Dual Cam Phaser Assembly for Independent Concentric Cam Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern internal combustion engines require more flexible control over the angular positions of inner and outer camshafts relative to the crankshaft to optimize engine performance, which existing variable camshaft timing systems do not adequately provide.
Innovation Solution
A variable camshaft timing system that includes a first and second camshaft phaser, where the first camshaft phaser is hydraulically or electrically actuated and mechanically linked to the second camshaft phaser, allowing independent adjustment of the angular positions of the camshafts relative to the crankshaft using concentric camshaft assemblies and planetary gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camshaft phaser is used to control camshaft timing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and control flexibility over inner and outer camshafts are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The camshaft timing control system is segmented into two independent phasers: a first camshaft phaser for controlling the outer camshaft and a second camshaft phaser for controlling the inner camshaft. This segmentation allows each phaser to independently adjust the timing of its respective camshaft, providing enhanced adaptability and control flexibility while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If concentric camshafts are used with independent phasers, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second camshaft phasers are merged into a single integrated assembly that controls both the outer and inner camshafts. The mechanical linkage combines the timing adjustment mechanisms of both phasers into one unified structure, allowing independent control of inner and outer camshafts while reducing overall device complexity compared to separate phaser assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical linkage between phasers is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently adjust camshaft positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage between the first and second camshaft phasers is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the linkage to accommodate independent timing adjustments of each camshaft. The linkage structure includes movable components that enable flexible positioning while maintaining mechanical connection, thus facilitating independent adjustment of inner and outer camshaft timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable camshaft timing system including a first camshaft phaser having an input that is configured to receive rotational force from a crankshaft and an output that is configured to link with a first camshaft of a concentric camshaft assembly to change the angular position of the first camshaft relative to a crankshaft; and a second camshaft phaser having an output that is configured to link with a second camshaft of the concentric camshaft assembly to change the angular position of the second camshaft relative to the crankshaft, wherein the first camshaft is concentrically positioned to the first camshaft and the first camshaft phaser is mechanically linked to the second camshaft phaser to communicate rotational force from the crankshaft to the second camshaft phaser through the first camshaft phaser and the mechanical link.