Camshaft Phaser Support Pin Retention via Through-Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camshaft phaser designs require press-fit components and additional parts like spring retention plates, leading to increased cost and complexity, as well as the need for grinding operations.
Innovation Solution
A camshaft phaser design that uses a support pin with a through-bore and a positioning spring, where the support pin is axially restrained without a press fit, eliminating the need for additional parts and grinding operations, by using a cover to secure the pin and prevent further displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring retention plate or press-fit component is used to retain the positioning spring, then the positioning spring is securely retained, but the parts count and cost increase and additional grinding operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin is integrated directly into the rotor structure, merging the retention function into an existing component rather than adding a separate retention plate. The through-bore of the rotor serves dual purposes: structural support and retention of the positioning spring via the support pin, eliminating the need for additional retention components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is extracted from a separate component (retention plate or press-fit component) and implemented through the integrated support pin structure within the rotor's through-bore. This extraction simplifies the overall assembly by removing unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining the essential retention function.
2Reliability
If a spring retention plate is used to retain the positioning spring, then the positioning spring is securely retained, but the axial extent of the phaser increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin is nested within the through-bore of the rotor, with its first portion positioned inside the bore and its second portion extending through the radially disposed side. This nesting arrangement allows the retention function to be achieved within the existing axial space of the rotor without adding external retention plates that would increase the overall axial extent.
3Reliability
If press-fit components are used to retain the positioning spring, then the positioning spring is securely retained, but manufacturing cost increases due to required grinding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin utilizes the rotor's own through-bore structure to provide retention, eliminating the need for separate press-fit components that would require expensive grinding operations. The rotor structure itself serves the dual function of mechanical support and retention, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 reduces the cost and complexity of manufacturing by eliminating the need for press-fitting and grinding, while maintaining effective retention of the positioning spring, thus simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning spring engaged with the second portion and the stator to urge the rotor in a circumferential direction
Data Source
AI summary
A camshaft phaser, including: an axis of rotation; a drive sprocket arranged to receive torque; a stator non-rotatably connected to the drive sprocket; a rotor at least partially rotatable with respect to the stator, arranged to non-rotatably connect to a camshaft and including first and second radially disposed sides facing, respectively, in first and second opposite axial directions parallel to the axis of rotation, a through-bore connecting the first and second radially disposed sides, and a support pin including a first portion disposed in the through-bore and a second portion extending past the second radially disposed side in the second axial direction; and a positioning spring engaged with the second portion and the stator to urge the rotor in a circumferential direction, wherein a line parallel to the axis of rotation passes through the first portion and material forming the rotor.