Dana Corporation has begun production of an advanced engine sealing technology featuring so called value-added electronic features.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The product, supplied to a major North American engine manufacturer, is a valve-cover gasket that is fitted to an inline six-cylinder diesel engine that powers Class 2 and 3 trucks. Dana will also supply the valve and breather cover for this engine from 2007.
The gasket is unique in that it provides ‘windows’ to power circuits for the fuel injectors. Depending on the need, this type of gasket can also provide power connections for solenoids, sensors, actuators, and glow plugs.
By using this technology with single or multiple connections, the electronic ‘window’ gasket simplifies production by reducing the number of components and lowering assembly time and costs. Other claimed advantages include multiple conductor sizes, integrated wiring harnesses, and an increased resistance to heat extremes.
Dana chairman and CEO Michael Burns said that his customer is the second diesel-engine manufacturer to use the electronic window gasket technology.
Integrating sealed wiring connections directly into the window gasket eliminates the need to seal wire routing holes that are machined directly into the structural engine components, eliminating potential leak paths. Improved serviceability is another benefit, allowing the gasket and harness module to be removed and reused without jeopardising wiring integrity upon reassembly.
“Being able to offer an efficient means of routing electrical energy into an engine while underwriting sealing integrity is a significant engineering accomplishment,” said Dana engine products president Ralf Goettel. “The electronic pass-through design not only speeds the assembly process, but also eliminates costly and potentially damaging leak paths.”
In addition to conventional sealing applications, the electronic window gaskets can be integrated into cylinder head covers, transmission pan modules, windage trays, and oil-pan assembly applications.
