Hydraulic Valve Mechanism Variable Opening Times

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently switching between single-opening and multi-opening valve modes due to complex structures and instability in valve opening times, which affects energy conservation, emission reduction, and driving safety.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic valve mechanism with variable valve opening times, featuring a valve cam with main and auxiliary protrusions, a hydraulic rotary valve adjustment mechanism, and a hydraulic accumulator, allowing for stable switching between single, two, or multi-opening modes by controlling the valve's opening times through a system of gear teeth and a motor or proportional electromagnet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a JackBrake engine brake device is used to implement exhaust valve multi-opening, then the valve can be opened multiple times in one working cycle, but the structure becomes complex and requires a deep piston top valve pit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve opening modesVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve cam is segmented into multiple protrusions (main protrusion for first opening, auxiliary protrusion for second opening) that can independently actuate the valve at different times. This segmentation allows multi-opening functionality without requiring complex additional mechanisms like the JackBrake device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve cam serves multiple functions: it controls both the timing and number of valve openings by selectively engaging different protrusions with the rocker arm. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate brake devices while achieving exhaust brake and EGR functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the valve cam has both main protrusion and auxiliary protrusion for multi-opening, then the valve can be opened multiple times, but the cam lift increases and requires deeper piston top valve pit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve opening timesVSAvoidcam lift
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the valve cam have different functions: the main protrusion provides the primary cam lift for normal valve opening, while the auxiliary protrusion provides a smaller secondary lift for replay opening. This local differentiation allows multi-opening without uniformly increasing the entire cam lift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between single-opening and multi-opening modes by controlling whether the auxiliary protrusion engages the rocker arm. This dynamic control allows the cam to adapt its effective lift based on operating conditions without requiring a deep valve pit for all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the engine needs to switch between single-opening and multi-opening modes frequently, then the engine can adapt to different operating conditions, but the switching stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking mode switchoverVSAvoidmode switching stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system monitors engine operating conditions (such as whether the engine is running downhill) and provides feedback to the hydraulic control mechanism. This feedback enables stable and accurate switching between single-opening and multi-opening modes by activating the auxiliary protrusion only when needed for exhaust brake or EGR functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A hydraulic control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the control system and the valve cam. It receives electrical signals and translates them into mechanical actions that engage or disengage the auxiliary protrusion, ensuring stable and reliable mode switching without direct mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a solenoid valve is used to control the brake piston position for multi-opening, then the valve opening times can be varied, but the structure becomes more complex with additional oil passages and components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve opening controlVSAvoidhydraulic system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic control mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: it controls both the main and auxiliary protrusion engagement, manages oil pressure for both opening events, and incorporates the reset spring mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components and oil passages compared to traditional JackBrake systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic control mechanism uses the engine's existing lubrication system oil supply and incorporates a reset spring for automatic return. The system self-regulates oil pressure and timing without requiring external complex hydraulic circuits, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-opening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient energy conservation, emission reduction, and improved driving safety by allowing the engine to adapt valve opening modes dynamically, reducing thermal loads, and enhancing exhaust thermal management performance with stable and rapid mode switching.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic accumulator, allowing for stable switching between single, two, or multi-opening modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic accumulator: Hydraulic Accumulator

Implementation Method 2

A hydraulic valve mechanism with variable valve opening times, featuring a valve cam with main and auxiliary protrusions, a hydraulic rotary valve adjustment mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3943717B1Hydraulic valve mechanism achieving variable number of times of opening of valve, and internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 LONGKOU ZHONGYU TECH DEV GRP CO LTD
  • EP3943717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3943717B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3943717B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a hydraulic valve mechanism with variable valve opening times and an internal combustion engine, which can effectively implement a single-opening working mode, a two-opening working mode or a multi-opening working mode of a valve in the same working cycle, and can implement a rapid and stable switchover among various working modes according to working condition requirements of the internal combustion engine. A main structure thereof includes a housing, a valve cam including a main protrusion and at least one auxiliary protrusion, a hydraulic rotary valve having a hydraulic switch valve function, a hydraulic drive component, a valve drive component, and the like. Oil passages of the hydraulic drive component, the hydraulic rotary valve, and the valve drive component are in communication. The present invention resolves the problem that the valve can be opened many times only through a high-frequency electromagnetic valve in the prior art, and has an important effect on improving exhaust thermal management performance of the internal combustion engine, implementing secondary intake of an intake valve, implementing in-cylinder exhaust brake, and the like.