Partially Hardened Camshaft Slide Element for Low-Warp Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hardening toothings on camshafts often result in warping and require additional machining processes, such as hard broaching, which increase production costs and wear, hindering trouble-free axial displacement of slide elements.
Innovation Solution
Partial inductive hardening of the latching elevation in the latching means transfer region, using an induction device to heat and quench the area, avoiding complete hardening and subsequent machining processes, while maintaining required hardness without warping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complete hardening of the latching elevation is performed, then wear resistance is improved, but warping occurs and additional machining processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local hardening only to the latching means transfer region of the latching elevation, rather than hardening the entire latching elevation. This selective local treatment provides wear resistance exactly where the latching means contacts and transfers during axial displacement, while leaving other regions softer to avoid warping and eliminate the need for additional machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardening process is segmented into a specific region (latching means transfer region) rather than applying uniform hardening across the entire component. This segmentation allows different regions to have different hardness properties optimized for their specific functions, resolving the contradiction between wear resistance and warping.
2Ease of operation
If additional machining processes such as hard broaching are applied, then axial displacement is enabled, but production costs and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
By applying local hardening only to the transfer region, the patent creates a hardness gradient that enables smooth axial displacement without requiring additional broaching operations. The controlled hardness distribution allows the latching means to transfer along the toothing while maintaining ease of operation, eliminating costly additional machining steps.
3Ease of operation
If additional machining processes are applied, then displacement is possible, but cycle times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The local hardening process is performed as a preliminary action during the main manufacturing process, preparing the latching elevation in advance to enable smooth axial displacement. This preliminary treatment eliminates the need for subsequent broaching operations, thereby reducing total cycle times and improving productivity.
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 method reduces production costs and wear by eliminating the need for additional machining, ensuring minimal wear and efficient axial displacement of slide elements on camshafts without warping, thus improving cycle times and reducing material hardness loss.
Implementation Method 1
Partial inductive hardening of the latching elevation in the latching means transfer region, using an induction device to heat and quench the area
Data Source
AI summary
A slide element for displacement of a cam segment in an axial direction along a camshaft may include a slide sleeve, which has a longitudinal toothing formed at least sectionally along an inner wall of the slide sleeve and has a latching section formed on the inner wall and serving for interaction with a latching means. The latching section comprises a latching means receiving part, which comprises at least two latching grooves formed adjacently in an axial direction and at least one latching elevation formed between the latching grooves of the latching means receiving part and directed inward. The latching elevation may be partially hardened exclusively in a latching means transfer region.