Cam Phaser Dynamic Timing for Turbo Transient Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spark-ignited gas engines face challenges in transient response due to the need for larger and more efficient turbochargers, which can lead to issues with transient operating conditions and emissions.

Innovation Solution

A spark-ignited gas engine system with a cam phaser that adjusts the cam angle operation of intake and exhaust valves to optimize volumetric efficiency, allowing for quicker turbocharger response and improved thermal efficiency through advanced or retarded cam phasing controlled by a microprocessor-based controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If larger and more efficient turbochargers are used to meet higher thermal efficiency and power density targets, then thermal efficiency and power density are improved, but transient response deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidtransient response
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The cam phaser dynamically adjusts camshaft timing based on operating conditions, allowing the engine to optimize valve timing during transient events. This dynamic adjustment compensates for the sluggish response of large turbochargers by changing the timing of intake and exhaust valve events, thereby improving transient response while maintaining the power benefits of larger turbochargers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the timing parameter of camshaft rotation relative to the crankshaft during transient conditions. By advancing or retarding cam phasing through the cam phaser mechanism, the engine can quickly adapt to changing load conditions, improving transient response without requiring smaller turbochargers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If larger and more efficient turbochargers are used to meet higher thermal efficiency targets, then thermal efficiency is improved, but transient operating conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidtransient operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cam phaser provides dynamic timing adjustment that allows the engine to adapt to transient operating conditions while maintaining high thermal efficiency during steady-state operation. The system switches between optimized steady-state timing and transient-optimized timing, ensuring both efficiency and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors engine operating conditions and adjusts cam phasing in response to detected transient events. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain thermal efficiency during normal operation while automatically adapting timing to improve transient response when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3334909B1CAM phasing system architecture
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 CUMMINS INC
  • EP3334909B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3334909B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3334909B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spark-ignited gas engine system comprises a combustion chamber defined by a piston, a head with a spark plug mechanism, and a cylinder having an associated intake valve and an associated exhaust valve, into which a mixture of combustible gas and air is entered via an intake manifold of the engine to drive a crankshaft. The system further comprises at least one turbocharger to compress the mixture. The system further comprises at least one camshaft, driven by the crankshaft via a gear assembly connected to the crankshaft, that comprises at least one cam that actuates the intake valve and the exhaust valve, at least one camphaser, coupled to the crankshaft via the gear assembly, and a controller to adjust a cam angle operation of the intake valve and the exhaust valve by adjusting the camphaser to a desired phase position to meet a target rotational phase of the camshaft.