Actuator Pin Locking via Geometric Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing actuator device for sliding cam systems in internal combustion engines has high production costs and installation effort due to numerous components, and experiences unreliable locking and release of actuator pins caused by engine vibrations, leading to undesired contact between the sliding cam and groove.
Innovation Solution
The actuator device incorporates latch elements that connect with recesses and undercuts on the actuator pins, supported by a switching disk and compression springs, allowing for secure locking and controlled release through an electromagnetic unit, reducing component count and ensuring reliable operation despite vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator device uses numerous individual parts and a clamping effect-based latching mechanism, then the locking and release mechanism can be implemented, but the production costs and installation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The latch element serves both as a locking mechanism and a positioning element. The conical pin integrates the locking action with the actuator pin structure itself, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging reduces the number of individual parts while maintaining reliable locking through the combination of the latch element's radial movement and the conical pin's geometric locking action.
2Ease of operation
If the latching device uses a clamping effect-based locking mechanism, then the actuator pins can be locked, but engine vibrations cause unreliable locking and release, leading to undesired contact between sliding cam and groove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical clamping effect-based locking with a geometric locking mechanism. The conical pin creates a fixed geometric relationship between the latch element and the actuator pin, transforming the locking from a force-dependent clamping action to a position-dependent geometric constraint. This geometric locking is insensitive to vibrations because it relies on the physical interlocking of surfaces rather than continuous clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element is pre-positioned in the radial direction within the switching disk, ready to engage with the actuator pin's recess. The conical pin is pre-configured with its specific geometry to ensure proper engagement. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the actuator pin is inserted, the locking action occurs automatically and reliably, without requiring additional adjustment or force during operation, making it resistant to vibration-induced failures.
3Speed
If the actuator pins are held in retracted position by springs, then they can be quickly ejected when needed, but the return stroke needs to be actively controlled for tolerance compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the latch element's position in the radial direction dynamically controls the actuator pin's state. When the latch element moves radially outward, it releases the actuator pin, allowing spring-driven rapid ejection. When the latch element moves radially inward, it locks the actuator pin in the retracted position. This dynamic positioning mechanism provides active control of the return stroke, enabling tolerance compensation while maintaining high ejection speed when actuation is required.
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
This design ensures high ejection speed, cost-effective production, and active return stroke of actuator pins, maintaining secure locking and reducing production costs while preventing undesired contact due to engine vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic unit (3, 7) whose magnetic core (7) can be displaced in the direction toward the guide sleeve (1) against the force of a compression spring (9) by energizing the magnetic coil (3)
Data Source
AI summary
Actuator device of a sliding cam system with at least one sliding cam and with at least one actuator pin (13) projecting from the housing. The housing is attachable to a component of a cylinder head or to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and the actuator pin(s) (13) can contact at least one groove of a sliding cam system that has at least one ejection ramp. The actuator pin(s) (13) are loaded in the direction toward the sliding cam by springs (14) and can be fixed in their retracted position facing away from the groove by a latching device that can be locked and is controlled by an electromagnet unit. At least one latch element (11) of the latching device is in active connection with at least one recess (12) on the actuator pin(s) (13).