U.S. patent application number 14/278618 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for valve guide insert with frictional pre-broach retention feature.
This patent application is currently assigned to K-Line Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is K-Line Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dwain Kamphuis, Thomas Knowles, II.
Application Number | 20140360453 14/278618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52004360 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140360453 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knowles, II; Thomas ; et
al. |
December 11, 2014 |
VALVE GUIDE INSERT WITH FRICTIONAL PRE-BROACH RETENTION FEATURE
Abstract
A valve guide insert for lining and relining a valve guide bore
in an internal combustion engine includes a one-piece, thin-walled,
cylindrically-shaped metallic tube made from reformable bearing
material having first and second ends and an intermediate portion.
An inwardly tapered portion is disposed at the first end, wherein
an end diameter of the inwardly tapered portion is less than an
outer diameter of a valve guide bore, and wherein the outer
diameter of the intermediate section is greater than an inner
diameter of a valve guide bore. A longitudinal slit is included
having a stepped portion along a length of the longitudinal slit.
An interference portion is disposed proximate the second end,
wherein the interference portion is configured to substantially
secure the valve guide insert within a valve guide bore.
Inventors: |
Knowles, II; Thomas;
(Holland, MI) ; Kamphuis; Dwain; (West Olive,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K-Line Industries, Inc. |
Holland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
K-Line Industries, Inc.
Holland
MI
|
Family ID: |
52004360 |
Appl. No.: |
14/278618 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61831794 |
Jun 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
123/188.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01L 2810/02 20130101;
F01L 3/08 20130101; F01L 2303/01 20200501; F01L 2303/00 20200501;
F01L 2301/02 20200501 |
Class at
Publication: |
123/188.9 |
International
Class: |
F01L 3/08 20060101
F01L003/08 |
Claims
1. A valve guide insert for lining and relining a valve guide bore
in an internal combustion engine having a valve with a valve stem,
the valve guide bore being configured to support the valve stem for
reciprocal motion, the valve guide insert comprising: a one-piece,
cylindrically-shaped metallic tube made from reformable bearing
material having first and second ends and an intermediate portion
extending between the first and second ends; a longitudinal slit
disposed along the length of the valve guide insert; an inwardly
tapered portion disposed at the first end, wherein a first outer
diameter of the inwardly tapered portion is less than an inner
diameter of a valve guide bore, and wherein a second diameter of
the intermediate section is greater than an inner diameter of a
valve guide bore; and an interference portion disposed proximate
the second end, wherein the interference portion is configured to
substantially secure the valve guide insert within a valve guide
bore.
2. The valve guide insert of claim 1, wherein the interference
portion includes a narrowed portion of the longitudinal slit, and
wherein the width of the slit at the narrowed portion is less than
the width of the slit distal to the narrowed portion, and wherein
the longitudinal slit includes a stepped portion.
3. The valve guide insert of claim 2, wherein the narrowed portion
has a substantially consistent width across the longitudinal
slit.
4. The valve guide insert of claim 2, wherein the width of the
narrowed portion decreases from a first width proximate the
intermediate portion to a second width distal from the intermediate
portion.
5. The valve guide insert of claim 1, wherein the interference
portion includes an outwardly flared portion.
6. The valve guide insert of claim 5, wherein the outwardly flared
portion has a consistent thickness.
7. The valve guide insert of claim 1, wherein the inwardly tapered
portion has a consistent thickness.
8. The valve guide insert of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of
the valve guide insert includes a substantially spiral groove
defined therein.
9. A valve guide insert for lining and relining a valve guide bore
in an internal combustion engine having a valve with a valve stem,
and the valve guide bore being configured to support the valve stem
for reciprocal motion, the valve guide insert comprising: a
one-piece, cylindrically-shaped metallic tube made from reformable
bearing material having first and second ends and an intermediate
portion extending between the first and second ends; an inwardly
tapered portion disposed at the first end, wherein a first outer
diameter of the inwardly tapered portion is less than an inner
diameter of the valve guide bore, and wherein a second outer
diameter of the intermediate portion is greater than an inner
diameter of the valve guide bore; a longitudinal slit disposed
along the length of the valve guide insert, wherein the
longitudinal slit includes a stepped portion; and an interference
portion disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface of the
valve guide insert.
