Retention Assembly for Variable Valve Actuation

Abstract

In one embodiment, a rocker arm assembly configured for variable valve actuation includes at least one rocker arm, a first valve and a second valve, a valve bridge configured to be actuated by the at least one rocker arm and including a first opening and a second opening for respectively receiving the first valve and the second valve, and a retention assembly at least partially received by the first opening of the valve bridge. The retention assembly includes a push nut and a ring for supporting the push nut. The retention assembly is configured to retain the first valve when the first valve is inserted into the first opening so as to resist separation of the valve bridge from the first valve.

Claims

1. A rocker arm assembly configured for variable valve actuation, the rocker arm assembly comprising: at least one rocker arm; a first valve and a second valve; a valve bridge configured to be actuated by the at least one rocker arm and comprising a first opening and a second opening for respectively receiving the first valve and the second valve; and a retention assembly at least partially received by the first opening of the valve bridge, the retention assembly comprising: a push nut; and a ring for supporting the push nut, wherein the retention assembly is configured to retain the first valve when the first valve is inserted into the first opening so as to resist separation of the valve bridge from the first valve.

2. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention assembly is configured to mechanically retain the first valve when the first valve is inserted into the first opening.

3. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention assembly is configured to frictionally retain the first valve when the first valve is inserted into the first opening.

4. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the push nut comprises a center opening and a plurality of inner teeth extending from the center opening.

5. The rocker arm assembly of claim 2, wherein the push nut comprises a center opening and a plurality of inner teeth extending inward from the center opening and are slanted upward toward a center.

6. The rocker arm assembly of claim 3, wherein the push nut comprises a center opening and a plurality of inner teeth extending downward from the center opening.

7. The rocker arm assembly of claim 5, wherein the ring is open-looped.

8. The rocker arm assembly of claim 6, wherein the ring is closed-looped.

9. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the first opening comprises an upper housing for receiving an end of the first valve, and a lower housing for receiving the retention assembly.

10. The rocker arm assembly of claim 9, wherein the lower housing is frustoconical or circular in structure.

11. The rocker arm assembly of claim 7, wherein the first opening comprises a groove for retaining the ring.

12. The rocker arm assembly of claim 8, wherein the retention assembly further comprises a wire clip for supporting the ring.

13. The rocker arm assembly of claim 12, wherein the first opening of the valve bridge comprises a side with a window configured to make a portion of the wire clip accessible when the wire clip is inserted into the first opening, the portion of the wire clip accessible through the window is actuatable to open and close the wire clip.

14. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein an end of the first valve comprises a groove configured to abut the push nut when the first valve is inserted into the opening.

15. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one rocker arm comprises a latch assembly configured to be switchable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein the retention assembly is configured to resist separation of the valve bridge from the first valve when the latch assembly switches.

16. A valve bridge of a rocker arm assembly configured for variable valve actuation, the valve bridge comprising: a first opening and a second opening for respectively receiving a first valve and a second valve; and a retention assembly at least partially received by the first opening of the valve bridge, the retention assembly comprising: a push nut; and a ring for supporting the push nut, wherein the retention assembly is configured to retain the first valve when the first valve is inserted into the first opening so as to resist separation of the valve bridge from the first valve.

17. The valve bridge of claim 16, wherein the first opening comprises an upper housing for receiving an end of the first valve and a lower housing for receiving the retention assembly.

18. The valve bridge of claim 17, wherein the lower housing comprises a groove for engaging with the ring.

19. A valve bridge of a rocker arm assembly configured for variable valve actuation, the valve bridge comprising: a first opening and a second opening for respectively receiving a first valve and a second valve; and a retention assembly at least partially received by the first opening of the valve bridge, the retention assembly comprising: a push nut; a ring for supporting the push nut; and a wire clip for supporting the ring, wherein the retention assembly is configured to retain the first valve when the first valve is inserted into the first opening so as to resist separation of the valve bridge from the first valve.

20. The valve bridge of claim 19, wherein the first opening of the valve bridge comprises a side with a window configured to make a portion of the wire clip accessible when the wire clip is inserted into the first opening, the portion of the wire clip accessible through the window is actuatable to open and close the wire clip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an example valvetrain system according to particular embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates the valvetrain system of FIG. 1 from another perspective, specifically showing an engine brake rocker arm.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross section of the valvetrain system, specifically showing an example valve bridge according to particular embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of FIG. 3, specifically showing an example retention assembly according to particular embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the retention assembly.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates an example push nut of the retention assembly.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates an example ring of the retention assembly.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross section of the valvetrain system, specifically showing an example valve bridge according to particular embodiments of this disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of FIG. 8, specifically showing an example retention assembly according to particular embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the retention assembly.

