Camshaft Actuator Integration for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshafts for internal combustion engines have a high weight due to separate retaining and connecting elements for the actuating device, which occupy internal space and prevent integration of other components, and lack the option to arrange an oil or vacuum pump at the end opposite the camshaft adjuster.
Innovation Solution
The actuating device is designed as an electromagnetic or piezoelectric device connected torque-proof to the camshaft tube, eliminating the need for separate retaining elements and allowing integration of other components and an oil or vacuum pump, with a detachable connection and power supply via rotationally fixed elements like ring brushes or induction coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate retaining and connecting elements are used to hold the actuating device in the camshaft tube and connect it to the cylinder head, then the actuating device can be securely retained and connected, but the weight of the camshaft increases and internal space is occupied preventing integration of other components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is directly integrated into the camshaft tube structure, merging the actuating device housing with the camshaft tube wall. This eliminates the need for separate retaining elements (like bearing members) and connecting elements (like tubular shafts), thereby reducing weight while maintaining secure retention and connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camshaft tube serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural housing for the actuating device and as the connecting element to the cylinder head. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated retaining and connecting components, reducing overall weight and freeing internal space for other components.
2Reliability
If separate retaining and connecting elements are used to hold the actuating device in the camshaft tube, then the actuating device can be securely retained, but the internal space of the camshaft tube is occupied and cannot be used for integrating other functional elements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device housing is merged with the camshaft tube structure, eliminating separate retaining elements. This integration frees up the internal space of the camshaft tube, allowing other functional elements such as oil separation devices or additional actuators to be installed without compromising the secure retention of the primary actuating device.
3Reliability
If a bearing element is disposed inside the camshaft tube to accommodate the actuating device, then the actuating device can be properly supported, but internal machining of the camshaft tube is required meeting high accuracy requirements and increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element is extracted from the internal structure of the camshaft tube. Instead of requiring internal machining to accommodate a bearing member, the actuating device is supported through external or integrated structural features of the camshaft tube, thereby eliminating the need for high-precision internal machining while maintaining proper support.
4Device complexity
If the solenoid is extended in length to attach directly to the cylinder head without separate connecting elements, then connecting elements can be dispensed with, but the overall length of the solenoid increases and more internal space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuating device is merged with the camshaft tube structure, eliminating the need for separate connecting elements like tubular shafts. The solenoid housing becomes an integral part of the camshaft assembly, reducing the number of components while maintaining a compact overall length by utilizing the existing camshaft tube space efficiently.
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 reduces weight and cost, enables the integration of additional components, and allows for efficient utilization of drive energy by enabling an oil or vacuum pump at the end of the camshaft opposite the adjuster, with the option for easy replacement of the actuating device without replacing the entire camshaft.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating device 5 that actuates the hydraulic valve 3 is also arranged in the interior space 4 of the camshaft tube 1 and is connected to it in a torque-proof manner. According to the invention, the actuating device 5 is designed as an electromagnetic or piezoelectric or electric actuator.
Implementation Method 2
According to the invention, the actuating device 5 is designed as an electromagnetic or piezoelectric or electric actuator.
Implementation Method 3
The current required for the actuating device 5 is generated by induction in the induction coil 13 as a result of the relative movement between the element 7 and the means 8 during a rotary movement of the camshaft tube 1.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a camshaft for actuating the gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, said camshaft comprising a camshaft tube (1), a hydraulic camshaft adjuster (2), a valve (3) for controlling the hydraulic fluid supplied to the camshaft adjuster (2) and an actuation device (5), arranged in the interior (4) of the camshaft tube (1), for actuating the valve (3), said actuation device being secured against displacement in the axial direction. The aim of the invention is to devise a camshaft which is light-weight and wherein functional elements in addition to the actuation device and optionally the valve can be integrated into the interior of the camshaft. It should furthermore be possible to arrange an oil or vacuum pump at the end of the camshaft opposite the camshaft adjuster, said pump being drivable by the camshaft. According to the invention, the actuation device (5) is designed as an electromagnetic, piezoelectric or electrical actuator and is connected to the camshaft tube (1) such that they rotate together.