Actuation Apparatus Lever Biasing Unit Valve Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transmission of actuation force to switchable valve train components in internal combustion engines is challenging due to packaging constraints and engine conditions that prevent immediate actuation.
Innovation Solution
An actuation apparatus comprising a lever and a biasing unit that becomes biased by the lever when the actuation source moves it, allowing the lever to activate the switchable valve train component when it is in an activatable state, even if initially in an un-activatable state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable latch pin is used to switch between valve-lift modes, then the switchable rocker arm can provide multiple modes of operation, but the transmission of actuation force becomes difficult due to packaging constraints and engine conditions that prevent immediate actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed by the lever when the actuation source moves the lever, storing energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the latch pin to be actuated immediately when the switchable component becomes unblocked, without waiting for the actuation source to re-engage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the lever and the latch pin. It decouples the actuation source from the latch pin, allowing the latch pin to be actuated independently when conditions permit, rather than requiring direct coupling.
2Speed
If the actuation source directly moves the latch pin, then immediate actuation occurs, but this is not possible when engine conditions block immediate actuation due to packaging constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compression of the spring when the lever is moved, storing energy ready for immediate release. This allows the latch pin to actuate as soon as engine conditions permit, achieving fast response without requiring direct continuous coupling to the actuation source.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically releases its stored energy to actuate the latch pin when the blocking condition is removed, without requiring additional input from the actuation source. The system serves itself by using the stored energy to complete the actuation independently.
3Force
If the lever is directly coupled to the latch pin, then actuation force is transmitted immediately, but this prevents energy storage to handle blocked actuation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The spring serves as an intermediary between the lever and latch pin, allowing the lever to compress the spring and store energy rather than directly transmitting force. This intermediary mechanism prevents energy loss by storing it elastically, and releases it when needed to actuate the latch pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever performs preliminary compression of the spring, storing energy in advance. This preliminary action converts kinetic energy from the lever into elastic potential energy in the spring, which is then released to actuate the latch pin when conditions allow, rather than dissipating the energy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures that the actuation of switchable valve train components occurs as soon as possible, even if initially blocked, by storing energy until the component becomes unblocked, facilitating efficient packaging and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing unit; wherein, in use, the biasing unit is configured to become biased by the lever when the actuation source moves the lever
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation apparatus for actuating a switchable valve train component of an internal combustion engine includes: a lever for contacting an actuation source and contacting the switchable valve train component; and a biasing unit. The biasing unit contacts the lever. In use, the biasing unit becomes biased by the lever when the actuation source moves the lever when the actuation source attempts to actuate the switchable valve train component, via the lever, when the switchable valve train component is in an un-activatable state. The biasing unit causes the lever to activate the switchable valve train component when the switchable valve train component is in an activatable state again.