Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Washer structure – Spacer
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-25
2003-12-16
Wilson, Neill (Department: 3679)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Washer structure
Spacer
C411S061000, C411S383000, C411S544000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06663330
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an improved compression limiter utilized to transmit loads in an intake manifold assembly.
In an intake manifold assembly, fasteners are utilized to secure a plastic intake manifold to a component. The bolt load applied to the plastic intake manifold is reduced over time due to a condition known as material creep. Compression limiters are commonly employed to transmit the bolt load to the component and minimize plastic material creep.
In the prior art, metal compression limiters are inserted into a bore in the plastic intake manifold which receives the fastener, transmitting the bolt load to the component. However, the contact surface area of the compression limiter and the component is relatively small. Therefore, the compression limiters can press into and deform the material of the component over time, reducing the applied bolt load at the location of contact.
Hence, there is a need in the art for an improved compression limiter utilized to transmit loads in an intake manifold assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an improved compression limiter utilized to transmit loads in an intake manifold assembly.
The compression limiter of the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical body portion and a plurality of feet. The compression limiter is formed by a roll forming process. A plurality of notches are stamped along a lower edge of a flat sheet of stock. The notches are then bent to form a plurality of feet. The flat sheet of stock is then rolled to form a substantially cylindrical compression limiter. In the preferred embodiment, the compression limiter is formed of a high carbon steel.
Once installed, plurality of feet of the compression limiter bears the bolt load of a fastener which attaches a plastic intake manifold to a component. The compression limiter is interference fit within the plastic intake manifold and the plurality of feet are received within a foot bore in the plastic intake manifold and the component. When the fastener is installed, the head of the fastener contacts and bears down against the compression limiter, and the plurality of feet contact and transmit the bolt load to the component.
In an alternative embodiment, an angled portion attaches each foot to the body of the compression limiter. The angled portion accommodates for variations in the height of the plastic intake manifold and accounts for the height variations by reducing the height of the compression limiter.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved compression limiter utilized to transmit loads in an intake manifold assembly.
These and other features of the present invention will be best understood from the following specification and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3687496 (1972-08-01), Hindin
patent: 4867461 (1989-09-01), Shimmell
patent: 5071299 (1991-12-01), Sekine et al.
patent: 5094563 (1992-03-01), Carletti
patent: 5513603 (1996-05-01), Ang et al.
patent: 5704752 (1998-01-01), Logerot
patent: 5711711 (1998-01-01), Schmidt, Jr.
patent: 5807052 (1998-09-01), Van Boven et al.
patent: 6079922 (2000-06-01), Ross et al.
patent: 29709250 (1997-08-01), None
patent: 0936363 (1999-08-01), None
patent: 0942164 (1999-09-01), None
patent: 2315012 (1977-01-01), None
patent: 1407550 (1975-09-01), None
patent: 2216974 (1989-10-01), None
Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
Wilson Neill
LandOfFree
Roll pin compression limiter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Roll pin compression limiter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Roll pin compression limiter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3169010