10. The valve guide insert of claim 9, wherein the interference
portion includes an integral surface condition having a roughness
parameter of greater than about 32 Ra.
11. The valve guide insert of claim 10, wherein the interference
portion includes an applied grit material.
12. The valve guide insert of claim 9, wherein the interference
portion includes an adhesive compound.
13. The valve guide insert of claim 12, wherein the adhesive
compound is an anaerobic adhesive retaining compound.
14. The valve guide insert of claim 1, wherein the interference
portion includes a narrowed portion of the longitudinal slit, and
wherein the width of the slit at the narrowed portion is less than
the width of the slit distal to the narrowed portion.
15. The valve guide insert of claim 14, wherein the narrowed
portion has a substantially consistent width across the
longitudinal slit.
16. The valve guide insert of claim 14, wherein the width of the
narrowed portion decreases from a first width proximate the
intermediate portion to a second width distal from the intermediate
portion.
17. The valve guide insert of claim 9, wherein the valve guide
insert includes an outwardly flared portion proximate the second
end.
18. The valve guide insert of claim 9, wherein an inner surface of
the valve guide insert includes a substantially spiral groove
defined therein.
19. A valve guide insert for lining and relining a valve guide bore
in an internal combustion engine having a valve with a valve stem,
and the valve guide bore being configured to support the valve stem
for reciprocal motion, the valve guide insert comprising: a formed
cylindrical tube having a substantially consistent wall thickness,
first and second ends, first and second edges that extend between
the first and second ends and an intermediate portion defined
within the first and second ends and the first and second edges,
wherein the cylindrical tube is shaped such that the first and
second edges define a longitudinal slit along a length of the
cylindrical tube; and an outwardly flared portion of the
cylindrical tube is disposed proximate one of the first and second
ends.
20. The valve guide insert of claim 19, further comprising: an
interference portion disposed proximate the intermediate portion,
wherein the interference portion includes at least one of an
integral surface condition and an applied adhesive compound.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/831,794 filed on Jun. 6, 2013, entitled "VALVE GUIDE INSERT WITH
FRICTIONAL PRE-BROACH RETENTION FEATURE," the entire disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a valve guide insert for
use in internal combustion engines and the like, and in particular
to a thin-walled valve guide insert.
[0003] Valve guide inserts are commonly used in the construction
and rebuilding of cylinder heads in internal combustion engines.
More particularly, valve guide inserts are used to provide a wear
resistant bearing surface between cylinder heads and the associated
valves. Through extended use, valve guides within internal
combustion engines can become worn, thereby allowing the associated
valve to become sloppy within an associated cylinder. This
sloppiness may result in improper seating of the valve or even the
failure of the engine.
[0004] Cylinder heads associated with internal combustion engines
are typically cast from iron or other non-durable metals. Valve
guide inserts have become useful within the vehicle engine
manufacturing industry by providing a hardened bearing surface
between the valve guides and the associated valves, thereby
increasing the useful life of the valve guides. Valve guide inserts
have also become useful in the engine refurbishing industry by
allowing for a worn guide to be broached and a valve guide insert
to be inserted within the resurfaces and/or resized valve guide
bore, thereby allowing for the continued use of the engine.
[0005] Heretofore, valve guide inserts were tubular shaped members
formed of a hardened wear resistant metal. Typically, the valve
guide inserts were press-fit into a valve guide bore of a cylinder
head by way of a mechanical device that forcibly inserted the valve
guide inserts within the valve guide bores. A broaching tool was
then forced through the valve guide insert to form an interior bore
for guiding the associated valve, as well as to create a tight fit
of the valve guide insert within the valve guide floor.
Hand-inserted valve guide inserts are also used and eliminate the
need for mechanical inserting devises, thereby making the process
more efficient and less costly.
