Camshaft Adjuster Flex Pot Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshaft adjusting systems with concentrically arranged camshafts face challenges in achieving independent angular adjustments, requiring large structural space, being time-consuming, and prone to control errors due to interdependent adjustment ranges between inner and outer shafts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an internally toothed front cover on the hydraulic camshaft adjuster's stator, which supports a flex pot connected to the electric camshaft adjuster, decouples the adjustment ranges by acting as an internal gear, allowing independent control of both shafts and reducing structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an axially coupled construction between hydraulic and electric adjusters is used, then both camshafts can be adjusted, but the structural space required becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested construction where the second camshaft is arranged within the first camshaft, and the electric camshaft adjuster is integrated within the hydraulic camshaft adjuster. The electric adjuster's motor and gear mechanism are positioned inside the hydraulic adjuster's housing, allowing both adjustment systems to occupy the same radial space rather than requiring separate axial spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hydraulic and electric adjusters into a single integrated unit called a combined camshaft adjuster. The hydraulic adjuster provides the outer housing and fluid pressure system, while the electric adjuster provides the motor and gear mechanism. Both systems work together on the same camshafts, combining their functions into one compact assembly that reduces overall structural space.
2Device complexity
If the adjustment ranges of inner and outer shafts are interdependent, then the system is simpler, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment control into two independent systems: a hydraulic adjustment system for the outer camshaft and an electric adjustment system for the inner camshaft. Each system has its own control mechanism and can operate independently without requiring coordinated action between the shafts, eliminating the time-consuming counteraction process while maintaining system simplicity through functional separation.
3Ease of operation
If a separate output internal gear and collar sleeve are used, then the adjustment mechanism is complete, but the structural complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output internal gear function into the rotor component of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster. Instead of using a separate collar sleeve and independent internal gear, the rotor itself is designed with the necessary gear teeth and structural features to serve as the output transmission element. This integration eliminates additional parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining complete adjustment functionality.
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 enables independent adjustment of outer and inner camshafts, reduces structural space, and enhances control precision and speed, particularly at low temperatures, while minimizing costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an internally toothed front cover (7) on a stator (6) of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4), which supports a flex pot (9), which is connected to the electric camshaft adjuster (5), decouples the adjustment ranges by acting as an internal gear
Implementation Method 2
a vane-cell type hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) being configured for adjusting the first camshaft
Implementation Method 3
a vane-cell type hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A camshaft adjusting system (1) is provided for a first camshaft (2) and a second camshaft (3) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another, the second camshaft (3) being arranged within the first camshaft (2). A vane-cell type hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) is configured for adjusting the first camshaft (2) and an electric camshaft adjuster (5) is configured for adjusting the second camshaft (3). A front cover (7) which is fastened to a stator (6) of the hydraulic camshaft adjuster (4) and which closes off the camshaft adjuster (4) at a side facing away from the camshaft has an internal toothing (8) for supporting a flex pot (9) which is attached to the second camshaft (3) and which is designed for receiving torque from the electric camshaft adjuster (5). A camshaft adjusting unit having the camshaft adjusting system (1) and two camshafts (2, 3) is also provided.