Emergency portable adjustable engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) lock-in device

Abstract

An Emergency Portable Adjustable Engine-fan Assembly (fan clutch) Lock-in device, for emergency use, when engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) fails, and vehicle, large semi-truck trailer(s) combinations are forced to stop because engine oil and coolant immediately stop being properly cooled, and cannot move on own power until repaired; this device when installed allows vehicle to drive with own engine power to nearest safe-haven or repair facility.

Claims

1. An emergency portable adjustable engine-fan assembly lock-in device for use with an engine comprising a fan clutch within an engine-fan assembly, an engine hub having multiple raised humps, compression disc friction ring plate covers that are held to housing by fastener, the lock-in device comprising: a locking key body having a first end portion and a second end portion; said first end portion having recessed portions on both sides of a raised center positioning guide; each recessed portion extending from a top side and terminating in a first shoulder portion adjacent a proximal end of the second end portion; wherein said first end portion is configured to fit under and between loosened compression disc friction ring plate covers; and said second end portion having a slotted semi-circular fork at a distal end thereof configured to be positioned over a raised hump of an engine hub.

2. The lock-in device of claim 1, further comprising an arrow on at least one of the recessed portions to indicate insertion direction.

3. The lock-in device of claim 1, further comprising a second shoulder portion on a bottom side of the second end portion facing the distal end of the second end portion.

4. A method of mounting an emergency portable adjustable engine-fan assembly lock-in device in an engine comprising a fan clutch within an engine-fan assembly and an engine hub, the method comprising: mounting a plurality of lock-in devices between the fan clutch and the engine hub, each lock-in device comprising: a locking key body having a first end portion and a second end portion; said first end portion having recessed portions on both sides of a raised center positioning guide; each recessed portion extending from a top side and terminating in a first shoulder portion adjacent the second end portion; and said second end portion having a slotted semi-circular fork at a distal end thereof, turning the engine-fan until fasteners on adjacent compression disc friction ring plate covers correspond with a raised hump of engine hub; loosening said compression disc friction ring plate covers and inserting said first end portion under and between the covers such that the positioning guide extends between said compression disc friction ring plate covers and the slotted semi-circular fork engages corresponding one of the raised humps of an engine hub; applying an adequate amount of thread locker to threads of said fasteners, tightening said fasteners then repeat the same procedure with the remainder of the plurality of lock-in devices on the engine-fan assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1-A: Front perspective of the drawings.

(2) FIG. 1-B: Back perspective of locking-key.

(3) FIG. 1-C: Left-side perspective of locking-key.

(4) FIG. 1-D: Left-side section perspective of locking-key.

(5) FIG. 2: Assembled view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) As shown in drawings, the preferred Emergency Portable Adjustable Engine-fan Assembly (fan clutch) Lock-in Device in accordance with present invention is a accomplished by three (3) locking keys (1) that are identical. Each is put into place, with the engine shut off, key removed from ignition key switch for safety, vehicle hood open, position self at back of engine-fan assembly (fan clutch), use hand to turn engine-fan (11) until two screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. (10), on compression disc friction ring plate cover (8) are over raised hump of engine hub (9), loosen screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. (10). Do not take completely out, pull compression disc friction ring plate cover (8) from housing, then take a locking-key (1) with arrows (3) directly facing self, pointing upward, slide and fit under and between loosened compression disc friction ring plate cover (8) screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. (10), the opposite end of locking-key (1) having proper alignment of slotted circular fork (4) over raised hump of engine hub (9), the apply an adequate amount of thread locker to threads of screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. (10), then tighten, repeat the same procedure with locking-keys (1) 2 and 3 on the engine-fan assembly (fan clutch).

(7) Note: Alignment for locking keys (1) 2 and 3 is made after the first locking-key is installed.

(8) Note: All three (3) locking-keys must be installed properly for proper operation. By hand turn engine fan (11) to make sure engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) is locked with engine-hub (9) after appropriate time for thread locker to cure, start engine, then shut off, check the device for proper fit; once satisfied device is properly installed and secure, re-start engine, drive, monitoring engine oil and coolant temperatures to nearest safe-haven, or repair facility. The device can be removed and stored for next use.

(9) Note: This device is for emergency use only to reach safe-haven or nearest repair facility.