Castellation device, mechanical capsule and rocker

Abstract

A castellated device includes a shaft surrounded by three castellated members. A first castellated member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A second castellated member is slidably mounted along the shaft adjacent the first end of the first castellated member. A third castellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent the second end of the first castellated member. A biasing spring is disposed between the second and third castellated members and is configured to bias the second castellated member away from the third castellated member. Optionally, an annular shroud can enclose the three castellated members. The first castellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third castellated members between a first position and a second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application provides a mechanical capsule and mantle device that can be used for actuation of various valve mechanisms, and particularly for rocker arms. The mantle device can be configured to have a large switchable stroke. Background Technology

[0002] The rocker arm systems, valve mechanism systems, rocker arm and valve actuation assemblies described herein may include alternative mandrel mechanisms, such as those described, for example, in WO 2019 / 133658, WO 2019 / 036272, US2020 / 0325803, US2018 / 0187579, US4227494, US6354265, US6273039, and US4200081. The mandrel devices disclosed herein can be used in rocker arm systems, valve mechanism systems, rocker arm and valve actuation assemblies, such as those disclosed in these same exemplary publications. The mandrel devices of this document can be used in other systems employing switchable mechanisms. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The methods and apparatus disclosed herein improve upon the art through a swivel device and mechanical bladder with a large switchable stroke. Rocker arms or other valve mechanism components can benefit from the swivel device.

[0004] A crenellated device includes a shaft surrounded by three crenellated members. A first crenellated member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A second crenellated member is slidably mounted along the shaft adjacent to the first end of the first crenellated member. A third crenellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent to the second end of the first crenellated member. A biasing spring is disposed between the second and third crenellated members and configured to bias the second crenellated member away from the third crenellated member. Optionally, an annular shroud may enclose the three crenellated members. The first crenellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third crenellated members between a first position and a second position.

[0005] Other objects and advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may become apparent through practice. These objects and advantages will also be achieved and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0006] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B A view of a crenellated device including an annular shield.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a view of a crenellated device applicable to drop-in components.

[0009] Figure 4 This is an example of a rocker arm equipped with a drop-in crenellated device. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The examples shown in the accompanying drawings will now be referred to in detail. Directional reference numerals such as "left" and "right" are used for ease of reference in the drawings.

[0011] A crenellated device is disclosed, which includes an extended travel. The crenellated device can be configured as a mechanical capsule suitable for achieving extended travel in various variable valve timing and mechanical switching applications.

[0012] The mechanical capsule is configured to switch between a second position and a first position, the second position being configured to absorb relative motion between two or more bodies and then return to its installed state, and the first position being configured to transmit force therethrough. It should be understood that, as a matter of design choice, the initial position can be a vacant position configured to absorb relative motion, while the second position is a force-transmitting state of gear engagement. Therefore, the designation of "first" and "second" positions in the claims may be for convenience. An actuation system (hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical) can be used to switch the mechanical capsule. Using the mechanical capsule, the mortise mechanism can be switched between multiple positions to absorb or transmit the absorbed maximum motion.

[0013] The exemplary actuator 70 shown in the figure includes a rack and pinion arrangement, but many alternatives exist. A toothed arrangement and alternative linkages can replace the rack drive 71 and pinion drive regions 74, 741. The rack 75 can be actuated by a linkage engaged thereto or by a supply fluid such as hydraulic or pneumatic fluid. A plug 73 can be inserted into the actuator bore 13 such that a biasing element 72 (such as a spring 72) can push the rack 75 to a first position. Then, opposing pressure from the fluid or linkage can push the rack 75, causing it to rotate the annular guard 80 or the first crenellated member 30.

[0014] The mechanical capsule absorbs relative motion between two or more bodies and returns them to their mounted position via one or more return springs 60 (also called bias springs). The mechanical capsule can transmit motion between the bodies via an actuation system (hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical). The actuating motion and the absorbing motion can be disconnected. Motion is transmitted via the mechanical engagement of teeth. Using this capsule, the maximum absorbed motion can be replicated.

