Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Sandra Osip

Christopher Newman

Jeffrey Stancavage

John Carl Lohr

Katherine Jane Brewer

Erzabeth J Holcombe

Joshua D Simon

Ramon Michael Lee

Keith Haven

Todd Rakus

A vehicle component, and a method and tool for forming the component are provided. First and second tools with first and second surfaces, respectively, are provided. The first tool is translated along a first axis towards the second tool such that the first and second surfaces cooperate to define a mold cavity configured to form an accessory mount feature with an aperture. The second surface is configured to form an integrated rib extending outwardly from an upper surface of the mount feature to a planar bearing surface surrounding the aperture with the planar bearing surface oriented at an acute angle relative to the upper surface. The first axis is substantially parallel to the upper surface.

Vehicle component with an accessory mounting feature and a method and tool for forming

Methods and systems are provided for a fastening assembly. In one example, the fastening assembly includes a vibration dampening element, a two-piece insert, a lower portion, and a fastener configured to engage with the two-piece insert and the lower portion of the assembly. The fastening assembly may be at least partially assembled during manufacture of components to be coupled via the fastening assembly, allowing the components to be readily coupled during final installation of the fastening assembly.

Isolating fastener

A positive crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine routes blowby gases into the intake of the engine. Because the blowby gases have about 12% water vapor, during cold-weather operation, the water vapor may freeze in the PCV valve or in the port that couples the PCV duct with the intake manifold. In situations in which the PCV duct is pointing toward the direction of flow of the intake gases, a hood or cap is placed over the end of the tube according to the present disclosure. It can be as simple as a 90-degree elbow or multiple openings in the cap. A centerline of the openings is perpendicular or at an obtuse angle with respect to the direction of flow in the duct so that the intake gases do not directly access the openings and cause freezing in the openings (or ports).

Protective cap for a positive crankcase ventilation port and a method to manufacture

Systems are provided for aligning and assembling an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) assembly with an engine intake housing. In one example, an intake system may include an EGR port housing for coupling the EGR assembly on an intake housing. The EGR port housing may include one or more alignment tabs on at least one side of the EGR port housing for aligning and guiding the EGR assembly during installation onto the intake housing.

System for exhaust gas recirculation tube alignment

An engine cover having a feature that macro aligns the engine cover to the engine to quickly orientate the engine cover for correct assembly is provided. The features allow the installer to align the engine cover by touch. The locating lip is a macro feature formed integrally with the engine cover. The system includes an engine cover, a body attached to and extending from the engine cover. The body has an outer surface and an aperture for receiving a mechanical fastener. The aperture is formed through the outer surface. A locating lip extends outwardly from the outer surface. A doghouse feature may be formed on the engine cover. The body may be in the shape of an elongated tower that is attached to and extends from the doghouse feature. The locating lip is defined by a wall. The wall may be a ring-shaped wall or may be a semi-circular wall.

Engine cover assembly feature

An engine cover assembly having an integrally attached captive fastener or part-in-assembly fastener for attachment to an engine is disclosed. The engine cover assembly includes an engine cover having a fastener aperture formed in a recessed area thereof and a captive fastener assembly integrally attached to the cover. The captive fastener assembly includes an elongated fastener having a head or shoulder, a load limiting spacer disposed next to the shoulder of the elongated fastener, and a load limiter positioned next to the load limiting spacer. The load limiter has shoulders formed at both ends. The elongated fastener has a threaded end for attachment to a threaded insert positioned in the engine. Insulators are attached to the load limiting spacer and are positioned to either side of an area of the engine cover adjacent the fastener aperture, thus capturing the engine cover between the elongated fastener head and the load limiter.

Growing community of inventors

Livonia, MI, United States of America

Sandra Osip