Valve bridge systems comprising valve bridge guide

A valve bridge system comprising:

• a valve bridge configured to extend between at least two engine valves of an internal combustion engine, the valve bridge comprising a lower surface facing the at least two engine valves and an upper surface opposite the lower surface;
• and
• a valve bridge guide comprising a first member fixed to the internal combustion engine, the first member comprising a first surface facing and at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the valve bridge when the at least two engine valves are in a closed state,
• wherein the predetermined distance is configured to prevent contact between the first surface and the upper surface when the valve bridge is in a controlled state relative to the at least two engine valves, and to permit contact between the first surface and the upper surface so as to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge when the valve bridge is in an uncontrolled state relative to the at least two engine valves.

A valve bridge system for use with an engine valve assembly of an internal combustion engine, the engine valve assembly comprising at least two engine valves, at least two valve springs corresponding to the at least two engine valves and at least two spring retainers corresponding to the at least two engine valves, the valve bridge system comprising:

• a valve bridge configured to extend between the at least two engine valves;
• and
• a valve bridge guide, operatively connected to the valve bridge, comprising a central opening configured to permit passage of at least a portion of the valve bridge and comprising a valve bridge control surface configured to selectively contact at least one of the valve bridge or the engine valve assembly,
• wherein the valve bridge guide is at least one separate component relative to the valve bridge,
• wherein the valve bridge control surface is configured to not contact the at least one of the valve bridge or the engine valve assembly when the valve bridge is in a controlled state relative to the at least two engine valves,
• and wherein the valve bridge control surface is configured to contact the at least one of the valve bridge or the engine valve assembly so as to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge when the valve bridge is in an uncontrolled state relative to the at least two engine valves.