[0015] exist Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B In this configuration, the first crenellated device 1 constitutes a mechanical housing, which includes an annular guard 80 connected to a rack 75 of the actuator 70. This mechanical housing can be drop-in assembled into a housing bore 17. The bore end 171 can be a blind bore for housing the mechanical housing, but may also include a through-hole 172 through which the shaft 20 slidably passes. The rocker arm 10 is shown including the housing bore 17, which has a locating washer 18 and a retaining ring 19 to hold the crenellated device 1 therein. A return spring 60, a first crenellated member 30, a second crenellated member 50, and a third crenellated member 40 can drop into the housing bore 17, with the shaft 20 threaded through the housing bore. The washer 18 and retaining ring 19, or other locking devices (such as set screws, compression bushings, etc.), prevent the crenellated device 1 or 2 from dislodging from the housing bore 17. Washer 18 or retaining ring 19 or other locking device may be used as a travel limiter for shaft 20, such as by obstructing the travel of presser foot 21 or foot 16.

[0016] Clearance sleeve 23 or clearance adjusting screw may be installed or secured to clearance end 22 of shaft 20, for example, by thread or press fit. Clearance sleeve 23 may be positioned on shaft 20 to control the clearance of mandrel device 1 or 2, or clearance sleeve 23 may control the travel length of mandrel device 1 or 2 during retraction via positioning of its sleeve end 25. Travel stop 24 may be included to engage with clearance bore 172 or bore end 171. Shaft 20 may also include pressure feet 21 configured to press against valve stems, valve bridges, other rocker arms, or other valve mechanism components. Elephant foot arrangement 16 may also be implemented on shaft 20 by attaching a suitable socket arrangement to shaft 20.

[0017] The rocker arm 10 may include a body 11, a valve end 12, and an actuation end 121. Several alternatives exist. Instead of the rocker shaft hole and roller, a tappet end may be used. Alternatively, in alternatives, the rocker arm may be configured for overhead cam actuation applications or pushrod actuation applications.

[0018] The first ferrule member 30, the second ferrule member 50, and the third ferrule member 40 can be keyed to an annular cover 80. The annular cover 80 may include a cover body 81 having a pinion gear transmission region 741 or other connection region for rotating the annular cover 80. An upper keyhole 814 receives an upper locating key 43. A lower keyhole 815 receives a lower locating key 53. An inner keyway 834 receives an intermediate locating key 34. A straight keyway is shown, but other shapes such as studs, wedges, balls, and sockets may also be used. The keyway can serve as a travel stop and travel guide for the first ferrule member 30, the second ferrule member 50, and the third ferrule member 40. For example, the inner keyway 834 can guide the first ferrule member 30 during rotation and may include a stop wall to limit the degree of rotation. Similarly, the upper keyway 814 and the lower keyway 815 prevent or limit the rotation of the second valgus member 50 and the third valgus member 40. The upper keyway 814 and the lower keyway 815 can limit or guide the movement of the second valgus member 50 and the third valgus member 40 during idle and force transmission by preventing or limiting lateral movement relative to the shaft 20.

[0019] exist Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this configuration, the annular shield 80 is removed, and the rack 75 of the actuator 70 is engaged with the first ferrule member 30. The sump housing 17 can now mimic the keyed relationship of the annular shield 80 in the following manner: the sump housing 17 includes an upper keyhole 14 for the upper locating key 43, a lower keyhole 15 for the lower locating key 53, and an inner groove for the intermediate locating key 34. With appropriate grooves in the sump housing 17, the first ferrule member 30, the second ferrule member 50, and the third ferrule member 40 can be keyed to the sump housings of other valve mechanisms or switchable devices (such as rocker arms or other valve mechanism components).

[0020] exist Figure 3A In the middle, the mechanical bladder is in the "open" position. When installed in a rocker arm, the ferrule 1 can transmit engine braking, additional motion, or normal lift profile. When installed in other valve mechanism systems or rocker arms, it achieves tooth-to-tooth contact between the first ferrule member 30, the second ferrule member 50, and the third ferrule member 40.

[0021] exist Figure 3B In the middle, the mechanical valve box is in the "closed" position. When installed, the ferrule 1 absorbs engine braking, additional motion, or normal lift profile, allowing one of the following—no lift profile or a shorter lift profile—to be transmitted through the rocker arm. When installed in other valve system systems or rocker arms, it achieves tooth-cavity alignment between the first ferrule member 30, the second ferrule member 50, and the third ferrule member 40. Figure 3B In the middle, the crenellated device is retractable.

[0022] According to the above alternative, the crenellated devices 1 and 2 may include a shaft 20 configured as a central force transmission axis. The shaft 20 may be slidably movable within the crenellated devices 1 and 2, wherein a travel stop is provided via an arrangement at either end of the shaft 20 (such as an edge, a retaining ring, a diameter variation, etc.) and a corresponding fastener (such as a diameter variation, a washer, a ring, a tab, a bushing, a hole, etc.).

