Camshaft Adjuster Phase Angle Detection via Inductive Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the setting of a camshaft adjuster in internal combustion engines are not simple or robust, and they often require the engine to be stationary, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a signal generator and measurement circuit with resonant components, such as variable inductance coils, to detect the phase angle between the camshaft and crankshaft, allowing for measurement regardless of engine speed or position, using a stationary power supply and rotating parts with pivotable elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If various measuring devices are arranged on the camshaft and crankshaft, then the phase position can be determined, but the device complexity increases and the measurement system becomes less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement circuit from the stationary part and integrates it into the rotating adjustment module. This eliminates the need for separate measuring devices on both camshaft and crankshaft, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through the inductive coupling between stationary signal generator and rotating measurement circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment module serves dual functions: it adjusts the camshaft phase angle and simultaneously houses the measurement circuit for detecting the phase position. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the engine must be stationary for measurement, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the adaptability of the measurement system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the measurement system dynamic by integrating the measurement circuit into the rotating adjustment module. This allows the system to function accurately whether the engine is stationary or running, as the measurement circuit rotates with the adjustment module and maintains proper inductive coupling with the stationary signal generator throughout the rotation cycle
3Ease of operation
If a line-conducted power supply is provided to the rotating part, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to sliding contacts or rotary joints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical power transmission system (sliding contacts or rotary joints) with an inductive coupling system. The stationary signal generator creates an electromagnetic field that inductively powers the rotating measurement circuit, eliminating mechanical contact points and 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
Enables precise detection of the camshaft adjuster setting both when the engine is stationary and running, without requiring angular position measurement of the crankshaft, ensuring robustness and simplicity in the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
Owing to the measurement setup, which comprises the signal generator and the measurement circuit, at least one resonant circuit is formed. At least one resonant circuit component, which may be found on the side of the measurement circuit, i.e., in or on the adjustment module, has electrical properties that depend on the phase angle between the camshaft and the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine.
Implementation Method 2
A signal generator, with which a measurement circuit is inductively coupled, is arranged so as to be fixed in position on the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A camshaft adjuster for adjusting the phase angle between a crankshaft and a camshaft of an internal combustion engine comprises an actuator, in particular, an electric motor, and an adjustment module, which comprises a drive element, which can be driven by the crankshaft, and an output element, which can be rotated relative to the drive element to a limited extent and which is provided to be securely coupled to the camshaft, wherein a signal generator, which is arranged so as to be fixed in position on the internal combustion engine and which has an inductance, is inductively coupled to a measurement circuit, which is integrated into the adjustment module and which has at least one resonant circuit component having electrical properties that depend on the said phase angle.