Rocker arm assembly for an engine

Abstract

In one embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a rocker cradle for an engine, the rocker cradle being integrally-formed and comprising a plurality of hoops for supporting at least one rocker arm pivotably mounted on a spindle, the plurality of hoops being formed integrally with the rocker cradle. In another embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a method for installing a rocker arm of an engine. The method comprises using a valve-compression tool to depress at least one valve of the engine; placing the rocker arm in an integrally-formed rocker cradle; passing a spindle through a hoop in the integrally-formed rocker cradle and through the rocker arm; and releasing the depressed valve onto the rocker arm. Further related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

1 . A rocker cradle for an engine, the rocker cradle being integrally-formed and comprising a plurality of hoops for supporting at least one rocker arm pivotably mounted on a spindle, the plurality of hoops being formed integrally with the rocker cradle.  
   
   
       2 . A rocker cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the rocker cradle is capable of accepting the installation of the at least one rocker arm while at least one valve of the engine is depressed using a valve-compression tool.  
   
   
       3 . A rocker cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the rocker cradle is capable of accepting the installation of the at least one rocker arm without a bolt being secured against the bias of a valve spring.  
   
   
       4 . A rocker cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the rocker cradle comprises high-quality steel.  
   
   
       5 . A rocker cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the rocker cradle comprises a metal-matrix composite material.  
   
   
       6 . A rocker arm assembly for an engine, the rocker arm assembly comprising: 
 a rocker cradle being integrally-formed and comprising a plurality of hoops for supporting at least one rocker arm pivotably mounted on a spindle, the plurality of hoops being formed integrally with the rocker cradle.    at least one rocker arm pivotably mounted on a spindle supported on at least one of the plurality of hoops.    
   
   
       7 . A rocker arm assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein each of the at least one rocker arms comprises a reduced mass overhang.  
   
   
       8 . A rocker arm assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the spindle comprises high-quality steel with a lubricating coating.  
   
   
       9 . A rocker arm assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one rocker arm comprises high-quality steel.  
   
   
       10 . A rocker arm assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein four rocker arms are pivotably mounted on the integrally-formed rocker cradle.  
   
   
       11 . A rocker arm assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the engine is a V-8 engine.  
   
   
       12 . A rocker arm assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the four rocker arms pivot against four valves of the V-8 engine.  
   
   
       13 . A rocker arm assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the engine comprises at least one corresponding pair of pushrods and valves, between each corresponding pair of which one of the at least one rocker arms is pivotably mounted.  
   
   
       14 . A method for installing a rocker arm of an engine, the method comprising: 
 using a valve-compression tool to depress at least one valve of the engine;    placing the rocker arm in an integrally-formed rocker cradle;    passing a spindle through a hoop in the integrally-formed rocker cradle and through the rocker arm; and    releasing the depressed valve onto the rocker arm.    
   
   
       15 . A method for removing a rocker arm of an engine, the method comprising: 
 using a valve-compression tool to depress at least one valve of the engine;    removing a spindle from the rocker arm and from a hoop in an integrally-formed rocker cradle; and    removing the rocker arm from the integrally-formed rocker cradle.