[0023] The first valance member 30 may be rotatably mounted on the shaft 20. The first valance member 30 may include a tubular body 33 having a first end 32 and a second end 31 opposite to the first end 32. An intermediate locating key 34 may extend from the tubular body 33. A linkage or gear arrangement may be formed on the exterior of the tubular body 33 for coupling to an actuator (such as actuator 70). Upper teeth 35 (first teeth) may be spaced apart by an upper cavity 37 (first cavity). Lower teeth 36 (second teeth) may be spaced apart by a lower cavity 38 (second cavity). Guide teeth 39 may be included as a travel stop that restricts the relative travel of the first valance member 30 with respect to the guide groove 55 of the second valance member. The height of the guide tooth 39 can be selected such that the guide tooth 39 can also axially position the first ferrule member 30 along the shaft 20 by abutting the washer 18 and pushing the second ferrule member 50 and the third ferrule member 40 apart when the return spring 60 is fully extended. The height of the guide tooth 39 ensures the separation of the first ferrule member 30 and the second ferrule member 50, allowing their teeth to rotate relative to each other. The first ferrule member 30 can be configured to surround the shaft 20 and the return spring 60.

[0024] The second ferrule member 50 may be mounted along the shaft 20 adjacent to the first end 32 of the first ferrule member 30. A through-hole in the body 51 of the second ferrule member 50 allows for a sliding relationship with the shaft 20, such that the shaft 20 is slidably mounted and the second ferrule member 50 is slidably mounted. The second ferrule member 50 may include a body 41 having a spring-receiving region for a return spring 60. The return spring 60 may surround a guide shaft 56 extending from the body 51. The guide shaft 56 may have a height selected to intersect with the sleeve end 25 and may also have a diameter serving as a travel stop against the body 41 of the third ferrule member. The return spring 60 may be guided by the guide shaft 56. The guide shaft 56 slides within the first ferrule member 30. The body 51 may include integrally formed teeth 52, cavities 54, guide grooves 55, and locating keys 53.

[0025] The third valance member 40 can be mounted as part of the surrounding shaft 20, including an abutment to a clearance sleeve 23 integral with the shaft 20. The third valance member 40 can be adjacent to the second end 31 of the first valance member 30. The third valance member 40 can be mounted in the housing bore 17 to abut the bore end 171. One or more upper locating keys 43 can be constructed in the housing bore 17, the annular cover 80, or both, such that the third valance member 40 remains abutting the bore end 171 in all operating conditions. The third valance member can remain fixed against the bore end 171 regardless of whether the tooth 42 abuts the upper tooth 35 or the upper cavity 37. Alternatively, limited travel can be inserted via the upper keyholes 14, 814. The first valance member 30 can be said to abut or slide into the third valance member 40 via the arrangement of the teeth and cavities relative to the annular configuration. The main body 41 of the third crenellated member 40 can provide a spring seat for the return spring 60, so that the return spring 60 can push the second crenellated member 50 and the third crenellated member 40 apart.

[0026] The return spring 60 (also called the bias spring) is effectively encapsulated within and around the components of the crenellated devices 1 and 2. The return spring 60 may be disposed between the second crenellated member 50 and the third crenellated member 40, and may be configured to bias the second crenellated member 50 away from the third crenellated member 40. The return spring 60 may be disposed in the annular space between the shaft 20 and the first crenellated member 30. The axial bending of the return spring 60 is limited by its housing configuration. Furthermore, its space occupation remains small.

[0027] The first crenellated member 30 may be in a first position and a second position relative to the second crenellated member 50 and the third crenellated member 40. Figure 3A and Figure 3B (These components can be interchanged for implementation purposes) rotate between the first ferrule member 30 and the third ferrule member 40. When the first ferrule member 30 is in the first position, the second ferrule member 50 is prevented from sliding toward the third ferrule member 40. When the first ferrule member 30 is in the second position, the second ferrule member 50 can slide toward the third ferrule member 40. This sliding and prevention of sliding are achieved by switchably controlling the alignment of a subset of several sets of teeth or teeth 35, 36, 42, 52 with a subset of cavities 37, 38, 44, 54.

[0028] An optional annular shield 80 can substantially enclose the first crenellated member 30, the second crenellated member 50, and the third crenellated member 40. The annular shield 80 can be configured to engage with an actuator 70 configured to rotate the first crenellated member 30 relative to the second crenellated member 50 and the third crenellated member 40 between a first position and a second position. Alternatively, the first crenellated member 30 can be configured to engage with the actuator 70 configured to rotate the first crenellated member 30 relative to the second crenellated member 50 and the third crenellated member 40 between a first position and a second position.

[0029] When the first crenellated member 30 is in the first position ( Figure 3A When the first crenellated member 30 is in the second position, the first tooth 36 on the first end 32 of the first crenellated member 30 aligns with the tooth 52 of the second crenellated member 50. Furthermore, the second tooth 35 on the second end 31 of the first crenellated member 30 aligns with the tooth 42 of the third crenellated member 40. However, when the first crenellated member 30 is in the second position (…), the first tooth 36 on the first end 32 of the first crenellated member 30 aligns with the tooth 52 of the second crenellated member 50. Figure 3B When the first crenellated member 30 is in the second position, the first tooth 36 on the first end 32 of the first crenellated member 30 is aligned with the cavity 54 of the second crenellated member 40. Furthermore, the second tooth 35 on the second end 31 of the first crenellated member 30 is aligned with the cavity 44 of the third crenellated member 40. When the first crenellated member 30 is in the second position, the first crenellated member 30 can slide toward the third crenellated member 40. When the first crenellated member 30 is in the second position, the second crenellated member 50 can slide toward the first crenellated member 30.

[0030] The first crenellated member 30 may include an annular body 33 (also referred to as a tubular body). A first tooth 36 may extend axially and optionally radially from the annular body 33 at a first end 32. A second tooth 35 may extend axially and optionally radially from the annular body 33 at a second end 31.

[0031] The second crenellated member 50 may include an annular ring formed by a body 51 and a plurality of radial teeth 52 extending radially and optionally axially from the annular ring. The inner radius of the annular body 33 of the first crenellated member 30 may be larger than the outer radius of the annular ring of the second crenellated member 50. This can facilitate compact stacking of the crenellated members and a longer stroke length, since the second crenellated member 50 can be retracted into the first crenellated member 30.

[0032] When the first ferrule member 30 is in the first position, the first tooth 36 of the first ferrule member 30 can contact the radial teeth 52 of the second ferrule member 50. When the first ferrule member 30 is in the second position, the first tooth 36 can engage and retract into the cavity 54 formed between the radial teeth 52 of the second ferrule member 50. Compactness and long stroke are achieved with minimal material usage.

[0033] The third crenellated member 40 may include a body 41 formed by a tubular shape positioned relative to the shaft 20. An annular edge may extend from the tubular shape. The annular edge may form a spring seat for the return spring 60. A plurality of radial teeth 42 may extend radially and optionally axially from the outer surface of the annular edge. The inner radius of the annular body 33 of the first crenellated member 30 may be greater than the radius of the outer surface of the annular edge of the third crenellated member 40. That is, during the idling and retraction of the crenellated devices 1, 2, the first crenellated member 30 may slide on a large portion of the third crenellated member 40. When the first crenellated member 30 is in a first position, a second tooth 35 of the first crenellated member 30 may contact the radial teeth 42 of the third crenellated member 40, and when the first crenellated member 30 is in a second position, the second tooth may engage and optionally retract into a cavity 44 formed between the radial teeth 42 of the third crenellated member 40.

[0034] The annular shield 80 may optionally substantially enclose the first valance member 30, the second valance member 50, and the third valance member 40. The end 171 may be integrally formed with the bladder housing 17, or the end 171 may include a top plate fixed to the bladder housing 17. As an alternative or supplement to the end 171, the top plate may be located at a first end of the annular shield 80. A base plate in the form of a washer 18 or other fitting may be located at a second end of the annular shield 80 opposite the first end. The annular shield 80, the top plate, and the base plate may be configured to slide along the axis 20 to form a valance housing anchorable to the bladder housing 17 or other valve mechanism components. The annular shield may be rotatably fixed to the first valance member 30. Rotating the annular shield may cause rotation of the first valance member 30.

[0035] The first valance member 30 may include a first tab (also referred to as a locating key 34) extending from the annular body 33. The annular cover 80 may include a first groove (also referred to as an inner keyway 834) for receiving the first tab to secure the annular cover 80 to the first valance member 30. The second valance member 50 may include a second tab (also referred to as a lower locating key 53) extending from the annular ring of the body 51. The annular cover 80 may include a first tab opening (also referred to as a lower keyhole 815) for receiving the second tab to position the second valance member 50 relative to the annular cover 80. The third valance member 40 may include a third tab (also referred to as an upper locating key 43) extending from the annular edge of the body 41. The annular cover 80 may include a second tab opening (also referred to as an upper keyhole 814) for receiving the third tab to position the third valance member 40 relative to the annular cover 80.

[0036] The annular shroud 80 may include a plurality of radial ribs (also referred to as pinion drive region 741) for engaging the actuator 70. The actuator may include a tubular member, shown as a rack 75, having at least one annular flange, shown as a rack drive 71. The tubular member may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of shaft 20 to allow the first ferrule member 30 to rotate between a first position and a second position. The actuator 70 may be a hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, or electromechanical actuator by attaching suitable linkages and control mechanisms (such as solenoids, control valves, ports, supply lines, compressors, etc.). In this example, linear movement of the rack 75 causes rotational movement of the annular shroud 80 and the first ferrule member 30. The interaction of the upper keyhole 814 with the upper locating key 43 and the interaction of the lower keyhole 815 with the lower locating key 53 may cause the upper keyhole 814 and the lower keyhole 815 to be larger than the upper locating key 43 and the lower locating key 53. Then, as the annular shield 80 moves, it can be dragged and realigned with the second crenellated member 50 and the third crenellated member 40.

[0037] The rocker arm may include one of the crenellated devices 1 and 2. That is, the rocker arm may include crenellated devices 1 and 2 with or without an annular guard 80.

[0038] Other implementations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the examples disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A crenellated device, the crenellated device comprising: axis; A first crenellated member, rotatably mounted on the shaft and comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; A second crenellated member is slidably mounted along the axis adjacent to the first end of the first crenellated member; A third crenellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent to the second end of the first crenellated member; An annular shield substantially encloses the first crenellated member, the second crenellated member, and the third crenellated member, the annular shield being configured to engage with an actuator configured to rotate the first crenellated member relative to the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member between a first position and a second position. and A biasing spring is disposed between the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member and is configured to bias the second crenellated member away from the third crenellated member; The first crenellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third crenellated members between a first position and a second position. When the first crenellated member is in the first position, it prevents the second crenellated member from sliding toward the third crenellated member, and When the first crenellated member is in the second position, the second crenellated member can slide toward the third crenellated member.

2. The crenellated device of claim 1, wherein the first crenellated member is configured to engage with an actuator, the actuator being configured to rotate the first crenellated member relative to the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member between the first position and the second position.

3. The crenellated device according to claim 1, wherein when the first crenellated member is in the first position, the first tooth on the first end of the first crenellated member is aligned with the tooth of the second crenellated member, and the second tooth on the second end of the first crenellated member is aligned with the tooth of the third crenellated member.

4. The crenellated device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein when the first crenellated member is in the second position, the first tooth on the first end of the first crenellated member is aligned with the cavity of the second crenellated member, and the second tooth on the second end of the first crenellated member is aligned with the cavity of the third crenellated member.

5. The crenellated device according to claim 4, wherein when the first crenellated member is in the second position, the first crenellated member is slidable toward the third crenellated member.

6. The crenellated device according to claim 5, wherein when the first crenellated member is in the second position, the second crenellated member is slidable toward the first crenellated member.

7. The beveled device according to claim 1, wherein the beveled device further comprises a clearance adjusting screw fixed to the shaft.

8. The crenellated device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing spring is disposed in the annular space between the shaft and the first crenellated member.

9. The crenellated device according to claim 1, wherein the second crenellated member comprises an annular ring and a plurality of radial teeth extending radially from the annular ring.

10. A crenellated device, the crenellated device comprising: axis; A first crenellated member, rotatably mounted on the shaft and including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first crenellated member includes an annular body, a first tooth extending axially from the annular body at the first end, and a second tooth extending axially from the annular body at the second end; A second crenellated member is slidably mounted along the axis adjacent to the first end of the first crenellated member; A third crenellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent to the second end of the first crenellated member; and A biasing spring is disposed between the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member and is configured to bias the second crenellated member away from the third crenellated member; The first crenellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third crenellated members between a first position and a second position. When the first crenellated member is in the first position, it prevents the second crenellated member from sliding toward the third crenellated member, and When the first crenellated member is in the second position, the second crenellated member can slide toward the third crenellated member.

