Continuous Variable Valve Timing Apparatus with Integrated Camshaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuously variable valve timing systems are complex and costly due to their intricate construction, which complicates optimal valve operation based on engine speed, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified continuously variable valve timing apparatus featuring a camshaft with variable phase angles, inner brackets, slider housings, a control shaft, and a sensor unit, allowing for adjustable valve timing through a compact design that reduces the overall height of the valve train and can be applied to existing engines with minimal modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general continuously variable valve timing apparatus is used to achieve optimal valve operation depending on engine speed, then valve timing can be adjusted, but the construction becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intake camshaft and exhaust camshaft into a single integrated camshaft structure with multiple cam portions. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining the capability to independently adjust intake and exhaust valve timing through the phase adjusting mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The phase adjusting mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the phase angle of both intake and exhaust cams, transmits rotational motion, and maintains proper timing relationships. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each cam, thereby simplifying the construction while achieving continuous variable valve timing
2Adaptability or versatility
If a general continuously variable valve timing apparatus is used to achieve optimal valve operation depending on engine speed, then valve timing can be adjusted, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the camshaft and phase adjusting mechanism into an integrated structure, the patent reduces the total component count that requires manufacturing, assembly, and quality control. This integration approach lowers manufacturing complexity and associated costs while maintaining continuous variable valve timing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The camshaft is segmented into multiple cam portions (intake cams and exhaust cams) that can be independently adjusted in phase. This segmentation allows for flexible timing adjustment without requiring multiple complete camshafts, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing engines are modified to accommodate complex valve timing systems, then optimal valve operation can be achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated camshaft design with built-in phase adjustment capability allows for a single assembly unit to be installed in existing engines, reducing the number of separate installation steps and improving assembly productivity while maintaining optimal valve operation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A continuously variable valve timing apparatus may include a camshaft, a first and a second cam portions of which two cams are formed thereto, of which the camshaft is inserted thereinto and of which relative phase angles with respect to the camshaft are variable, a first and a second inner brackets transmitting rotation of the camshaft to the first and second cam portions respectively, a first and a second slider housings of which the first and second inner brackets are rotatably inserted thereinto respectively and of which relative positions with respect to the camshaft are variable, a control shaft connected with the slider housings and a control portion connected with the control shaft and selectively changing the positions of the inner brackets.