Camshaft Adjuster Superposition Drive Radial Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camshaft adjusters with electric control units and superposition drives are axially larger, preventing the attachment of accessory units like vacuum pumps on the side facing away from the camshaft, leading to packaging issues, increased costs, and complexity in repair.
Innovation Solution
The camshaft adjuster is designed to allow the accessory unit to be driven by a control unit, which can act as both a driving and braking unit, with the control unit and accessory unit arranged on the same side of the superposition drive, enabling a radially compact and nested or offset configuration, and using a gear stage to transmit motion and adjust rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the electric control unit is arranged in front of the superposition drive aligned to the longitudinal axis of the camshaft, then the camshaft adjuster can be compact in radial direction, but the axial length increases preventing attachment of accessory units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the accessory unit from the axial direction (where space is constrained) to the radial direction (where space is available). The accessory unit is arranged radially outside the camshaft adjuster, allowing it to be mounted in the radial dimension rather than extending axially, thus resolving the contradiction between radial compactness and axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory unit is nested within the radial space already occupied by the camshaft adjuster components. The drive shaft of the accessory unit passes through the superposition drive structure, and the accessory unit is positioned radially outward, effectively nesting it within the existing radial envelope without increasing axial length.
2Volume of moving object
If the accessory unit is attached on the side facing away from the camshaft, then packaging space is optimized, but the electric control unit occupies this space preventing attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The superposition drive structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits motion from the camshaft to the camshaft adjuster while also providing a mounting interface for the accessory unit. The drive shaft and housing of the superposition drive act as both the motion transmission mechanism and the structural support for the radially mounted accessory unit, enabling multi-functionality in the same space.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional axial arrangement is used, then the control unit has sufficient installation space, but the overall axial size increases leading to increased costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accessory unit drive function with the existing superposition drive structure. The accessory unit shares the radial space with the superposition drive components, and its drive shaft is integrated with the superposition drive housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate axial space allocation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate installation space.
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 configuration allows for the attachment of accessory units like vacuum pumps on the same side as the camshaft adjuster, reducing packaging constraints, costs, and simplifying maintenance by enabling a compact and efficient drive connection, while maintaining consistent rotational speed and torque.
Implementation Method 1
superposition drive with gear elements of the camshaft adjuster
Implementation Method 2
reset by means of a spring
Implementation Method 3
braking power is used for shifting in the advanced direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drive connection with a camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine is provided. A free end of the camshaft adjuster is coupled with an accessory unit, especially a vacuum pump, in a camshaft adjuster with a superposition drive and an electrical control unit. The electrical control unit (7) can be constructed as a hollow unit, through which a drive shaft of the accessory unit is passed.