Rocker Arm Axial Locking via Spring Tongue and Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocker arm bearing systems for internal combustion engine valve trains require a large number of components and significant installation space to secure the axial position, which is inefficient and not functionally reliable.
Innovation Solution
A guide connection with an engagement element-counter element connection between the bearing block and rocker arm, utilizing a spring element and a groove on the rocker arm and bearing block respectively, eliminates the need for additional components and space, providing a resilient and reliable axial position securing mechanism through a tongue and groove connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional axial position locks with washers and circlips are used, then the axial position is secured, but the number of components increases and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element and counter-element are integrated directly into the rocker arm and bearing block respectively, eliminating the need for separate washers and circlips. The engagement element is formed as part of the rocker arm structure, and the counter-element is machined as part of the bearing block, merging multiple components into a unified system that maintains axial position securing while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (washers, circlips) from the traditional axial position lock system. By directly engaging the engagement element on the rocker arm with the counter-element on the bearing block, the design removes redundant components while preserving the essential axial position securing function.
2Reliability
If traditional axial position locks with washers are used, then the axial position is secured, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element and counter-element are positioned to engage directly at the interface between the rocker arm and bearing block, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming washers and circlips. This direct engagement arrangement minimizes the radial and axial dimensions required for the position locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design removes unnecessary components (washers, circlips) that occupy additional installation space. By extracting these redundant elements and relying on the direct engagement between the engagement element and counter-element, the overall installation space requirement is significantly reduced.
3Device complexity
If a simple engagement connection is used, then the component count is reduced, but the reliability of axial position securing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element is designed with spring properties, allowing it to dynamically adapt to loading conditions while maintaining engagement with the counter-element. This dynamic characteristic ensures reliable axial position securing under varying operational loads without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element's spring characteristics and the clearance between engagement and counter-element surfaces are optimized to provide both simplicity and reliability. By carefully selecting material properties, geometric parameters, and clearance values, the simple engagement connection achieves sufficient reliability for the application.
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 solution achieves a functionally reliable and space-efficient axial position securing of the rocker arm with reduced component count, ensuring smooth movement and preventing tilting, thereby enhancing the precision and defined movement of valve train components.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement element is a spring element and the counter-element is a groove of a guide connection as a tongue and groove connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing arrangement for a rocker arm (2, 3) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, comprising a rocker arm bearing block (8) on which an axle (6) is arranged. The rocker arm (2, 3) is pivotably mounted on the axle with an associated bore (4, 5) and held in place by means of an axial locking mechanism. According to the invention, the axial locking mechanism is a guide connection as an engagement element-counter-element connection between the bearing block (8) and the rocker arm (2, 3), in which an engagement element (9, 10) oriented transversely to the axial direction pivotably engages in an associated counter-element (11, 12) with axial flank support (16, 17).