Pre-oriented Camshaft Module with External Locking Pin

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling camshafts in internal combustion engines are time-consuming and costly due to the need for precise angular positioning, and existing solutions either compromise stability or are difficult to handle and remove.

Innovation Solution

A pre-assembled module with a securing part that engages externally with the camshaft wheel, using a pin and flexible clip legs for secure angular fixation and easy removal, allowing for precise and reliable positioning of camshafts during assembly and ensuring the camshaft gear is protected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a bolt is inserted through the cylinder head to secure the camshaft, then the angular position is fixed, but the design modifications significantly negatively impact camshaft stability and handling is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position fixationVSAvoidcamshaft stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A locking element serves as an intermediary component between the camshaft and the securing mechanism. This locking element engages with a recess in the camshaft wheel and a receptacle in the receiving element, providing angular position fixation without requiring direct modification of the camshaft structure itself, thus preserving camshaft stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a tool is used to clamp against the engine block to fix camshaft position, then temporary fixation is achieved, but the tool engagement can lead to damage or residual wear on the camshaft gear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamshaft position fixationVSAvoidgear damage or wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element acts as an intermediary that engages with a recess in the camshaft wheel rather than directly with the gear teeth. This prevents harmful engagement with the functional gear surface, eliminating the risk of damage or residual wear while still achieving precise angular position fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the camshaft is pre-assembled in a bearing frame, then assembly is simplified, but precise angular positioning becomes time-consuming and increases manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidtime for angular positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to engage with a recess in the camshaft wheel at a predetermined angular position. This preliminary design feature allows the camshaft to be quickly secured in the correct angular position during assembly without requiring time-consuming alignment operations, thus reducing manufacturing time and costs while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a locking element engages through a recess in the camshaft gear, then rotation is locked, but the engagement with the gear's functional surface causes damage or residual wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation lockingVSAvoidgear surface damage or wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element engages with a recess that is specifically designed to receive it, positioned such that the engagement occurs without contact with the functional gear teeth. This intermediary engagement mechanism provides reliable rotation locking while completely avoiding damage or wear to the gear's functional surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3129615B1Module with pre-orientated camshaft
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA TECCENTER AG
  • EP3129615B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3129615B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3129615B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Module having a receiving element (1), in particular in the form of a bearing frame or a covering hood, for arrangement on a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and having at least one camshaft which is rotatably mounted in the receiving element (1) and which, for the mounting of a camshaft gear (3), projects out of a face side of the receiving element (1), and wherein the module is prefabricated for direct installation on the cylinder head, wherein, for the prefabrication process, by means of an externally accessible securing part (5), the camshaft is locked, so as to be prevented from rotating, in an angular position which is correct for the exertion of load on the valves, wherein the securing part (5) extends through a first recess (7) in the camshaft gear (3) and is arranged with a form fit, for prevention of rotation, with a receptacle (9) provided in the receiving element (1), wherein, after the installation of the module on the cylinder head, the securing part (5) can be removed from the locking position.