Camshaft Nested Valves Space Saving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshaft adjusters for automotive engines face challenges in minimizing installation space, particularly when integrating phase adjustment mechanisms for inner and outer shafts, leading to increased complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates phase adjusters and switchable hydraulic valves within the inner shaft of a camshaft, with contrarotating cams and an integrated oil supply system, allowing for a space-saving arrangement and reduced hydraulic line complexity by utilizing a shared lubrication channel for both phase adjusters and valve actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If phase adjusters and hydraulic valves are integrated inside the inner shaft, then installation space is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first and second hydraulic valves inside the inner shaft, which itself is nested within the outer shaft. The phase adjusters are integrated within the same space, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes installation space while containing multiple functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the inner shaft structure: it serves as a structural component, houses the phase adjusters, contains the hydraulic valves, and provides oil supply channels. This consolidation of functions into a single integrated component reduces the overall space required while managing complexity through functional integration.
2Device complexity
If a shared oil supply channel is used for both lubrication and hydraulic actuation, then hydraulic line complexity is reduced, but reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The oil supply channel in the inner shaft performs multiple functions: it provides lubrication to the camshaft bearings and simultaneously supplies hydraulic medium to both the first and second hydraulic valves for phase adjustment. This multi-functional channel eliminates the need for separate hydraulic lines, reducing complexity while maintaining system reliability through proper oil flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing oil supply system, originally designed for lubrication, is utilized to also provide hydraulic actuation. The system serves itself by using the same oil circulation path for both lubrication and phase adjustment functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated hydraulic lines and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 minimizes installation space, reduces component complexity, and allows for efficient control of the camshaft phase relation, enhancing power, torque, and reducing fuel consumption and emissions without requiring additional hydraulic lines in the cylinder head.
Implementation Method 1
a camshaft bearing (50) which is acted upon by hydraulic medium for lubrication of the camshaft
Implementation Method 2
an actuating device for actuating and/or controlling the two hydraulic valves, comprising a first and a second electromagnetic, the first electromagnetic actuating the first hydraulic valve and the second electromagnetic actuating the second hydraulic valve
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a camshaft (1) having an inner shaft (3) arranged coaxially in an outer shaft (2) and mounted to rotate with respect to the outer shaft (2). The camshaft (1) has a first phase adjuster (7) and a second phase adjuster (8), the first phase adjuster (7) adjusting a phase relation of the inner shaft (3) and thus of the first cams in relation to a drive, in particular a crankshaft, while the second phase adjuster (8) adjusts a phase relation of the outer shaft (2) in relation to the drive. Thus the first and second phase adjusters (7, 8) each have a switchable hydraulic valve (9, 10), both being arranged inside the inner shaft (3).