[0006] A problem associated with the use of conventional
hand-inserted valve guide inserts is the retention of the valve
guide inserts within the valve guide bore before using the
broaching tool. Depending upon the application, the valve guide
insert may be inserted into the valve guide bore, either from above
or below, to best take advantage of the various geometries and
configurations of internal combustion engines. As a result, a valve
guide insert that is inserted from below can have a tendency of
falling out of the valve guide bore before the broaching tool can
be used. Also, where several valve guide inserts are inserted into
several respective valve guide bores, the use of the broaching tool
in one of the valve guide bores may cause one or more of the
remaining unbroached valve guide inserts to slide through and/or
fall out of the valve guide bore due to vibrations caused by the
broaching tool.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, a valve guide insert for lining and
relining a valve guide bore in an internal combustion engine
includes a one-piece, thin-walled, cylindrically-shaped metallic
tube made from reformable bearing material having first and second
ends and an intermediate section that extends between the first and
second ends. An inwardly-tapered portion is disposed at the first
end, wherein an end diameter of the valve guide insert at the
inwardly tapered portion is less than an inner diameter of a valve
guide bore, and wherein the outer diameter of the intermediate
section is greater than an inner diameter of a valve guide bore. A
longitudinal slit is disposed along the length of the valve guide
insert. An interference portion is disposed proximate the second
end, wherein the interference portion is configured to
substantially secure the valve guide insert within a valve guide
bore.
[0008] In another embodiment, a valve guide insert for lining and
relining a valve guide bore in an internal combustion engine
includes a one-piece, thin-walled, cylindrically-shaped metallic
tube made from reformable bearing material having first and second
ends and an intermediate portion. An inwardly tapered portion is
disposed at the first end, wherein an end diameter of the valve
guide insert at the inwardly-tapered portion is less than an inner
diameter of a valve guide bore, and wherein the outer diameter of
the intermediate section is greater than an inner diameter of a
valve guide bore. A longitudinal slit is disposed along the length
of the valve guide insert, wherein the longitudinal slit includes a
stepped portion, and an interference portion is disposed on at
least a portion of an outer surface of the valve guide insert, the
interference portion having a roughness parameter of greater than
about 32 Ra.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, a valve guide insert for lining
and relining a valve guide bore in an internal combustion engine
includes a formed cylindrically-shaped tube having a substantially
consistent wall thickness. The cylindrical tube can have first and
second ends, first and second edges that extend between the first
and second ends, and an intermediate portion defined within the
first and second ends and first and second edges. The cylindrical
tube is shaped such that the first and second edges define a
longitudinal slit along the length of the cylindrical tube. An
outwardly flared portion of the cylindrical tube is disposed
proximate one of the first and second ends.
[0010] In other various embodiments, the apparatus described herein
can be incorporated into a method for broaching a valve guide
insert to shape the interior surface of a valve guide insert within
a valve guide bore of a cylinder head of a combustion engine.
[0011] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve guide insert installed in a valve guide bore of a cylinder
head of a combustion engine;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a valve
guide insert embodying the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the inner surface of the
valve guide insert of FIG. 2 with the valve guide insert in an
unrolled state;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an edge elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve guide insert of
FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the valve guide insert of
FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
valve guide insert embodying the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the inner surface of the
valve guide insert of FIG. 7 with the valve guide insert in an
unrolled state;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an edge elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the valve guide insert of
FIG. 7;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
valve guide insert embodying the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the inner surface of the
valve guide insert of FIG. 12 with the valve guide insert in an
unrolled state;
[0025] FIG. 14 is an edge elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the valve guide insert of
FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 16 is an end elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
valve guide insert embodying the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 18 is an elevation view of the inner surface of the
valve guide insert of FIG. 17 with the valve guide insert in an
unrolled state;
[0030] FIG. 19 is an edge elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 18;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the valve guide insert of
FIG. 17;
[0032] FIG. 21 is an end elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 17;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
valve guide insert embodying the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the inner surface of the
valve guide insert of FIG. 22 with the valve guide insert in an
unrolled state;
[0035] FIG. 24 is an edge elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 23;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the valve guide insert of
FIG. 22; and
[0037] FIG. 26 is an end elevation view of the valve guide insert
of FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] For purposes of description herein the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as
oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device
may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences,
except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification
are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined
in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, reference numeral 10 generally
designates a valve guide insert for lining and relining a valve
guide bore 12 in an internal combustion engine (not shown). The
internal combustion engine includes a valve section such as a
cylinder head 14 that includes a valve having a valve stem 18 and a
valve head 20. The valve guide bore 12 is configured to support the
valve stem 18 for reciprocal motion. The valve guide insert 10
includes a thin-walled, generally one-piece, cylindrically-shaped
metallic tube 22 having a first end 24, a second end 26, an
intermediate or long section 28 located between the first end 24
and the second end 26, and an inwardly tapered portion 30 disposed
at the first end 24 where the diameter at a narrow end 32 of the
inwardly tapered portion 30 of the first end 24 is smaller than the
diameter of the valve guide insert 10 distal from the inwardly
tapered portion 30.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the tube 22 further includes a
longitudinally extending slit 34 that extends along the entire
length of the tube 22. The slit 34 includes a step 36 or offset
along its length. The slit 34 allows for compression of the tube 22
and reduction in the associated diameters of the tube 22 as the
valve guide insert 10 is inserted into the valve guide bore 12, and
also allows for expansion of the associated diameters of the tube
22 as the valve guide insert 10 is broached. In the various
embodiments, the slit 34 is defined between first and second edges
38, 40 of the metallic member that forms the tube 22 of the valve
guide insert 10. The intermediate portion or long section 28 is
defined between the first and second ends 24, 26 and the first and
second edges 38, 40 forms the tube 22. When the metal member is
rolled to form the tube 22, the first and second edges 38, 40
define the slit 34 of the valve guide insert 10. In various
embodiments, it is contemplated that the longitudinal slit 34 can
be a linear slit 34 having no step 36 included therein.
[0041] Referring again to FIG. 1, the valve guide insert 10 is
adapted for insertion into the valve guide bore 12 of a cylinder
head 14 for the internal combustion engine. The valve guide insert
10 is adapted for use in a cylinder head 14 with a valve guide bore
12 machined therein. The cylinder head 14 includes an exposed
shoulder portion 52 located at one end of the valve guide bore 12.
Typically, the exposed shoulder 52 will be integral with the
cylinder head 14 and machined to the proper dimensions. The valve
stem 18 of the valve passes through the valve guide bore 12 during
assembly. A valve spring 54 encircles the exposed shoulder 52 of
the cylinder head 14, and the valve 16 is retained therein by a
pair of valve keepers (not shown). The valve stem 18 extends
downward and terminates in the valve head 20 (or valve flange) that
seats against a valve seat 56. The valve seat 56 is typically
machined into the lower surface of the cylinder head 14. The valve
16 opens into an engine combustion chamber (not shown). The valve
spring 54 retains the valve 16 in a closed position relative to the
valve seat 56, except when the valve 16 is forced downward by a
rocker arm (not shown) or other biasing mechanism of the
engine.
[0042] Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the valve guide insert 10 is
configured to have a first outer diameter 70 at the narrow end 32
of the inwardly tapered portion 30 that is smaller than the inner
diameter 72 of the valve guide bore 12 such that the valve guide
insert 10 can be inserted into the valve guide bore 12. A second
outer diameter 74 of the valve guide insert 10 distal from the
inwardly tapered portion 30 is greater than an inner diameter 72 of
the valve guide bore 12. In this manner, as the valve guide insert
10 is inserted in the valve guide bore 12, the valve guide insert
10 is compressed and the slit 34 becomes substantially closed. The
configuration of the metallic material of the valve guide insert 10
is such that the valve guide insert 10 tends to retain its original
diameter such that the valve guide insert 10 is biased outwardly
against the inner diameter 72 of the valve guide bore 12 thereby
creating an at least partial compression and/or friction fit
between the valve guide insert 10 and the valve guide bore 12.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the interior surface 80 of the
tube 22 can include oil retaining grooves 82 having a generally
spiral pattern. The spiral pattern is typically disposed on the
interior surface 80 of the valve guide insert 10 and is created on
the interior surface 80 of the valve guide insert 10 during the
process for rolling the material into the generally cylindrical
shape that characterizes the valve guide insert 10. As will be
discussed below, other marking or etching patterns can be installed
in or on the interior of outer surface 122 of the valve guide
insert 10 as the metallic material is rolled into the cylindrical
shape. Once the valve guide insert 10 is disposed within the valve
guide bore 12, a broaching tool (not shown) is used to shape the
interior surface 80 of the valve guide insert 10 within the valve
guide bore 12 to create the desired interior diameter necessary for
the reciprocal movement of the valves 16. The broaching apparatus
and method for broaching the valve guide insert 10 is generally
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,846 entitled BROACH TOOL AND
METHOD OF REPAIR to Kammeraad et al., the entirety of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0044] In the various embodiments, the valve guide insert 10 is
generally made of a substantially malleable metallic material that
can include bronze, copper, alloys thereof, or other substantially
malleable metallic material that can be formed through the use of
the broaching tool.