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates an example push nut of the retention assembly.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates an example ring of the retention assembly.

[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates an example wire clip of the retention assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to the examples which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Directional references such as up, down, right, and left are for ease of reference to the figures and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] Various valvetrain designs have been produced in the past for use in connection with internal combustion engines for the purpose of controlling valve actuation such as for main exhaust event. Generally, in a valvetrain system, a rocker arm assembly may be coupled on one side to a camshaft and on the other side to a number of engine valves via a valve bridge in a way for delivering actuation motion from the camshaft through the valve bridge to the downstream valves. In some scenarios, it may be desirable to provide auxiliary functionality, such as compression engine braking, in addition to the main lift event so that a selected valve may be separately controlled. For example, to enable engine brake operation and assist in slowing down the vehicle, the valvetrain system may operate by releasing compression in the engine cylinders during its compression stroke, which may reduce the engine's power and create a braking effect. In other words, this may cause the engine to function as a power-consuming compressor, which slows the vehicle. To add flexibility for different motion profiles of different valve events such as for main exhaust and engine braking, variable valve actuation (VVA) technology may be employed, providing variable valve event timing, duration, lift, or other desired functionalities. As an example and not by way of limitation, example types of VVA may include valve timing control, cam switching, variable valve event and lift control, variable valve duration, or other suitable control schemes for achieving valve actuation.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example valvetrain system 100. In particular embodiments, the valvetrain system 100 may include a split rocker arm 102 and an engine brake rocker arm 104. The split rocker arm 102 and the engine brake rocker arm 104 may work independently or in coordination to achieve VVA. In particular embodiments, the split rocker arm 102 may be pivotably supported by a rocker shaft (not shown) extending through an opening 106 of the split rocker arm 102 such that the split rocker arm 102 may rotate around the rocker shaft based on rotation of a first cam 108. Specifically, in particular embodiments, a cam end 110 of the split rocker arm 102 may be coupled to the first cam 108 for receiving valve actuation motion. A foot end 112 (also referred to as a valve end) opposite the cam end 110 of the split rocker arm 102 may be configured to be coupled to a valve bridge 114 to selectively transfer motion from the first cam 108 to one or more engine valves, such as a first valve 116 and a second valve 118, coupled to the valve bridge 114.

[0042] In particular embodiments, the split rocker arm 102 may include an inner body 120 and an outer body 122 that is forked to flank the inner body 120. The inner body 120 may include the cam end 110 for receiving motion from the first cam 108, while the outer body 122 may include the foot end 112 for actuating the valve bridge 114. In particular embodiments, a latch assembly 124 may be provided, which, for example, may be received in one or more openings provided in the inner body 120 and the outer body 122. In particular embodiments, the latch assembly 124 may be selectively switchable between a latched position and an unlatched position. For example, in the latched position, the latch assembly 124 may be controlled to latch the inner body 120 to the outer body 122, allowing the inner body 120 and the outer body 122 to move as a whole, thereby conveying motion from the first cam 108 through the split rocker arm 102 to the valve bridge 114. In the unlatched position, the latch assembly 124 may be controlled to release the inner body 120 from the outer body 122 such that the outer body 122 remains generally stationary regardless of motion of the inner body 120. In other words, motion from the first cam 108 may be absorbed by relative movement between the inner body 120 and the outer body 122. Consequently, in this configuration, actuation motion to the valve bridge 114 is deactivated or lost. To facilitate VVA, proper switching of the latch assembly may be desired to activate and/or deactivate the split rocker arm 102 at the correct timing. In particular embodiments, a spring 126 may be provided on the split rocker arm 102, with one end of the spring 126 coupled to the inner body 120 and the other end to the outer body 122, dampening relative movement between the inner body 120 and the outer body 122. It should be understood that the latch assembly described herein is for explanation purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Although this disclosure describes a particular rocker arm with a particular latch assembly for achieving VVA, this disclosure contemplates any suitable rocker arms with any suitable latch assemblies for achieving VVA.

