Insulated heat shield

• US 6,598,389 B2
• Filed: 06/12/2001
• Issued: 07/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC (Dana, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dana Corporation (Dana, Inc.)
• Inventors: Popielas, Frank Walter, Matias, Calin, Boogemans, Mark, Chen, Colin Ching-Ho
• Primary Examiner(s): Denion, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): TRAN, BINH Q
• Application Number:
  US09/879,879
• Publication Number:
  US 20020184880A1
• Time in Patent Office: 777 Days
• Field of Search: 602/72, 602/82, 603/22, 603/23, 603/20, 123/198.E, 123/195.C, 123/169.PH, 138/149, 137/375
• US Class Current: 60/323
• CPC Class Codes: F01N 13/102 having thermal insulation
• CPC Class Codes: F01N 13/14 having thermal insulation exhaust manifolds F01N13/102

Abstract

A heat shield provides thermal insulation and reduced noise transmission for under-the-hood vehicular engine components, such as exhaust manifolds. The structure is formed in three layers: an outer metal layer to provide structural integrity, a center insulation layer to isolate heat and dampen noise, and an inner metal layer directly adjacent the shielded component for reflecting heat back to the shielded component. As disclosed, the insulation layer is sandwiched between the two metal layers. The heat shield is formed in two integral mating halves to define a unitary structure containing grommets. The grommets incorporate capscrews rotatably secured in respective halves of the structure for attachment to mounting bosses on the component. Finally, the edges of the two metal layers of the heat shield are folded over to prevent injury to installers, and to reinforce the heat shield structure for enhancing its useful life under severe conditions of vibration and heat.

Claims

1. A heat shield for an under-the-hood vehicular engine component comprising three layers:

an outer metal layer, an insulation layer, and an inner metal layer positioned directly proximal to the shielded component, said insulation layer selectively positionable intermediately between said metal layers, said layers collectively providing thermal insulation of, and reduced noise transmission from, said component, wherein said heat shield is formed in at least a pair of integral mating portions to define a unitary structure containing mounting grommets, wherein said grommets incorporate fastening members rotatably secured in respective portions of said shield, wherein said fastening members selectively attach said shield to said component.

2. A heat shield for an under-the-hood vehicular engine component comprising:

at least three layers;

an outer metal layer, an insulation layer, and an inner metal layer that is selectively positionable directly proximal to the shielded component;

said insulation layer positioned intermediately between said outer and inner metal layers;

wherein said outer and inner metal layers and said insulation layer collectively providing thermal insulation of, and reduced noise transmission from, said component;

wherein said heat shield is formed in at least a pair of integral mating longitudinally extending half portions that are connected together by an integral bridge to define a unitary structure generally corresponding in shape to said component so as to encase said component when said shield is selectively attached to said component;

said shield further containing mounting grommets, wherein said grommets incorporate fastening members rotatably secured in respective portions of said shield, wherein said fastening members selectively attach said shield to said component.

3. The heat shield of claim 2, wherein circumferential edges of the two metal layers of the heat shield are folded over to reinforce said heat shield structure under conditions of vibration and heat.

4. The heat shield of claim 2, wherein said component comprises an exhaust manifold fixed to said engine for carrying hot engine gases away from said engine.

5. The heat shield of claim 3 wherein said fastening members comprise capscrews and nuts rotatable within said mounting grommets.

6. The heat shield of claim 4 wherein said capscrews and nuts selectively engage mounting bosses for securement of said heat shield to said component.

7. The heat shield of claim 6 further comprising a gap that extends longitudinally between said half portions, and wherein said gap also defines a medial separation between said half-portions.

8. The heat shield of claim 7 wherein said inner metal layer directly adjacent said shielded component reflects heat back to the shielded component.

9. The heat shield of claim 8 further comprising at least one aperture for accommodating protruding portions of said component, wherein said aperture is interrupted by said gap that extends medially between said half portions.

10. The heat shield of claim 9 wherein said circumferential edges of said metal layers of said heat shield are folded over to protect hands and fingers of an installer from contact with sharp edges.

11. A heat shield for an under-the-hood vehicular engine component comprising three layers:

an outer metal layer, an insulation layer, and an inner metal layer selectively positionable directly proximal to the shielded component, said insulation layer positioned intermediately between said metal layers, said layers collectively providing thermal insulation of, and reduced noise transmission from, said component, wherein said heat shield is formed in at least a pair of integral mating portions to define a unitary structure containing mounting grommets, wherein said grommets incorporate fastening members rotatably secured in respective portions of said shield, wherein said fastening members selectively attach said shield to said component, wherein said heat shield further comprises at least one aperture for accommodating protruding portions of said component, and wherein said aperture is interrupted by a gap that extends medially between said half portions.

12. A heat shield for an under-the-hood vehicular engine component comprising three layers:

an outer metal layer, an insulation layer, and an inner metal layer selectively positionable directly proximal to the shielded component, said insulation layer positioned intermediately between said metal layers, said layers collectively providing thermal insulation of, and reduced noise transmission from, said component, wherein said heat shield is formed in at least a pair of integral mating portions to define a unitary structure containing mounting grommets, wherein said grommets incorporate fastening members rotatably secured in respective portions of said shield, wherein said fastening members selectively attach said shield to said component, wherein said heat shield comprises two longitudinally extending half portions connected by an integral bridge to define a unitary body, wherein circumferential edges of said two metal layers of the heat shield are folded over to reinforce said heat shield structure under conditions of vibration and heat, wherein said component comprises an exhaust manifold fixed to said engine, wherein said exhaust manifold carries hot engine gases away from said engine, wherein said fastening members comprise capscrews and nuts rotatable within said mounting grommets, wherein said capscrews and nuts selectively engaging mounting bosses for securement of said heat shield to said component, wherein said heat shield further comprises a gap that extends longitudinally between said half portions, wherein said gap also extends medially between said half portions, wherein said heat shield further comprises at least one aperture for accommodating protruding portions of said component, and wherein said aperture is interrupted by said medially extending gap.