[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the valve guide insert 10 can
also include an outwardly flared portion 90 at the second end 26 of
the valve guide insert 10, where a third outer diameter 92 of the
valve guide insert 10 at a wide end 94 of the flared portion 90 is
greater than the second outer diameter 74 of the valve guide insert
10 distal to the flared portion 90. In this manner, the flared
portion 90 of the valve guide insert 10 in connection with the
flexibility of the valve guide insert 10 provided by the slit 34,
provides an additional compression and/or frictional resistance fit
when the valve guide insert 10 is inserted into the valve guide
bore 12. In this manner, the valve guide insert 10 is inserted into
the valve guide bore 12, such that the flared portion 90 of the
valve guide insert 10 engages either a first or second end 24, 26
of the valve guide bore 12. As the valve guide insert 10 is pressed
into the valve guide bore 12, the valve guide bore 12 biases the
flared portion 90 in an inward direction.
[0046] According to the various embodiments, the valve guide insert
10 is made from a metallic sheet that is rolled into a cylindrical
form. In this manner, the valve guide insert 10 is configured to
substantially retain and tends to retain its originally rolled
cylindrical shape. Accordingly, as the flared portion 90 of the
valve guide insert 10 is compressed inward by one of the ends of
the valve guide bore 12, the valve guide insert 10 biases against
the valve guide bore 12 at least at the flared portion 90 to create
a compression and/or frictional fit such that the valve guide
insert 10 substantially remains within the valve guide bore 12. In
this way, additional valve guide inserts 10 can be inserted into
the remaining valve guide bores 12 of the combustion engine and the
broaching tool can be used on the various valve guide inserts 10,
while the valve guide inserts 10 substantially retain their
position within each of their respective valve guide bores 12. This
compression or frictional fit can make the entire process of
inserting the valve guide inserts 10 and using the broaching tool a
more efficient process where all of the valve guide inserts 10 can
be positioned in one step 36 and all of the valve guide inserts 10
can be broached in a single subsequent step 36.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the flared portion 90 can extend
approximately 0.125'' from the end of the valve guide insert 10.
Also, the third outer diameter 92 of the valve guide insert 10 at
the wide end 94 of the flared portion 90 can be within the range of
about 0.032'' greater than the second outer diameter 74 of the
valve guide insert 10 distal to the flared portion 90. In various
alternate embodiments, the length of the flared portion 90 and the
third outer diameter 92 at the wide end 94 of the flared portion 90
can be increased or decreased depending upon the particular
application or design needs involved.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 6-10 of the illustrated embodiment,
the slit 34 of the valve guide insert 10 can include a tabbed
portion 100 at the second end 26 of the valve guide insert 10,
wherein the width of the slit 34 is narrower at the tabbed portion
100. It is contemplated that the tabbed portion 100 can extend from
the second end 26 approximately 0.125 inches. It is further
contemplated that the tabbed portion 100 can extend into the slit
34 approximately 0.005 inches on each side of the slit 34. It
should be understood that different dimensions are also
contemplated.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 11-15, in an alternate embodiment,
the slit 34 of the valve guide insert 10 can include a tapered
portion 110 located at the second end 26 of the valve guide insert
10. The slit 34 at the tapered portion 110 generally narrows from a
first width 112 to a second width 114, wherein the first width 112
is the same width as the portions of the slit 34 distal from the
tapered portion 110, and wherein the second width 114 is narrower
than the first width 112.