[0043] In particular embodiments, the foot end 112 of the split rocker arm 102 may be configured to press down on a center portion of the valve bridge 114 when the foot end 112 moves down, thereby actuating both the first valve 116 and the second valve 118. For example, this may occur during the main exhaust event.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates the valvetrain system 100 from the back, specifically showing the engine brake rocker arm 104. In particular embodiments, the engine brake rocker arm 104 may be pivotably supported by the rocker shaft extending through an opening 202 of the engine brake rocker arm 104 such that the engine brake rocker arm 104 may rotate around the rocker shaft based on rotation of a second cam 206. Specifically, in particular embodiments, a cam end 204 of the engine brake rocker arm 104 may be coupled to the second cam 206 for receiving valve actuation motion. A brake rocker arm end 208 (also referred to as a valve end) opposite the cam end 204 of the engine brake rocker arm 104 may be configured to be coupled to one end of the valve bridge 114 to selectively transfer motion from the second cam 206 to only the second valve 118 associated with engine braking without actuating the first valve 116.

[0045] In particular embodiments, a valve coupling mechanism 210 may be movably received at the end of the valve bridge 114 for coupling the second valve 118 to the valve bridge 114. As an example and not by way of limitation, the valve coupling mechanism 210 may extend through an opening of the valve bridge 114, with one end of the valve coupling mechanism 210 coupled to the second valve 118 and the other end configured to be engaged with the brake rocker arm end 208 of the engine brake rocker arm 104 as the brake rocker arm end 208 rotates down. This way, during engine braking, the brake rocker arm end 208 may press down on the valve coupling mechanism 210, moving the valve coupling mechanism 210 relative to the valve bridge 114 in order to actuate the second valve 118 without actuating the first valve 116. As an example and not by way of limitation, the valve coupling mechanism 210 may include one or more of a pin, a cylinder, a valve seat, or other suitable features.

[0046] In particular embodiments, the brake rocker arm end 208 of the engine brake rocker arm 104 may be provided with an engine brake capsule 212, which, for example, may be configured to extend from or retract into the brake rocker arm end 208. As an example and not by way of limitation, in the retracted position, the engine brake capsule 212 may be refrained from contacting the valve coupling mechanism 210 even if the brake rocker arm end 208 rotates down, thus deactivating engine braking. In the extended position, the engine brake capsule 212 may be allowed to press on the valve coupling mechanism 210 as the brake rocker arm end 208 rotates down, thereby actuating the second valve 118 independently from the first valve 116.

[0047] It should be understood that the valvetrain system described herein is provided for the purposes of explanation only, and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Although this disclosure describes a valvetrain system having particular rocker arm configurations (such as the split rocker arm and engine brake rocker arm) in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates valvetrain systems with any suitable rocker arm configurations in any suitable manner. For example, in certain embodiments, the valvetrain systems may include none, some, or all of the components disclosed herein. For example, in certain embodiments, the valvetrain system may include additional components that are not described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] For valvetrain systems configured with VVA capability, undesired bridge dislodging may occur, separating the valve bridge from one or more of the valves. As an example and not by way of limitation, this may occur due to critical unlatch of the latch assembly 124 of the split rocker arm 102. For example, the critical unlatch may happen during valve lifting when the first valve 116 and the second valve 118 are actuated to an open position. In this case, for example, if the latch assembly 124 is suddenly unlatched, breaking transmission of the valve actuation force, the valves such as the first valve 116 may shoot up under a biasing force of a valve spring 128, consequently throwing the valve bridge 114 in an uncontrolled manner away from the first valve 116 to an extent that the valve bridge 114 is dislodged or separated from the first valve 116. In order to prevent or at least minimize such bridge dislodgement and ensure proper system dynamics, in particular embodiments, a retention assembly may be provided for retaining the valve bridge to one or more valves, which will be described in detail below.

[0049] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an example retention assembly 302 according to particular embodiments of this disclosure. In particular embodiments, the retention assembly 302 may be configured to mechanically retain the valve bridge 114 to the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is inserted into the valve bridge 114. In particular embodiments, the valve bridge 114 may include a first opening 304 for receiving the first valve 116 and a second opening 306 for receiving the second valve 118. In particular embodiments, the retention assembly 302 may be received by the first opening 304 and configured to be engaged with the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is inserted into the first opening 304 so as to resist separation of the valve bridge 114 from the first valve 116. As an example and not by way of limitation, to add convenience for customers, the valve bridge 114 may be provided with the retention assembly 302 already assembled in place inside the first opening 304. Alternatively, the retention assembly 302 may be separately provided if desired. To couple the valve bridge 114 to the first valve 116, the customer may simply push the valve bridge 114 onto the first valve 116 so that the end of the first valve 116 is received by the first opening 304 and retained by the retention assembly 302 in the first opening 304.

