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US 12,410,998 B2Granted
Valvetrain testing using instrumented pushrod
AssigneeTextron Innovations Inc.
InventorKyle Louis Antonette
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A technique for testing a pushrod valvetrain in an engine includes replacing an original pushrod with an instrumented pushrod (IPD) which includes a sensor configured to measure strain and/or motion. The engine is then operated, and the output of the sensor is monitored for anomalies. Diagnosis and repair of identified defects may then follow.
Claims20
A method of testing a pushrod valvetrain of an internal combustion engine, comprising:
- replacing a pushrod of the engine with an IPD (instrumented pushrod) that includes a sensor configured to measure strain and/or motion, the IPD configured to move back and forth within a tube and including a guide configured to move back and forth within a slot of the tube;
- operating the engine in a fired arrangement with the IPD in place;
- and
- monitoring the output of the sensor to identify anomalies.
1 more element
An apparatus for testing a pushrod valvetrain of an internal combustion engine, comprising:
- an IPD (instrumented pushrod) that includes a guide that extends radially outwardly from the IPD and a sensor configured to measure strain and/or motion;
- a tube within which the IPD is constructed and arranged to move back and forth when the engine is operated;
- and
- a measurement station constructed and arranged to receive measurements from the sensor and to identify anomalies in the measurements,
- wherein the tube includes a slot within which the guide is constructed and arranged to move back and forth when the engine is operated.
2 more elements
An instrumented pushrod (IPD), comprising:
- an elongated rod;
- a sensor attached to or integral with the elongated rod, the sensor constructed and arranged to measure strain and/or motion;
- and
- a guide that extends radially outwardly from the elongated rod, the guide constructed and arranged to resist rotation of the elongated rod during engine operation.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.