Variable Cam Phaser Control Valve With Centrifugal Weight Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional variable cam timing phasers are bulky and require actuators like solenoids, limiting their compactness and space efficiency in engine compartments.

Innovation Solution

A control valve assembly with a weight movably coupled to the valve or rotor housing that actuates the control valve between positions during rotation, eliminating the need for solenoids and allowing for a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional actuators like solenoids are used to move the control valve, then the control valve can be actuated between positions, but the variable cam timing phaser becomes bulky and occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol valve actuationVSAvoidphaser volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the solenoid actuator from the system entirely, extracting the harmful bulky component while maintaining the essential control valve actuation function through an alternative mechanism involving a cam, follower, and spring system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic solenoid system with a purely mechanical actuation system using a cam profile, follower, and spring mechanism to move the control valve, eliminating the need for electrical components and reducing overall volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If solenoids are included in the control valve assembly, then the control valve can be moved between positions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol valve actuationVSAvoidactuator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex solenoid actuator from the assembly, replacing it with simpler mechanical components that achieve the same control valve actuation function with fewer parts and less complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using an active electromagnetic solenoid to push the valve, the patent uses a passive cam profile that guides the follower to move the valve through its stroke, inverting the traditional actuation approach to reduce complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The solution results in a more compact variable cam timing phaser that occupies less space, enhancing engine compartment utilization and enabling actuator-free operation.

Implementation Method 1

The weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing about the axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS12516615B2Control valve assembly of a variable cam timing phaser

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 BORGWARNER INC

AI summary

A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing phaser includes a valve housing defining a valve housing interior, a control valve disposed in the valve housing interior, and a weight movably coupled to the valve housing. The valve housing is configured to rotate about an axis during operation of the variable cam timing. The weight is movably coupled to the valve housing and configured to actuate the control valve between a first control valve position adjacent to the first valve housing end and a second control valve position spaced axially from the first control valve position. The weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.