Design and parametric characterization of flexure bearing as automotive valve spring replacement

Abstract

Automotive valve springs occupy substantial space in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. In this paper, the design and analyses of a flat spring concept, known as flexure bearing are presented. Further, design approach, characteristics and parametric characterizations of a single-piece flexure bearing concept are outlined. Finite element analysis was used in examining the flexure bearing strength for different designs, materials and thicknesses. The results show that the maximum stress values are independent of the material types when the number of arm is three and above. The strain values are limited to less than 1% for all materials when the thickness is more than 1mm.  The results have provided characteristics for future selection of the flexure bearing in relation to the intended axial displacement.