Fiber reinforced, titanium composite engine valve
First Claim
1. A valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
- (a) a valve stem comprising a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, said valve stem comprising a composite, said composite comprising;
(i) a titanium-based metal binder matrix; and
(ii) an axially aligned cluster of refractory monofilaments incorporated into the binder matrix; and
(b) a valve head provided at the first end of the valve stem.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Lightweight, strong, engine valves that incorporate a valve stem made from a refractory monofilament-reinforced, titanium-based metal matrix composite. Advantageously, the composite of the present invention is sufficiently strong so that valve stems incorporating the composite can be hollow for providing significant weight reduction while meeting valve stem strength and stiffness specifications. The valve includes a valve stem comprising a first end, a second end, and EL longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The valve stem comprises a composite incorporating a titanium-based metal binder matrix and an axially aligned cluster of continuous, refractory monofilaments incorporated in the binder matrix. A valve head is provided at one end of the valve stem, and a valve tip is provided at the other end. The invention also relates to a method of making such valves. The invention further relates to a composite assembly from which such valves may be machined.
63 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
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(a) a valve stem comprising a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, said valve stem comprising a composite, said composite comprising; (i) a titanium-based metal binder matrix; and (ii) an axially aligned cluster of refractory monofilaments incorporated into the binder matrix; and (b) a valve head provided at the first end of the valve stem. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of making an internal combustion engine valve of the type in which a valve head is attached to a valve stem having a longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a cluster of axially aligned, refractory monofilaments, wherein each monofilament comprises a coating including a titanium-based metal or titanium alloy; (b) subjecting the cluster of axially aligned, coated monofilaments to conditions effective to form a composite comprising said monofilaments incorporated in a binder matrix comprising the titanium-based metal; and (c) incorporating at least a portion of the composite into the valve stem of the valve such that the monofilaments of the composite are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification