Actuation Transmission Apparatus for Switchable Valve Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transmission of actuation force to switchable valve train or engine devices is challenging due to packaging constraints and functional requirements, and actuation may not be possible immediately due to engine conditions.
Innovation Solution
An actuation transmission apparatus comprising a shaft rotatable by an actuation source, a contacting element, and a biasing device that biases the contacting element rotationally with respect to the shaft, allowing the biasing device to actuate the component when it becomes possible again, using a coil spring and pre-load element to transfer torque and restrict rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable latch pin with biasing device and external leaf spring actuation mechanism is used, then the switchable valve train device can be actuated between multiple modes, but the packaging space requirements increase and actuation timing becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation source and the contacting element into a single integrated unit. The actuation source is positioned directly at the component, eliminating the need for separate transmission mechanisms and reducing packaging space while maintaining mode switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device acts as an intermediary between the actuation source and the latch pin. It stores energy when the component cannot be actuated and releases it when conditions permit, enabling delayed actuation without requiring complex timing mechanisms or additional space.
2Reliability
If actuation is attempted when the component is not able to be actuated, then the actuation source may be damaged or ineffective, but waiting for the component to become actuatable delays the switching operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation source performs preliminary action by rotating to bias the biasing device in advance, storing energy before the component is ready to be actuated. This preliminary action does not damage the system and prepares for immediate actuation when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing the actuation attempt when the component cannot be actuated. It stores the input energy as potential energy, protecting the actuation source from damage and enabling smooth subsequent actuation when the component becomes ready.
3Speed
If the contacting element is directly connected to the shaft, then actuation force is transmitted immediately, but the system cannot store energy for delayed actuation when conditions are not favorable
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the shaft and contacting element is made dynamic through the biasing device. The system transitions from a rigid direct connection to a flexible connection that can store and release energy, enabling both immediate and delayed actuation modes depending on component readiness.
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
Enables efficient actuation of switchable valve train devices by storing energy until the component is actuatable, ensuring timely switching between modes of operation and simplifying packaging and installation.
Implementation Method 1
using a coil spring and pre-load element to transfer torque
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation transmission apparatus for actuating a component of a switchable valve train device of an internal combustion engine includes: a shaft rotatable by an actuation source; a contacting element for contacting the component of the switchable valve train device; and a biasing device for biasing the contacting element rotationally with respect to the shaft; wherein, in use, the biasing device becomes biased by the shaft when the actuation source rotates the shaft when the actuation source attempts to actuate the component of the switchable valve train device, via the contacting element, when the component of the switchable valve train device is not able to be actuated, whereby the biasing device is configured to cause the contacting element to actuate the component of the switchable valve train device when the component of the switchable valve train device becomes actuatable again.