Camshaft Timing Adjuster with Integrated Pump and Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshaft timing adjustment apparatuses are not compact, reliable, or lightweight, and they require additional external pumps and valve assemblies, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus integrates the valve assembly within the hydraulic pump, and the hydraulic pump is placed within the hub, creating a compact camshaft timing adjustment system that eliminates the need for external pumps and valve assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external pumps and valve assemblies are used for camshaft timing adjustment, then the timing adjustment function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump and valve assembly into a single integrated unit housed within the camshaft timing adjustment apparatus. The pump chambers and valve components share the same housing structure, eliminating the need for separate external pump and valve assemblies. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the complete timing adjustment functionality through integrated fluid control.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the pump chambers, accommodates the valve assembly, provides fluid passages, and supports the overall timing adjustment mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external components, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable operation through a unified structural platform.
2Ease of manufacture
If external pumps and valve assemblies are used, then the timing adjustment function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and valve assembly are merged into a single integrated unit with shared housing and fluid passages. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and sealed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure performs multiple functions including containing pump chambers, supporting valve assemblies, and providing fluid pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing processes, leading to lower production costs and reduced device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact configuration is achieved by integrating pump and valve assembly, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the internal space for components becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is nested within the pump housing structure, with valve components positioned inside the same housing that contains the pump chambers. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization, allowing the compact apparatus volume to accommodate all necessary components without increasing overall size or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging pump chambers and valve components in different spatial dimensions within the housing. Fluid passages are routed through vertical and horizontal pathways, allowing compact packaging of components while maintaining functional separation and accessibility, thus achieving small volume without excessive complexity.
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 configuration results in a compact, reliable, and lightweight apparatus that allows for fast camshaft timing adjustments without imposing a load on the crankshaft, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump having a high pressure pump chamber, a low pressure pump chamber and a pumping means for pumping a hydraulic fluid from the low pressure pump chamber to the high pressure pump chamber
Implementation Method 2
Each pump chamber is fluidly connected to the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber and can be put in fluid communication with the respective sub-chamber by a valve assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for camshaft timing adjustment, comprising: a drive disc (10) and a hub (50) rotationally supported relative to each other and defining a common rotational axis (2) wherein the hub (50) is arranged within the drive disc (10) or vice versa, a vane (57) being accommodated in an adjusting chamber (30) defined by the drive disc (10) and the hub (50) and separating the adjusting chamber (30) into a first sub- chamber (31) and a second sub-chamber (32), wherein the vane (57) is attached to the hub (50) or the drive disc (10), a hydraulic pump (100) having a high pressure pump chamber (101), a low pressure pump chamber (102) and a pumping means (103) for pumping a hydraulic fluid from the low pressure pump chamber (102) to the high pressure pump chamber (101), each pump chamber (101, 102) being fluidly connected to the first sub-chamber (31) and the second sub-chamber (32), an a valve assembly 120 comprising a valve actuating means (140) and having a first state for enabling a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the second sub-chamber (31) to the first sub-chamber (32), respectively, and a second state for enabling a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the first sub-chamber (31) to the second sub-chamber (32), respectively.