Electromagnetic valve system

Abstract

Systems are provided for electromagnetic actuation of a valve mechanism. A valve is linearly moveable between a first closed position and a second open position. A first spring is compressed when the valve is in the first closed position, and a second valve spring is compressed when the valve is in the second open position. An electromagnetic actuation assembly and a permanent magnet is combined with the valve, such that the valve is latchable in either a closed or open position, and is readily movable between positions through application of energy to the electromagnetic circuitry. The electromagnetic circuitry is controllable to increase or decrease the local magnetic flux, such as to promote movement of the valve, or to provide a soft landing of the valve at either end of movement. Some system embodiments provide energy recovery, feed back, and / or feed forward sensing and control. The electromagnetic valve system can be implemented for a wide variety of engines, valves and actuators, such as for variable valve timing, valve disablement, and / or hybrid engine and energy storage applications.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 490,195, filed 25 Jul. 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. [0002] This application is also a Continuation in Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 674,743, filed 29 Sep. 2003, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 417,264, filed 9 Oct. 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The invention relates to the field of internal combustion engines. More particularly, the invention relates to a structure and process for the controlled movement, latching and / or disablement valves. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] The poppet valve driven by a camshaft has bee used in internal combustion engines for many years. Modifications to the valve train have been developed to permit changing the valve timing while the engine is in operation. When the timing control prevents the valves from opening du...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] Systems are provided for electromagnetic actuation of a valve mechanism. A valve is linearly moveable between a first closed position and a second open position. A first spring is compressed when the valve is in the first closed position, and a second valve spring is compressed when the valve is in the second open position. An electromagnetic actuation assembly and a permanent magnet is combined with the valve, such that the valve is latchable in either a closed or open position, and is readily movable between positions through application of energy to the electromagnetic circuitry. The electromagnetic circuitry is controllable to increase or decrease the local magnetic flux, such as to promote movement of the valve, or to provide a soft landing of the valve at either end of movement. Some system embodiments provide energy recovery, feed back, and / or feed forward sensing and control. The electromagnetic valve system can be implemented for a wide variety of engines, valves and actuators, such as for variable valve timing, valve disablement, and / or hybrid engine and energy storage applications.

Problems solved by technology

This approach has had limited success in practice because the usual control activates or deactivates half the number of cylinders, and this abrupt change in output torque causes poor drivability.

Furthermore, the disabling mechanism is relatively slow acting, so that more than one revolution of the crankshaft is required to make the change.

While some electromagnetic valve mechanisms have been implemented to operate valves, the energy required to operate the system is typically prohibitive.

Furthermore, the mass of the valve train in such systems is typically substantial, and the movement and landing of componentry is often problematic.

While other prior art valve systems which use electromagnetic force to move a valve, there is no provision to promote eliminate or reduce a hard landing, which typically results in extremely short valve life, in a structure which retains a valve in either an open or a closed position, within little or no added energy.

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