Alternating Cam Valve Train Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve trains in internal combustion engines face mechanical wear issues due to uneven force distribution and excessive shifting travel during camshaft adjustment, leading to reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two sets of cams with identical contours arranged alternately on the camshaft, coupled with a mechanical adjustment device and cam follower rollers, allows for more homogeneous force distribution and reduced shifting travel, enhancing wear resistance and lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single cam configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but force distribution becomes uneven and mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single cam is segmented into two separate cams (first cam and second cam) with identical contours, arranged axially at a distance from each other on the camshaft. This segmentation allows the force that was previously concentrated on a single cam to be distributed across two cams, reducing uneven force distribution and mechanical wear on individual components while maintaining the overall valve train functionality.
2Ease of operation
If cam follower axial adjustment travel is increased, then adjustment range is improved, but mechanical wear increases due to excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The axial distance between the two cams is specifically optimized to enable the cam follower to switch between engaging the first cam and the second cam with minimal axial travel. This parameter optimization ensures that the cam follower can be adjusted between different operating positions without excessive movement, thereby reducing mechanical wear while maintaining adequate adjustment capability for different operating conditions.
3Reliability
If cam follower axial travel is reduced, then mechanical wear decreases, but adjustment capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The two cams are designed with identical contours, enabling the cam follower to engage with either cam in different operating positions. This multi-functionality allows the valve train to operate in multiple modes (such as different valve lift configurations or engine operating conditions) while maintaining limited axial travel, thus achieving both wear reduction and operational adaptability through the interchangeable engagement of the two cams.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve train for an internal combustion engine may include a camshaft and a cam follower. The valve train may also include two first cams arranged on the camshaft in a torque-proof manner and at an axial distance from one another. Each of the two first cams may include an identical first cam contour. The valve train may also include two second cams arranged on the camshaft in a torque-proof manner and at an axial distance from one another. Each of the two second cams may also include an identical second cam contour. The two first cams and the two second cams may alternate in an axial direction on the camshaft. The cam follower may be axially adjustable between a first and second position, and may be drivingly connected to the two first cams in the first position and drivingly connected to the two second cams in the second position.