Engine Synchronization Device for Rapid Camshaft Crankshaft Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor start-up processes are slow due to synchronization challenges between the camshaft and crankshaft, leading to increased start-up times and inefficiencies in combustion engines, particularly in stop-start systems where rapid reactivation is required.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization device comprising active sensors and a control device that determine the angular and phase positions of the camshaft and crankshaft, allowing for precise control of the phase difference between the two shafts, even at low rotational speeds and during engine shutdown, enabling efficient fuel injection and reduced start-up times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional synchronization methods are used between camshaft and crankshaft, then the engine can start, but the start-up time is too long (approximately one second)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of the camshaft and crankshaft before the engine actually starts running. By pre-establishing the correct phase relationship between the shafts during the shutdown phase or at low speeds, the system eliminates the need for slow synchronization during full startup, reducing start-up time from one second to approximately 0.5 seconds while ensuring reliable synchronization from the beginning of operation.
2Productivity
If the engine is shut down in stop-start systems, then fuel efficiency improves, but rapid reactivation becomes challenging due to synchronization losses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical synchronization methods with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect the angular positions of the camshaft and crankshaft. This electronic system can rapidly determine the phase relationship and control the camshaft position electronically, enabling fast reactivation after shutdown while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits of stop-start operation.
3Measurement precision
If active sensors are used to detect angular position at low rotational speeds, then synchronization precision improves, but sensor complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active sensors used in the system serve multiple functions: they detect angular position, determine rotational direction, and measure rotational speed across the entire operating range from standstill to high speeds. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor systems for different operating conditions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision at all speeds including low-speed and reverse rotation detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization device for an engine is provided that has a first active sensor and a second active sensor. The first active sensor is adapted to determine an angular position of a first shaft and the second active sensor is adapted to determine the angular position of a second shaft. The first active sensor and the second active sensor are adapted to provide information on the state of the angular position of the first shaft and the second shaft or the angular position of the first shaft and the phase position between the first shaft and the second shaft to the control device. In addition, the control device is adapted to provide a control signal for setting a given phase difference between the first and the second shaft.