engine manufacturing need to be frequently replaced due to changes in cylinder head shape, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A universal frame plate assembly with a removable insert that can accommodate different cylinder head shapes, where the frame remains unchanged while only the insert is replaced to match new cylinder head configurations, minimizing manufacturing costs and maintaining support functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional plate assembly is used to support cylinder heads, then the cylinder head can be supported during manufacturing, but the entire plate assembly must be replaced when the cylinder head shape changes, leading to increased manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The plate assembly is divided into two distinct segments: a universal frame that remains constant and an insert that is specific to each cylinder head design. This segmentation allows the insert to be replaced without replacing the entire assembly, reducing manufacturing costs when cylinder head shapes change.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different inserts corresponding to various cylinder head shapes. This universality allows a single frame design to serve multiple functions across different engine models, improving adaptability while controlling costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire plate assembly is replaced when cylinder head shape changes, then the new cylinder head can be supported, but manufacturing costs increase and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into a reusable frame and a replaceable insert, the design enables selective replacement of only the insert component when cylinder head configurations change. This prevents the entire assembly from being discarded, thereby reducing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for the recovery and reuse of the frame component across multiple cylinder head designs. Only the insert is discarded when a new cylinder head shape is introduced, while the frame is recovered and reused, minimizing overall material waste.
3Ease of manufacture
If a universal frame with removable insert is used, then the frame can be reused across different cylinder head designs, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation does increase structural complexity by introducing multiple components (frame and insert), it significantly reduces manufacturing costs by enabling frame reuse. The complexity is localized to the interface between frame and insert, while the majority of the structure remains simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed to be received within the frame cavity, creating a nested structure where the insert fits into the universal frame. This nesting approach allows for a compact design that minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining the benefits of modularity and reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate assembly can support a cylinder head and includes a frame. The frame includes a frame body and a supporting wall extending from the frame body. The frame body defines an inner frame surface. The inner frame surface and the supporting wall jointly define a frame cavity. The plate assembly also includes an insert configured to support the cylinder head. The insert is sized to be received in the frame cavity and includes an insert body. The insert body defines a top insert surface, a bottom insert surface opposite to the top insert surface, and a lateral insert surface interconnecting the top and bottom insert surfaces. The supporting wall supports the insert such that the inner frame surface surrounds the lateral insert surface and the supporting wall contacts the insert bottom surface when the insert is disposed in the frame cavity.