11. The crenellated device of claim 10, wherein the third crenellated member comprises a tube positioned relative to the axis, an annular edge extending from the tube, and a plurality of radial teeth extending radially from the outer surface of the annular edge.

12. The crenellated device according to claim 11, wherein the inner radius of the annular body of the first crenellated member is greater than the radius of the outer surface of the annular edge of the third crenellated member.

13. The crenellated device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein when the first crenellated member is in the first position, the second tooth of the first crenellated member contacts the radial tooth of the third crenellated member, and when the first crenellated member is in the second position, the second tooth of the first crenellated member engages to form a cavity between the radial teeth of the third crenellated member.

14. The crenellated device of claim 10, wherein the crenellated device further comprises an annular shroud substantially enclosing the first crenellated member, the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member, the first crenellated member including a first tab extending from the annular body, and the annular shroud including a first groove receiving the first tab to secure the annular shroud to the first crenellated member.

15. The crenellated device of claim 11, wherein the crenellated device further comprises an annular shroud substantially enclosing the first crenellated member, the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member, the third crenellated member including a third tab extending from the annular edge, and the annular shroud including a second tab opening for receiving the third tab to position the third crenellated member relative to the annular shroud.

16. The crenellated device of claim 10, wherein the second crenellated member comprises an annular ring and a plurality of radial teeth extending radially from the annular ring.

17. A crenellated device, the crenellated device comprising: axis; A first crenellated member, rotatably mounted on the shaft and comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; A second crenellated member is slidably mounted along the axis adjacent to the first end of the first crenellated member, wherein the second crenellated member includes an annular ring and a plurality of radial teeth extending radially from the annular ring; A third crenellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent to the second end of the first crenellated member; and A biasing spring is disposed between the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member and is configured to bias the second crenellated member away from the third crenellated member; The first crenellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third crenellated members between a first position and a second position. When the first crenellated member is in the first position, it prevents the second crenellated member from sliding toward the third crenellated member, and When the first crenellated member is in the second position, the second crenellated member can slide toward the third crenellated member.

18. The crenellated device according to claim 17, wherein the first crenellated member comprises an annular body, the inner radius of the annular body being greater than the outer radius of the annular ring of the second crenellated member.

19. The crenellated device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein when the first crenellated member is in the first position, a first tooth on the first end of the first crenellated member contacts the radial tooth of the second crenellated member, and wherein when the first crenellated member is in the second position, the first tooth engages a cavity formed between the radial teeth of the second crenellated member.

20. The crenellated device of claim 17, wherein the crenellated device further comprises an annular shroud substantially enclosing the first crenellated member, the second crenellated member, and the third crenellated member, the second crenellated member including a second tab extending from the annular ring, and the annular shroud including a first tab opening for receiving the second tab to position the second crenellated member relative to the annular shroud.

21. A crenellated device, the crenellated device comprising: axis; A first crenellated member, rotatably mounted on the shaft and comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; A second crenellated member is slidably mounted along the axis adjacent to the first end of the first crenellated member; A third crenellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent to the second end of the first crenellated member; A biasing spring is disposed between the second crenellated member and the third crenellated member and is configured to bias the second crenellated member away from the third crenellated member; and An annular protective cover, which substantially encloses the first crenellated member, the second crenellated member, and the third crenellated member; Top plate, the top plate being disposed at the first end of the annular cover; and A base plate, wherein the base plate is disposed at the second end of the annular protective cover opposite to the first end. The first crenellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third crenellated members between a first position and a second position. When the first crenellated member is in the first position, it prevents the second crenellated member from sliding toward the third crenellated member, and When the first crenellated member is in the second position, the second crenellated member can slide toward the third crenellated member.

22. The crenellated device according to claim 21, wherein the shaft is slidable within the annular cover, the top plate, and the bottom plate.

23. The crenellated device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the annular cover is rotatably fixed to the first crenellated member, and rotating the annular cover causes the first crenellated member to rotate.

24. The crenellated device of claim 21, wherein the annular shroud includes a plurality of radial ribs for engaging the actuator.

25. The crenellated device of claim 24, wherein the actuator comprises a tubular member having at least one annular flange, the tubular member being capable of extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft to rotate the first crenellated member between the first position and the second position.

26. The crenellated device according to claim 24, wherein the actuator is one of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and an electromechanical actuator.

27. A rocker arm comprising a crenellated device according to any one of claims 1 or 21.

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