Ferromagnetic Cylinder Head Valve Actuation Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic valve actuation systems for internal combustion engines are ineffective due to solenoid actuators' inability to sustain sufficient output force levels, limiting independent control and variable valve actuation timing.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic valve actuation system utilizing a ferromagnetic cylinder head as a flux path for the solenoid coil, combined with liquid cooling and a larger coil diameter, allows for increased force output and efficient heat dissipation, enabling high-force, extended-duration operation without additional sensors for position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional solenoid actuators are used for electronic valve actuation, then the system can achieve electronic control, but the output force levels are insufficient for sustained operation in internal combustion engine applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solenoid actuator with the existing ferromagnetic cylinder head structure, using the head itself as the flux path. This integration eliminates the need for separate ferromagnetic components and allows the actuator to leverage the head's magnetic properties for enhanced force output. The coil is positioned to utilize the head's ferromagnetic material as a magnetic flux pathway, effectively combining the actuation function with the structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electromagnetic actuator by increasing the coil diameter and utilizing the ferromagnetic head as a flux path. These parameter changes enable the solenoid to generate higher output force levels while maintaining electronic control capability. The larger coil diameter increases the magnetic flux generation capacity, directly addressing the force deficiency of traditional actuators.
2Force
If the coil diameter is increased to provide higher force output, then the actuator can sustain sufficient force levels, but the heat generation from the coil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing engine cooling system by positioning the coil within or adjacent to the cooling passage. The coolant flowing through the passage directly contacts or nears the coil, providing active cooling that removes heat generated during high-force operation. This integration allows the actuator to sustain high force output without overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling passage acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the coil and the engine coolant. The passage provides a dedicated pathway for heat removal from the coil, facilitating efficient thermal management during sustained high-force operation. This intermediary structure enables the coil to operate at high power levels while maintaining acceptable temperatures.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to determine valve position, then position control precision can be improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the existing coil electrical characteristics (voltage, current, resistance) to determine valve position and actuator status. The system uses self-diagnostic capabilities of the coil itself, measuring parameters such as rise time and voltage drops to infer position information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or optical sensing systems with electrical measurement methods. Instead of using physical sensors to detect valve position, the system uses electrical characteristics of the coil (voltage, current, resistance changes) to determine position. This substitution reduces device complexity by eliminating mechanical sensors and their associated mounting, wiring, and calibration requirements.
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
The system achieves sustained high-force operation and efficient cooling, enabling independent and variable valve actuation, reducing power requirements and enhancing air intake by using a 'pulsed' valve actuation profile, while eliminating the need for secondary sensing hardware.
Implementation Method 1
the head is at least partially formed of a ferromagnetic material, and the coil of the electromagnetic actuator is disposed in the head such that the coil is at least partially surrounded by the ferromagnetic material and the ferromagnetic material forms a flux path for the coil
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnetic actuator has a piston in mechanical communication with the valve and a coil in fluid communication with the cooling passage. The electromagnetic actuator is operable to move the valve between a closed and an open position.
Implementation Method 3
The coil wire may be disposed in direct contact with the cooling fluid from the cooling passage
Implementation Method 4
The coil may further include spacers for providing space in the coil wire winding, or may include cooling tubes disposed in the coil wire winding
Data Source
AI summary
A head assembly for an internal combustion engine includes an electromagnetic valve actuation system. The head has an intake or exhaust passage defined therein. A valve is disposed in the passage and is operable to selectively open and close the passage. The head has a cooling passage defined therein for passage of a cooling fluid. An electromagnetic actuator has a piston in mechanical communication with the valve and a coil in fluid communication with the cooling passage. The electromagnetic actuator is operable to move the valve between a closed and an open position.