Dual purpose threaded insert/compression limiter
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsMarc L. Friedrich, Martin K. Scott, Kevin W. Herrala
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cover member includes a body member made of a composite material and including a mounting flange. A plurality of compression limiters are disposed in the mounting flange, the compression limiters have a predetermined thickness and an internally threaded aperture therein. The dual function compression limiters eliminate the need for separate threaded inserts. With the dual function compression limiter, every bolt location provides a potential location for a jack screw.
Claims12
An internal combustion engine, comprising:
- an engine structure having a plurality of threaded bolt holes therein;
- a cover mounted to the engine structure and made from a composite material, the cover including a flange portion having a plurality of compression limiters disposed therein, the compression limiters having an internal thread having a internal diameter larger than the threaded bolt holes in the engine structure;
- and
- a plurality of mounting bolts extending through the compression limiters and threadedly engaged with the threaded bolt holes in the engine structure.
A method of removing a composite cover from an internal combustion engine including an engine structure having a plurality of threaded bolt holes, and a composite cover including a flange portion connected to the engine structure by a sealant and having a plurality of compression limiters disposed therein, the compression limiters having an internal thread having a pitch diameter larger than the threaded bolt holes, a plurality of mounting bolts extending through the compression limiters and threadably engaged with the threaded bolt holes in the engine structure, the method comprising:
- removing the mounting bolts from the threaded bolt holes in the engine structure and threadably inserting a plurality of bolts into the internal thread of the compression limiters and against the engine structure surrounding the plurality of bolt holes to apply a separating force to the cover to overcome the sealant connection of the flange.
A cover member, comprising:
- a body member made of a composite material and including a mounting flange;
- a plurality of compression limiters made of metal and disposed in the mounting flange, the compression limiter having a predetermined thickness and an internally threaded aperture therein;
- a plurality of mounting bolts received in the compression limiters;
- and
- a plurality of annular bolt retainers removably received within the compression limiters between the mounting bolts and the compression limiters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.