Metal alloy castings with cast-in-place tubes for fluid flow
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsGuangling Song, Bob R. Powell, JR., Edward P. Becker, Anil K. Sachdev, Thomas A. Perry
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A major engine casting, such as an engine block or a cylinder head, fabricated of either magnesium or aluminum alloy, has a cast-in-place metal tube or form embedded within it. The tube or form enables circulation of liquid while substantially physically isolating the casting alloy from the circulating liquid and thereby restricting or eliminating corrosive interaction between them.
Claims20
A cylinder block casting or cylinder head casting for an internal combustion engine, the casting being formed of a cast magnesium alloy or aluminum alloy, the casting comprising a liquid flow passage intended for flow of a liquid composition that is chemically destructive of the cast alloy, the liquid flow passage being formed of a cast-in-place metal tube of a metal composition that isolates the cast alloy from the liquid while permitting the liquid to serve its intended function in the cylinder block or cylinder head.
A method of imparting enhanced corrosion resistance from water- based coolants to a cast engine component fabricated of a casting alloy comprising the steps of:
- selecting a material which is (i) resistant to corrosion by water-based coolants, (ii) does not react destructively with the casting alloy and (iii) has a melting point which is higher than the pouring temperature of the casting alloy;
- fabricating a continuous leak-free coolant circulation system from the selected material;
- treating the surface of the coolant circulation system to prepare it for reaction with the casting alloy;
- placing the fabricated coolant circulation system in a mold intended for casting the engine component;
- pouring the casting alloy into the mold at a selected pouring temperature;
- and
- allowing the casting alloy to solidify and incorporate the at least one prefabricated fluid circulation system wherein the fluid circulation system is cast into the engine component.
A cast magnesium or aluminum engine block for an internal combustion engine wherein at least one of a circulating fluid is contained within an at least one prefabricated fluid circulation system comprising a plurality of assembled helical coils of generally cylindrical form each of which surrounds a cylinder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.