[0050] Referring again to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
6-15, the embodiments of the valve guide insert 10 that contain
either the tabbed portion 100 or tapered portion 110 of the slit 34
can serve to hold the valve guide insert 10 within the valve guide
bore 12 during the broaching process. The tabbed portions 100 or
tapered portions 110 are configured such that when the valve guide
insert 10 is inserted into the valve guide bore 12, the slit 34 is
substantially closed at the first and second ends 24, 26. However,
the configuration of the slit 34 with the narrower width at the
tabbed portion 100 or tapered portions 110 and the larger width of
the slit 34 along the remaining length of the valve guide insert 10
forms the valve guide insert 10 into a generally tapered shape when
the valve guide insert 10 is placed within the valve guide bore 12.
In this manner, the valve guide insert 10 is compressed to a
smaller diameter at the first end 24 than at the second end 26.
This tapered configuration creates a generally snug fit between the
valve guide insert 10 and the valve guide bore 12 such that the
valve guide insert 10 is positioned within the valve guide bore 12
by creating a sufficient friction and/or compression fit such that
the valve guide insert 10 remains substantially in place during the
broaching process. Also, the additional surface area of the valve
guide insert 10 located at the second end 26 in these embodiments
provides additional surface area that can substantially secure the
valve guide insert 10 within the valve guide bore 12. In this
embodiment, the valve guide insert 10 can be formed into a
generally cylindrical shape, or a tapered geometry, without losing
the structural benefits of having a generally tapered valve guide
insert 10 for retention within the valve guide bore 12.
[0051] In alternate embodiments, the configurations of the valve
guide insert 10 having the tabbed portions 100 or tapered portions
110 of the slit 34 can also include the flared portion 90, as
discussed above. When the flared portion 90 of the valve guide
insert 10 is formed in conjunction with the valve guide insert 10
having either the tapered portion 110 or the tabbed portion 100,
the flared portion 90 can be formed with minimal loss of material
as a result of expanding the diameter of the valve guide insert 10
to form the flared portion 90. Typically, when the flared portion
90 of the valve guide insert 10 is created and the slit 34 has a
substantially consistent width, as the flared portion 90 is formed,
the thickness of the material at the flared portion 90 can become
thinner than the cross-sectional thickness of the remaining
portions of the valve guide insert 10. The inclusion of the tabbed
portion 100 or the tapered portion 110 tends to minimize the
thinning of the valve guide insert 10 at the flared portion 90 such
that the material of the flared portion 90 can have a substantially
consistent thickness.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 16-20 of the illustrated embodiments,
the valve guide insert 10 can also include an interference portion,
where the interference portion can include an anaerobic adhesive
retaining compound 120 that is disposed on at least a portion of an
outer surface 122 of the valve guide insert 10. The anaerobic
adhesive retaining compound 120 is in the form of a liquid when
applied. When sealed between metals, such that the anaerobic
adhesive retaining compound 120 is isolated from oxygen and also in
the presence of metal ions, such as copper or iron, the anaerobic
adhesive retaining compound 120 cures. By way of explanation and
not limitation, when a valve guide insert 10 that has an applied
layer of the anaerobic adhesive retaining compound 120 is inserted
into the valve guide bore 12 defined by the metallic block of the
cylinder head 14, the anaerobic adhesive retaining compound 120
rapidly cures or hardens to form a cross-linked plastic with rugged
adhesion to many metals. When cured, the anaerobic adhesive
retaining compound 120 has high shear strength. In addition, as the
anaerobic adhesive retaining compound 120 cures, the anaerobic
adhesive retaining compound 120 substantially fills the microscopic
gaps between interfacing metallic materials to positively lock and
seal the metallic materials, preventing lateral movement and
substantially protecting the joint from corrosion that can result
from moisture, gasses and fluids. The anaerobic adhesive retaining
compound 120 used in such an embodiment is similar to the anaerobic
adhesive retaining compounds 120 manufactured by LOCTITE.RTM.. In
the various embodiments, the retaining compound 120 can be applied
to the valve guide insert 10 before the valve guide insert 10 is
rolled into the cylindrical shape, after the cylindrical shape is
formed or during the rolling process. In addition, FIGS. 16 and 19
show non-limiting examples of areas of the outer surface 122 on
which the retaining compound 120 can be applied. In other alternate
embodiments, the retaining compound 120 can be located on the
