Hydraulic Camshaft Phasing Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camshaft adjusters in internal combustion engines require additional time to secure phasing during engine startup, leading to poor start and operating characteristics, and existing solutions involve costly electromagnetic actuators and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hydraulic actuating mechanism and rotation angle limiting devices that lock the output element to the input element only after the target fill state is reached, using pressure medium lines to ensure secure locking without additional costly components or complex control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic actuators and complex control systems are used to secure camshaft phasing during startup, then phasing security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system automatically secures the camshaft phasing by utilizing the engine's own hydraulic pressure that builds up during operation. The system self-regulates based on the natural pressure development in the hydraulic circuit, eliminating the need for external electromagnetic actuators or complex control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure from the engine's lubrication system to automatically lock the camshaft phasing. The hydraulic actuator responds to pressure development in the circuit, converting the hydraulic energy into mechanical locking action without requiring electromagnetic components.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic actuators are used to lock camshaft phasing, then phasing security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive electromagnetic actuators with a simple hydraulic locking mechanism that uses the engine's existing hydraulic infrastructure. The locking element is actuated by readily available hydraulic pressure, significantly reducing component cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the engine's hydraulic lubrication system, the invention avoids the need for separate electromagnetic actuator systems. The hydraulic pressure already present in the engine's lubrication circuit is harnessed to provide the locking force, eliminating additional expensive components.
3Ease of operation
If the rotation angle limiting device is unlocked during engine startup, then phasing adjustment is enabled, but wear and noise increase due to insufficient system pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically delays unlocking of the rotation angle limiting device until sufficient hydraulic pressure has built up in the circuit. This preliminary pressure buildup phase prevents premature unlocking, thereby avoiding wear and noise while maintaining adjustability when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system provides automatic feedback based on pressure development. The locking device responds to the natural pressure buildup in the hydraulic circuit, automatically transitioning from a locked to unlocked state only when sufficient pressure is present, thereby preventing operation under unsuitable conditions.
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 solution ensures secure locking of the camshaft phasing without electromagnetic actuators, reduces control expenses, and minimizes wear and noise by automatically converting to a locked state when system pressure is sufficient, maintaining optimal phasing during engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
If now one pressure chamber is impinged with a pressure medium while the other pressure chamber is connected to a reservoir the piston is displaced in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment mechanism can be operated electrically (by a driven three-stage planetary gear), hydraulically, or pneumatically
Implementation Method 3
By the helical gearing the axial displacement of the piston is converted into a relative rotation of the drive wheel in reference to the output part
Implementation Method 4
a spring is provided, which urges the locking piston into the direction of the other component
Implementation Method 5
a device to supply pressure medium for the supply and withdrawal of pressure medium to and/or from the pressure chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A device for variably setting the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine is provided having a hydraulic actuator (18) with two reciprocally operating pressure chambers (12, 13) and with a pressure medium supply device (32) for supplying and withdrawing pressure medium to or from the pressure chambers (12, 13). The device (1) also includes at least one rotation angle limiting device (24) that in an unlocked state does not limit the phasing of the output element (3) in reference to the input element (2) but, in a locked state, limits it to a defined angular range or to a defined angle, with the rotation angle limiting device (24) being switched from the locked to the unlocked state by pressure medium being supplied. A control line (19) is provided for supplying and withdrawing pressure medium to or from the rotation angle limiting devices (24), with the control line (19) not communicating with the pressure medium supply device (32). A control valve (38) controls the supply and withdrawal of pressure medium to and from the control line (19). The control valve (38) comprises a hydraulic actuating mechanism (39) that is subjected to the action of pressure medium from the pressure medium supply device (32).