Valve Cover Latching Mechanism for Line Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve covers require a large number of fastening elements and complex assembly processes to secure lines, which complicates the mounting and maintenance of internal combustion engine components.
Innovation Solution
A valve cover design featuring a base body with integrated fixing devices, including a fixing element and receiver, that allows for secure latching of lines without additional screws, using a clipping mechanism and elastic abutment elements to reduce dynamic loads and facilitate easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening methods with multiple screws are used, then lines can be securely attached to the valve cover, but the number of fastening elements increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function into the valve cover base body by integrating fixing element receivers directly into the cover structure. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components and reduces the total number of parts while maintaining secure line attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fixing elements as intermediary components that connect lines to the valve cover through a standardized interface. These fixing elements work with the integrated receivers to provide reliable attachment while simplifying the overall fastening system.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used to secure lines, then attachment reliability is improved, but assembly and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening system into modular components: integrated receivers in the valve cover and separate fixing elements. This segmentation allows for quick assembly by simply engaging the fixing elements with the receivers, and easy maintenance by removing individual fixing elements without affecting the entire valve cover assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element receivers are pre-integrated into the valve cover base body during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex assembly operations during installation, as lines can be quickly secured by simply attaching the fixing elements to the pre-positioned receivers.
3Reliability
If additional separate fastening elements are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the overall weight of the valve cover assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fastening function into the valve cover base body through integrated receivers, the patent eliminates the need for separate heavy fastening components. The fixing elements are designed to work with these receivers to provide secure attachment while minimizing additional weight.
4Reliability
If complex fastening systems are used, then line attachment reliability is improved, but ease of operation for installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmentation of the fastening system into integrated receivers and separate fixing elements enables simple tool-free operation. Lines can be quickly installed by engaging the fixing elements with the receivers, and easily removed by disengaging the same components, maintaining full attachment security throughout.
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
The solution enables secure attachment of lines with a minimal number of fastening elements, reducing assembly complexity and weight, while enhancing durability and service life by distributing loads and allowing for tool-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device for securing at least one line to the base body of the valve cover, wherein the fixing device includes a fixing element and at least one fixing element receiver which is arranged on the base body and to which the fixing element is securable or secured by latching
Implementation Method 2
using a clipping mechanism and elastic abutment elements to reduce dynamic loads
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a valve cover to which at least one line is securable simply and by using a small number of fastening elements, it is proposed that the valve cover includes the following: a base body that, in the mounted condition of the valve cover, is arranged on an engine block of an internal combustion engine and covers over a valve chamber of the internal combustion engine, and at least one fixing device for securing at least one line to the base body of the valve cover, wherein the fixing device includes a fixing element and at least one fixing element receiver which is arranged on the base body and to which the fixing element is securable or secured by latching.