entire outer surface 122 of the valve guide insert 10 or a
different portion of the valve guide insert 10.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 16-20, when the valve guide insert
10 having the retaining compound 120 is inserted into the valve
guide bore 12, the retaining compound 120 serves to increase the
frictional fit between the valve guide insert 10 and the valve
guide bore 12. In this manner, when inserted into the valve guide
bore 12, the valve guide insert 10 substantially retains its
position within the valve guide bore 12 before the broaching
process, while other valve guide inserts 10 are being broached and
during the broaching of the particular valve guide insert 10. It is
contemplated that the retaining compound 120 can be disposed on any
one or more of the embodiments of the valve guide insert 10
described herein.
[0054] As with previous embodiments discussed herein, the increased
frictional fit between the valve guide insert 10 and the valve
guide bore 12 allows the user to insert valve guide inserts 10
within all of the valve guide bores 12 to be refurbished as a first
step. The broaching tool can then be used in a second step to
broach each of the valve guide inserts 10 within the respective
valve guide bores 12 without substantial interruption to secure the
valve guide inserts 10. Such a two-step process can generally be
more efficient and cost effective than repeatedly inserting a
single valve guide insert 10 and then broaching that single valve
guide insert 10 within the valve guide bore 12 before inserting and
broaching the next valve guide insert 10.
[0055] In alternate embodiments, other materials can be applied to
the other surface of the valve guide insert 10 to increase the
frictional coefficient of a portion of the outer surface 122 of the
valve guide insert 10. These alternate materials can include, but
are not limited to, various adhesives, various particulate matter,
or other such materials that can increase the frictional
coefficient of at least a portion of the outer surface 122 of the
valve guide insert 10.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 21-25 of the illustrated embodiments,
the interference portion of the valve guide insert 10 can also
include a textured portion 130 of the outer surface 122 of the
valve guide insert 10. The textured portion 130 can include a
raised or rough surface, etching patterns, or other surface
condition integrally defined within the outer surface 122 of the
valve guide insert 10. While the figures show a defined area on the
outer surface 122 of the valve guide insert 10 for including the
textured portion 130, various embodiments can include the textured
portion 130 upon the entire outer surface 122 of the valve guide
insert 10 or the textured portion 130 being applied to an
alternatively dimensioned portion of the outer surface 122 of the
valve guide insert 10. By way of explanation, and not limitation,
the textured portion 130 can be configured to have a profile
roughness parameter (Ra) of greater than about 32 Ra. It is
contemplated that other roughness parameters can be used. The
textured portion 130 used in the various embodiments can include an
irregularly textured surface, a texture having a regular pattern,
or other similarly configured surface condition. In various
embodiments, the textured portion 130 can be applied to the outer
surface 122 of the valve guide insert 10 during the process of
rolling the metallic material into the cylindrical shape that
defines the valve guide insert 10. Such an applied material can
include an applied grit material, granules, or other applied
material. In alternate embodiments, the textured portion 130 can
also be applied either before or after this rolling process. In the
various embodiments, it is contemplated that any one or more of the
embodiments of the valve guide insert 10 described herein can
include the textured portion 130 along at least a portion of the
valve guide insert 10.
[0057] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described invention and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0058] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the
exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown in multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system may be constructed from any of the wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
the wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions,
modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,
operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other
exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
present innovations.
[0059] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed
herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as
limiting.
[0060] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure and methods without
departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further
it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be
covered by the following claims unless these claims by their
language expressly state otherwise.
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