[0050] In particular embodiments, as better observed in FIGS. 4 and 5, the retention assembly 302 may include a push nut 402 and a ring 404 on which the push nut 402 may be positioned. In particular embodiments, the push nut 402 may be configured to mechanically retain the first valve 116 in the first opening 304 of the valve bridge 114. In particular embodiments, the ring 404 may be configured to support and hold the push nut 402 inside the first opening 304. As an example and not by way of limitation, the ring 404 may be dimensioned with a sufficient diameter to be engaged with the wall of the first opening 304, preventing the push nut 402 from exiting the first opening 304.

[0051] In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the first opening 304 may include an upper housing 406 and a lower housing 408. The upper housing 406 may be configured to receive the end of the first valve 116. The lower housing 408 may be configured to receive the retention assembly 302. In particular embodiments, the lower housing 408 may generally be frustoconical in shape, for example, for accommodating deformation of the push nut 402 during installation. In particular embodiments, the lower housing 408 may be provided with a groove 410 for receiving the ring 404.

[0052] In particular embodiments, the first valve 116 may include a groove 412 near its end. As an example and not by way of limitation, the groove 412 may be configured to be engaged with components of the retention assembly 302, such as the push nut 402, for retention and securement. As an example and not by way of limitation, when assembled, an upper edge of the push nut 402 may be configured to catch against an upper edge of the groove 412, thereby mechanically retaining the first valve 116 in place inside the first opening 304 and preventing the first valve 116 from moving out of the first opening 304.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the push nut 402. In particular embodiments, the push nut 402 may include a center opening 602 for receiving the end of the first valve 116 and multiple inner teeth 604 extending inward from the center opening 602. When the first valve 116 is inserted through the center opening 602, the inner teeth 604 may be positioned in the groove 412 of the first valve 116. In particular embodiments, the inner teeth 604 may exhibit a spring-like characteristic. As an example and not by way of limitation, when the end of the first valve 116 is inserted, a wider portion of the end of the first valve 116 may push open or expand the inner teeth 604. The spring-like characteristic of the inner teeth 604 may cause the inner teeth 604 to automatically contract around the groove 412 of the first valve 116. In particular embodiments, the inner teeth 604 may form a rounded contact surface for interfacing with the first valve 116. As an example and not by way of limitation, the rounded contact surface may allow the first valve 116 to push open the inner teeth 604. In particular embodiments, an inner diameter may be defined by the inner teeth 604 or specifically the rounded contact surface formed by the inner teeth 604. As an example and not by way of limitation, the inner diameter may be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter at the groove 412 but smaller than the diameter of the wider portion of the valve end. This way, the inner teeth 604 may be configured to engage against the upper edge of the groove 412 to mechanically retain the first valve 116. Alternatively, as an example and not by way of limitation, the inner diameter formed by the inner teeth 604 in an original unassembled state may be made smaller than the diameter at the groove 412 such that the inner teeth 604 may bite to the first valve 116 in order to frictionally retain the first valve 116 and resist removal. As an example and not by way of limitation, the inner teeth 604 may be slanted slightly upward towards the center to facilitate insertion of the first valve 116 and resist separation. In other words, for example, the inner teeth 604 may be slanted in the same direction of the travel of the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is being inserted, and in the opposite direction of the travel of the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is being extracted from the valve bridge 114. In particular embodiments, the outer diameter of the push nut 402 may be equal to or slightly smaller than the bottom diameter of the lower housing 408. This way, the push nut 402 may be allowed to easily slide into the lower housing 408 during installation. In particular embodiments, the push nut 402 may be resilient, allowing for slight deformation of the push nut 402 when pushing the push nut 402 onto the first valve 116. As an example and not by way of limitation, the push nut 402 may be made of resilient metal such as spring steel, stainless steel, or other suitable resilient materials.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the ring 404. In particular embodiments, the ring 404 may be open-looped and include a gap 702, allowing the ring 404 to be easily installed into the first opening 304. As an example and not by way of limitation, during installation, after the push nut 402 is placed into the lower housing 408 of the first opening 304, the ring 404 may be compressed to fit into the lower housing 408. Once in place, the ring 404 may snap back to its original shape, engaging into the groove 410 of the lower housing 408. This way, when assembled, the push nut 402 may sit on the ring 404 and be held in place by the ring 404 inside the first opening 304. In particular embodiments, the ring 404 may be configured as a seegear, a clip, a snap ring, or other suitable retaining features. In particular embodiments, the ring 404 may be resilient, allowing for slight deformation of the ring 404 during installation. As an example and not by way of limitation, the ring 404 may be made of resilient metal such as spring steel, stainless steel, etc. Alternatively, as an example and not by way of limitation, the ring 404 may be made of plastic or other suitable materials having desired resilience, strength, and durability.

