Valve Spring Form-Fit Connection for Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for poppet valves in internal combustion engines, which use fasteners or valve spring retainers, increase the weight and cost of the valve train and reduce responsiveness due to added components.
Innovation Solution
A coil spring is used with a form-fit connection to the valve stem, eliminating the need for additional fasteners by engaging the last winding in a groove around the valve stem, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners or valve spring retainers are used to join the poppet valve, valve spring, and valve train, then the components can be securely connected, but the weight of the valve assembly increases and responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve spring and valve stem into a single integrated component. The coil spring is formed as one piece with the valve stem, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or retainers to join these components. This integration directly reduces the number of parts and overall weight while maintaining secure connection through the form-fit engagement of the spring ends with the groove in the valve stem.
2Reliability
If fasteners or valve spring retainers are used to join the components, then the connection is secure, but the number of components increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve spring and valve stem are manufactured as a single integrated component, which eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to install fasteners or retainers. The coil spring is formed with its ends configured to engage the groove in the valve stem, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as one unit, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove for receiving the coil spring ends is pre-formed in the valve stem during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of the engagement feature allows for quick and easy installation of the integrated spring-stem assembly without requiring additional assembly operations to create the connection geometry.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners and retainers are used, then the components can be joined, but the cost of the valve train increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (valve spring and valve stem) into a single integrated part that is manufactured as one piece. This eliminates the need to purchase, inventory, and assemble multiple separate components including fasteners and retainers, thereby reducing material costs, manufacturing complexity, and overall assembly cost while maintaining secure connection through the form-fit design.
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 configuration reduces the weight and cost of the valve train, enhances engine performance by minimizing inertia, and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining effective valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
each coil spring comprises several windings and rests on a cylinder side on the at least one cylinder head and on the valve train side on the valve stem, wherein a groove is provided running around the valve stem, wherein the last winding of the coil spring on the valve train side engages the groove, so that a form-fit connection is created between the valve stem and the last winding
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for cylinder valves of an internal combustion engine. In one example, a valve assembly may include a poppet valve and a valve spring. The valve spring includes a plurality of legs adapted to engage with an annular groove of the valve spring in order to couple the valve spring to the poppet valve.