Compressed Air Extraction Valve Locking Ring for Compact Axial Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for internal combustion engine valves are either complex, require additional mechanisms for release, or occupy excessive space, lacking a simple and efficient solution for locking and unlocking the valve in various positions.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a clamping ring with radially movable locking elements that engage with annular grooves on the valve stem, allowing the valve to be locked in both open and closed positions using axial forces, without requiring additional release mechanisms, and designed to be compact and inexpensive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with additional release mechanisms is used, then the valve can be securely locked in open position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes the existing axial movement of the valve stem to automatically engage and disengage the locking elements. The grooves on the stem and corresponding locking elements on the clamping ring interact such that axial displacement of the stem causes radial movement of the locking elements, enabling self-locking and self-unlocking without additional release mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanism that actively engages the lock, the design uses the natural axial movement of the valve stem to passively engage the locking elements through geometric interaction between grooves and locking element surfaces. The locking action is inverted from active engagement to passive geometric constraint
2Reliability
If a locking device with additional release mechanisms is used, then the valve can be securely locked, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges the locking function with the existing valve stem and clamping ring structures. The locking elements are integrated onto the clamping ring, and the grooves are formed directly on the valve stem, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are positioned within the space between the valve stem and clamping ring, utilizing the existing radial gap. The grooves on the stem and locking elements on the clamping ring are nested within the existing structural boundaries, maximizing space utilization without requiring additional volume
3Reliability
If a locking device with additional release mechanisms is used, then the valve can be securely locked, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into three simple components: the valve stem with grooves, the clamping ring with locking elements, and the holder. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining operations, reducing complexity and cost compared to integrated complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking elements can be replicated around the circumference of the clamping ring at equal intervals, allowing for efficient manufacturing through repetitive machining operations. The grooves on the stem and locking elements on the ring are simple geometric features that can be copied multiple times around the circular components
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (34) comprising a clamping ring (40) and at least one locking element (38) arranged between a shaft (16) and the clamping ring (40). The at least one locking element (38) is radially movable with respect to the shaft (16) and is pre-tensioned by the clamping ring (40) to engage in a groove (44) of the shaft (16) for axial locking of the shaft (16). The locking device (34) with the clamping ring (40) has a simple, cost-effective, yet effective design. The locking device (34) can be very small, thus requiring little installation space.