Hydraulic Camshaft Adjuster Center Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic camshaft adjusters have a complex center locking mechanism that increases manufacturing costs due to the need for spring-loaded locking pins and check valves, making it difficult to move to the center position reliably.
Innovation Solution
A simplified locking system using two control elements, where one element has switching functionality to establish fluid connections between the hydraulic pump and chambers, and the other is a spring-prestressed pin that engages in a slotted guide to lock the rotor in the center position, eliminating the need for check valves and reducing component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded locking pins and check valves are used for center locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the check valve component from the locking mechanism. Instead of using spring-loaded locking pins with check valves to maintain locking position, the invention uses a simple locking pin that engages with a locking cam. The locking cam's geometry itself provides the locking function without requiring additional check valves, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cam serves multiple functions: it provides the locking action when engaged by the locking pin, and it also serves as a structural component of the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall locking mechanism while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a complex center locking mechanism is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the check valve and spring components from the locking mechanism, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This extraction of unnecessary components directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the essential locking function through the simplified locking pin and locking cam arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If multiple control elements with switching functionality are used, then the flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple control elements into a single control element that can assume different positions. Instead of having separate control elements for different flow control functions, the invention uses one control element that can be positioned to achieve various flow control outcomes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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 solution allows for a simple and reliable movement to the center position with fewer components, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for check valves, while maintaining a purely hydraulic adjustment mechanism without requiring alternating camshaft torques.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump for providing hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
two spring-loaded locking pins which can be locked in a locking slotted guide
Implementation Method 3
a first control element and a second control element which can be held in an unlocked position by way of loading with hydraulic fluid via the central valve
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic camshaft adjuster (1), in which the locking system (7, 8) includes a first and a second control element (7, 8). In order to approach the middle position easily, the first control element (7) has a first and a second switching position, wherein in the first switching position a fluidic connection between the hydraulic pump (P) and a first of the two sub-chambers (B) and a fluidic connection between the other, second sub-chamber (A) and the tank (T) can be established, and in the second switching position a fluidic connection between the hydraulic pump (P) and the second of the two sub-chambers (A) and a fluidic connection between the other, first sub-chamber (B) and the tank (T) can be established, and the second control element (8) is free from different switching positions and has no influence on the flow of hydraulic fluid.