[0055] In particular embodiments, if removal of the valve bridge 114 is desired such as for service or maintenance purposes, it may be achieved by breaking the ring 404 and/or the push nut 402 so as to separate the valve bridge 114 from the first valve 116.

[0056] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an example retention assembly 802 according to particular embodiments of this disclosure. The retention assembly 802 may include similar features and components described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7, and may be compatible with various embodiments disclosed herein. In particular embodiments, the retention assembly 802 may be configured to mechanically and frictionally retain the valve bridge 114 to the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is inserted into the valve bridge 114. In particular embodiments, the retention assembly 802 may be received by the first opening 304 and configured to be engaged with the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is inserted into the first opening 304 so as to resist separation of the valve bridge 114 from the first valve 116. As an example and not by way of limitation, to add convenience for customers, the valve bridge 114 may be provided with the retention assembly 802 already assembled in place inside the first opening 304. Alternatively, the retention assembly 802 may be separated provided if desired. To couple the valve bridge 114 to the first valve 116, the customer may simply push the valve bridge 114 onto the first valve 116 so that the end of the first valve 116 is received by the first opening 304 and secured by the retention assembly 802 in the first opening 304.

[0057] In particular embodiments, as better observed in FIGS. 9 and 10, the retention assembly 802 may include a push nut 902, a ring 904 on which the push nut 902 may be positioned, and a wire clip 906 for holding the ring 904 and the push nut 902 in place inside the first opening 304. In particular embodiments, the push nut 902 may be configured to be frictionally coupled to the first valve 116 when it is inserted in the first opening 304 of the valve bridge 114. In particular embodiments, the ring 904 may be configured to support the push nut 902. In particular embodiments, the wire clip 906 may be configured to be removably received by the first opening 304 and support the ring 904 and the push nut 902 thereon. As an example and not by way of limitation, the wire clip 906 may be easily accessible from the outside, allowing removal of the wire clip 906 from the first opening 304.

[0058] In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the first opening 304 may include an upper housing 908 and a lower housing 910. The upper housing 908 may be configured to receive the end of the first valve 116. The lower housing 910 may be configured to receive the retention assembly 802. In particular embodiments, the lower housing 910 may generally be circular in shape with a greater diameter than the upper housing 908 for accommodating components of the retention assembly 802. In particular embodiments, the lower housing 910 may be provided with a groove 912 for receiving and supporting the wire clip 906.

[0059] In particular embodiments, the lower housing 910 may further include a window 914 for providing access to the wire clip 906. As an example and not by way of limitation, the window 914 may be longitudinally located and extend through the wall of the valve bridge 114. A portion of the wire clip 906 may extend out from the window 914 and is exposed to the outside. This allows a user to easily access the wire clip 906 so as to remove the wire clip 906 and consequently the valve bridge 114 without breaking components of the retention assembly 802, as will be further described below.

[0060] In particular embodiments, the first valve 116 may be grooved, slotted, or otherwise be provided with a reduced diameter near its end in order to accommodate one or more components of the retention assembly 802. In particular embodiments, the end of the first valve 116 may be rounded, chamfered, tapered, or otherwise structured for facilitating insertion of the first valve 116 into the retention assembly 802.

[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the push nut 902. In particular embodiments, the push nut 902 may include a center opening 1102 for receiving the end of the first valve 116 and multiple inner teeth 1104 extending downward from the center opening 1102. In other words, for example, the inner teeth 1104 may be extending in the opposite direction of the travel of the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is being inserted, and in the same direction of the travel of the first valve 116 when the first valve 116 is being extracted from the valve bridge 114. In particular embodiments, the inner teeth 1104 may be curved toward the center such that a double tapered or hourglass shape is defined by the inner teeth 1104. When the first valve 116 is inserted through the center opening 1102, the inner teeth 1104 may tightly press, via their curved profiles, around portions of the first valve 116 with a reduced diameter so as to securely grip to the first valve 116 through friction and resist removal. In particular embodiments, the outer diameter of the push nut 902 may be equal to or slightly smaller than the bottom diameter of the lower housing 910. This way, the push nut 902 may be allowed to easily slide into the lower housing 910 during installation. In particular embodiments, the push nut 902 may be resilient, allowing for slight deformation of the push nut 902 when pushing the push nut 902 onto the first valve 116. As an example and not by way of limitation, the push nut 902 may be made of resilient metal such as spring steel, stainless steel, or other suitable resilient materials. In particular embodiments, the push nut 902 may include one or more features or components of the push nut 402 described above with reference to FIGS. 3-7, and may be used interchangeably with the push nut 402.

