Camshaft Assembly with Segmented Shaft Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshaft assembly methods require significant axial installation space due to the need for components to be moved by the axial width of the component during pressing-in, which can be impractical, especially in tight spaces and when components are to be fastened tightly or produced in closed bearing galleries.
Innovation Solution
A camshaft design featuring a support shaft with alternating fastening and positioning regions of different diameters, allowing the component to intermesh with the support shaft in a tooth-like profile, reducing the assembly path to a single tooth width and enabling free rotation for angular adjustment, with optional plastic deformation for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the component is pressed onto the support shaft by moving it axially by the axial width of the component, then the component can be securely fastened, but the axial installation space required becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The support shaft is segmented into alternating fastening regions (with larger diameter) and positioning regions (with smaller diameter), creating a tooth-like profile. This segmentation allows the component to be engaged at specific locations without requiring the entire axial width of the component as installation space, thereby reducing the axial installation space while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The component with its passage opening is nested onto the support shaft in a preliminary position where the passage opening encompasses the fastening regions. This nesting arrangement allows the component to be positioned and secured without requiring additional axial clearance beyond what is needed for the tooth-like engagement, thus minimizing axial installation space.
2Ease of manufacture
If an axial region next to the expansion is kept clear on the support shaft for positioning the component, then the component can be installed, but the support shaft requires more space and cannot be used in closed bearing galleries
Solution Approach 1:
The support shaft is divided into functional segments (fastening regions and positioning regions) that are distributed along its length. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large clear axial region, allowing the shaft to be compact and suitable for closed bearing galleries while still enabling component installation through the tooth-like engagement mechanism.
3Strength
If the component is pressed onto the support shaft with a large axial movement, then the connection can be tight, but the assembly path becomes long and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented tooth-like profile creates discrete engagement points that provide inherent mechanical locking. This segmentation allows the component to achieve tight connection through localized radial interference at the fastening regions, eliminating the need for long axial movement and simplifying the assembly path to a straightforward pressing operation.
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 significantly reduces the axial installation space required for assembly, allows for precise angular positioning, and achieves a force-fit connection with minimal assembly path, facilitating production even in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the support shaft and the component are heated or cooled in such a manner that the support shaft can be pushed through the passage opening
Data Source
AI summary
A camshaft may include a support shaft and a component with a passage opening that receives the support shaft. The support shaft may include fastening regions and positioning regions alternating in an axial direction. A diameter of the support shaft in the fastening regions may be greater than a diameter of the support shaft in the positioning regions. Furthermore, the passage opening of the component may include axially spaced fastening sections with positioning sections arranged between pairs of the fastening sections. A diameter of the passage opening in the fastening sections may be smaller than a diameter of the passage opening in the positioning sections. Further, the diameter of the support shaft in the positioning regions may be smaller than the diameter of the passage opening in the fastening sections, and the diameter of the support shaft in the fastening regions may be smaller than the diameter of the passage opening in the positioning sections.