Valve Gasket Spring Alignment via Segmented Snap-Fastened Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaskets for internal combustion engine valves suffer from issues such as spring misalignment causing wear, and excessive or insufficient lubricating oil flow leading to efficiency and performance problems, with prior solutions attempting to reduce weight and cost but not fully addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A gasket design featuring a coaxial arrangement with protruding tabs to maintain spring alignment and a snap fastening mechanism using metal and thermoplastic components, ensuring proper contact and preventing radial displacement of the spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the supporting member is constructed as two separate components coupled by snap fastening to reduce weight and cost, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but spring misalignment occurs causing wear and radial displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is divided into two separate components: a metal component (131) and a plastic component (132), coupled by snap fastening mechanism. This segmentation reduces overall weight and manufacturing cost while maintaining structural functionality through the coordinated action of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic component (132) acts as an intermediary element between the metal component (131) and the spring (11). It provides a stable mounting surface for the spring and ensures proper alignment through the snap fastening connection, preventing spring misalignment and radial displacement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the supporting member is constructed as two separate components coupled by snap fastening to reduce weight and cost, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but wear increases due to spring dragging along the side wall
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is divided into two separate components: a metal component (131) and a plastic component (132), coupled by snap fastening mechanism. This segmentation reduces overall weight and manufacturing cost while maintaining structural functionality through the coordinated action of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member combines metal and plastic materials, each providing specific benefits. The metal component provides structural strength, while the plastic component provides a low-friction surface that reduces wear from spring contact, demonstrating the advantages of composite material construction.
3Ease of operation
If the spring is allowed to move radially to accommodate misalignment, then ease of installation is improved, but valve performance deteriorates due to excessive or insufficient lubricating oil flow
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic component (132) acts as an intermediary element between the metal component (131) and the spring (11). It provides a stable mounting surface for the spring and ensures proper alignment through the snap fastening connection, preventing spring misalignment and radial displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap fastening mechanism automatically ensures proper alignment and positioning of the spring when the components are assembled, eliminating the need for additional alignment procedures or adjustments during installation.
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 design maintains spring coaxiality, prevents wear, and ensures consistent lubricating oil flow, enhancing engine efficiency and reducing premature valve damage.
Implementation Method 1
The component (131, 132) are coupled by means of a snap fastening mechanism (27)
Implementation Method 2
an annular elastic collar (20) suitable to press the sealing element (12) radially on the guide element (7) and on the stem (8)
Implementation Method 3
The valve stem (8) is axially loaded by a helical spring (11) in the direction of closing of the connection between the respective intake or exhaust duct and the corresponding combustion chamber
Implementation Method 4
a static seal is created by the first portion of the sealing element acting on the guide element of the corresponding valve, and a dynamic seal is created by the second portion of the sealing element cooperating with the stem
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket for a valve of an internal combustion engine is described. The valve has a guide element defining a through seat, and a stem movable in a sliding manner in said seat. The gasket has a central axis and comprises: an elastically deformable sealing element, having an annular configuration with respect to the axis and suitable to be arranged externally on the valve to cooperate both with the guide element and with the stem; a supporting member having an annular configuration, arranged coaxially on at least part of the sealing element so that the latter is pressed radially between the supporting member and the valve; an end flange projecting radially outwards from the supporting member and configured to receive the elastic load of a coil spring of the valve; and protruding means distinct from the flange, projecting outwards from the supporting member and suitable to cooperate with the spring of the valve to maintain it coaxial with the axis.