Adjustable Camshaft Switch Device with Space Cam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching devices with camshafts face challenges in easy assembly, adjustability, and operational reliability due to complex designs and difficult component assembly, especially in setting and adjusting switching points without opening the housing.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a space cam and a displaceable switching element parallel to the camshaft axis, allowing for adjustable switching points via a carriage system and external adjustment means, such as adjustment shafts, enabling setting and re-adjustment without opening the housing, and featuring a latching mechanism for easy locking and removal of the carriage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional camshafts with fixed switching points are used, then the device structure is simple, but the switching points cannot be adjusted during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of switching pointsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camshaft is divided into individual cams that can be independently adjusted along the camshaft axis. Each cam can be positioned separately to set different switching points, allowing flexible adjustment without redesigning the entire camshaft structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device transitions from a static camshaft with fixed switching points to a dynamic system where cams can be adjusted during operation. The adjustment mechanism allows the cam positions to be changed while the device is running, enabling adaptive control of switching points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to enable switching point adjustment, then the switching points become adjustable, but the assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of switching pointsVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The camshaft is divided into individual cams that can be independently adjusted along the camshaft axis. Each cam can be positioned separately to set different switching points, allowing flexible adjustment without redesigning the entire camshaft structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching points are adjusted by changing the axial position parameter of each cam on the camshaft. This simple parameter change allows flexible adjustment of switching points without complex mechanical modifications or additional adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used to achieve switching point adjustment, then the adjustability is improved, but the number of components increases and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of switching pointsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The switching points are adjusted by changing the axial position parameter of each cam on the camshaft. This simple parameter change allows flexible adjustment of switching points without complex mechanical modifications or additional adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment functionality is integrated directly into the camshaft structure itself, with cams that can be positioned along the axis. This merging of adjustment capability into the existing structure avoids adding separate adjustment mechanisms and reduces the total number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If fixed cam positions are used, then the device structure is simple, but the switching points cannot be adjusted without opening the housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustment during operationVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device transitions from a static camshaft with fixed switching points to a dynamic system where cams can be adjusted during operation. The adjustment mechanism allows the cam positions to be changed while the device is running, enabling adaptive control of switching points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching points are adjusted by changing the axial position parameter of each cam on the camshaft. This simple parameter change allows flexible adjustment of switching points without complex mechanical modifications or additional adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3714473B1Switch device with at least one electric switch element and a camshaft
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 STEUTE TECH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3714473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3714473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3714473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a switch device with at least one switch element (7) actuated by a cam of a camshaft (3). The switch device is distinguished in that the cam is formed as a three-dimensional cam (4) and in that the at least one switch element (7) is arranged so as to be displaceable substantially parallel to an axis of the camshaft (3) in order to adjust a switch point.