Camshaft Phaser Hydraulic Vane Rotor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentric camshaft assemblies require complex dual phasing systems to adjust both inner and outer camshafts, which is unnecessary for achieving benefits in phasing either the intake or exhaust lobes, and existing solutions do not efficiently transmit drive load from the crankshaft to the outer shaft of the camshaft arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A camshaft phaser with an inner rotor and stator, featuring radially outward vanes and inwardly directed projections, and a rear cover with protrusions that mesh with the outer camshaft, allowing for independent adjustment of the inner camshaft's rotational position relative to the crankshaft, using hydraulic pressure to rotate the rotor and simplify the phasing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual phasing system with two camshaft phasers is used to control both inner and outer camshafts, then independent control of intake and exhaust valve timing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate camshaft phasers into a single integrated phaser unit. The inner rotor with vanes and outer rotor with protrusions share a common housing and hydraulic control system, allowing both inner and outer camshafts to be phased simultaneously through one phaser assembly rather than requiring two separate phasers
Solution Approach 2:
The single camshaft phaser is designed to perform multiple functions: it phases the inner camshaft through the inner rotor-vane mechanism while simultaneously phasing the outer camshaft through the outer rotor-protrusion mechanism. The hydraulic control system serves both phasing functions, making the device universal for controlling both camshafts
2Ease of operation
If drive load is transmitted to the inner camshaft, then direct control is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting drive load to the inner camshaft, the patent inverts the approach by transmitting drive load to the outer camshaft through the outer rotor. The inner camshaft is then phased relative to the outer camshaft through the hydraulic vane mechanism, reversing the traditional drive path and simplifying the overall structure
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 design simplifies the phasing process by allowing independent adjustment of the inner camshaft relative to the outer camshaft, reducing complexity and enabling efficient transmission of drive load from the crankshaft to the outer camshaft, thus providing flexible phasing without the need for dual phasing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the vanes divide the working spaces into first and second sets of pressure chambers which can be pressurized with a hydraulic medium in order to rotate the rotor in an advancing or retarding direction
Data Source
AI summary
A camshaft phaser, including: an inner rotor with radially outwardly extending vanes which is connected to the inner camshaft; a stator having radially inwardly directed projections which contact the outer surface of the rotor and form working spaces into which the vanes extend, the vanes divide the working spaces into first and second sets of pressure chambers which can be pressurized with a hydraulic medium in order to rotate the rotor in an advancing or retarding direction; a front cover connected to a front side of the assembly defining a front side of the pressure chambers; and a rear cover connected to the rear side of the assembly defining a rear side of the pressure chambers, having first and second protrusions directed toward and meshed with complementary first and second indentations on an outer camshaft.