Lashless Valvetrain with Engine Braking

Jacobs' Fulcrum Technology enables the use of a hydraulic lash adjuster and an engine brake.

Rendering of Jacobs Fulcrum Technology Hardware

Snapshot of Downloadable Document with More Information on Jacobs Fulcrum Technology

Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA) technology has been desired on heavy-duty engines to eliminate the need to set and adjust lash as well as to optimize the cam design to enhance engine performance and efficiency. Conventional engine brakes and HLA’s are incompatible because the HLA will over-extend during braking causing possible valve to piston contact. Jacobs Vehicle Systems’ Fulcrum bridge technology applies a reactive load to the HLA during an engine braking event to prevent overextension.

Benefits

Eliminate the need to adjust valve lash
Cut production time and cost at the manufacturer's assembly line
Increase vehicle uptime with reduced maintenance time and cost for operators
Cam design optimization for improved performance and efficiency by optimizing seating ramps
Reduce noise, vibration, and harshness due to improved valve seating
Fulcrum bridge offers a simple, cost-effective solution without compromise

A detailed view of Jacobs Fulcrum Technology

Optimization of hydraulic cam design for improved performance and efficiency
A hydraulic cam design allows for optimization in the seating ramp areas which can lead to improvements in fuel economy and emissions. HLAs with Jacobs Fulcrum bridge technology also allow for more consistent valve motions throughout all engine operating conditions.

Cut production time and cost at the manufacture’s assembly line
Many times, setting lash on the assembly line is the bottleneck for engine production. This process is eliminated with the use of HLA’s and the Jacobs' Fulcrum bridge.

Increase vehicle uptime with reduced maintenance time and cost for operators
Eliminating the need for setting lash in service will improve vehicle uptime for the operator, thereby improving TCO. This is especially important for applications where
valvetrain access is challenging.

Reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) with improved valve seating
HLA’s allow for better control of the valve seating event, thereby reducing the NVH associated with the valvetrain.

Fulcrum bridge offers a simple, cost-effective solution without compromise
Jacobs Fulcrum bridge is designed to work with conventional HLA’s and various engine brake types.