Timing Cover Assembly for Internal Combustion Engine Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engines require disassembly of the transmission assembly to service the timing device when its housing is located at the rear side, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The timing device housing is closed using two independent covers, with a prismatic joint and inclined surfaces to ensure hermetic sealing, allowing the second cover to be removed independently without dismounting the transmission, and a seal is interposed between the covers for enhanced closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the timing device housing is closed with a single cover fixed to both engine block and cylinder head, then the structure is simple, but the timing device becomes inaccessible when the housing is located at the rear side, requiring transmission disassembly for service
Solution Approach 1:
The single cover is divided into two separate covers: a first cover fixed to the engine block and a second cover fixed to the cylinder head. This segmentation allows the second cover to be removed independently for timing device service without requiring transmission disassembly, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If two separate covers are used to close the timing device housing, then the timing device becomes accessible without transmission disassembly, but the hermetic closure becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The second cover includes an engaging portion with a cavity that receives and surrounds the engaging portion of the first cover. This nested configuration ensures hermetic closure by creating an overlapping joint between the two covers, preventing any gaps or leakage paths while allowing independent removal of the second cover for service.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes, but is not limited to an engine block, a crankshaft associated to the engine block, a cylinder head fixed on top of the engine block so as to define an assembly axis of the internal combustion engine, a camshaft, and a housing for a timing device connecting the crankshaft to the camshaft, the housing having a frontal opening which is laterally delimited by two opposite sidewalls belonging to the engine block and two opposite sidewalls belonging to the cylinder head, the frontal opening being closed with a first cover fixed to the sidewalls of the engine block, and with a second cover fixed to the sidewalls of the cylinder head.