[0062] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the ring 904. In particular embodiments, the ring 904 may be closed-looped. As an example and not by way of limitation, the ring 904 may be an O ring or other suitable retention features. In particular embodiments, an outer diameter of the ring 904 may be equal to or slightly smaller than the bottom diameter of the lower housing 910. This way, the ring 904 may be allowed to easily slide into the lower housing 910 below the push nut 902 during installation. In particular embodiments, the ring 904 may include a stop platform 1202, which may be configured to mechanically support the inner teeth 1104 of the push nut 902. As an example and not by way of limitation, if the push nut 902 moves down (e.g., due to movement of the first valve 116 or the valve bridge 114), the inner teeth 1104 may land against the stop platform 1202 and are prevented from moving further downward. In particular embodiments, the ring 904 may be made of metal such as stainless steel, etc. Alternatively, as an example and not by way of limitation, the ring 404 may be made of plastic or other suitable materials having the desired strength and durability.

[0063] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the wire clip 906. In particular embodiments, the wire clip 906 may include two sides 1302 and 1304 that are generally flat and straight. In particular embodiments, a distance D1 between the sides 1302 and 1304 may be dimensioned to be smaller than the outer or inner diameter of the ring 904 and/or the push nut 902 in order to support the ring 904 and/or the push nut 902 thereon and prevent them from exiting the first opening 304. In particular embodiments, the wire clip 906 may include two legs 1306 and 1308 extending outwards. As an example and not by way of limitation, when installed into the first opening 304, the two legs 1306 and 1308 may be configured to extend out of the window 914. This allows a user to easily access the wire clip 906, for example, for removal of the valve bridge 114. As an example and not by way of limitation, during installation, the user may pinch the legs 1306 and 1308 such that the wire clip 906 may be deformed and compressed to fit into the lower housing 910. Once in place, the wire clip 906 may snap back to its original shape, engaging into the groove 912 of the lower housing 910. This way, the wire clip 906 may support the ring 904 and/or the push nut 902 thereon, with the sides 1302 and 1304 preventing the ring 904 and/or the push nut 902 from exiting the first opening 304. Thereafter, the valve bridge 114 may be pushed onto the first valve 116 such that the first valve 116 is securely retained in place in the first opening 304 via the retention assembly 802.

[0064] In particular embodiments, when the valve bridge 114 needs to be removed from the first valve 116, for example, during maintenance or service, the user may again pinch the legs 1306 and 1308, which are exposed by the window 914, such that the wire clip 906 is compressed to be disengaged from the groove 912. The wire clip 906 may then be removed from the first opening 304, thereby allowing the valve bridge 114 to be released from the first valve 116. This adds convenience and reduces the cost of service since the user no longer has to break any components of the retention assembly 802 when removing the valve bridge 114. In other words, the retention assembly 802 may stay intact after removal and may be reusable for next time. Alternatively or additionally, the user may break the wire clip 906 or other components of the retention assembly 802 for removal if desired.

[0065] In particular embodiments, the wire clip 906 may be resilient, allowing for deformation of the wire clip 906 during installation. As an example and not by way of limitation, the wire clip 906 may be made of resilient metal such as spring steel, stainless steel, etc. Alternatively, as an example and not by way of limitation, the wire clip 906 may be made of plastic or other suitable materials having desired resilience, strength, and durability.

[0066] In particular embodiments, components of the retention assembly 802 and components of the retention assembly 302 may be compatible with one another and may be used interchangeably. In this regard, as an example and not by way of limitation, the push nut 402, which may be configured to mechanically retain the first valve 116, and the ring 404, which may be open-looped, may be used in combination with the wire clip 906 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] Herein, or is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, A or B means A, B, or both, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, and is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, A and B means A and B, jointly or severally, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

[0068] The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates respective embodiments herein as including particular components, elements, feature, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Additionally, although this disclosure describes or illustrates particular embodiments as providing particular advantages, particular embodiments may provide none, some, or all of these advantages.