Hydro-Mechanical Valve Actuation Module for Engine Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern internal combustion engines face challenges in reliably and efficiently actuating engine valves due to harsh operating conditions, including rapid movements, significant forces, and extreme temperature changes, which can lead to performance degradation and potential catastrophic failure. Additionally, existing systems lack flexibility in optimizing valve opening and closing timings for efficiency and emissions.
Innovation Solution
The engine valve actuation system incorporates a hydro-mechanical valve actuation module with a camshaft and electrically actuated control valves, featuring dual hydro-mechanical linkages and pistons that respond to different cam profiles to control engine valves, allowing for precise actuation and deactivation of valve operations, enabling flexible timing adjustments and improved robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional camshaft driven valve actuation system is used, then the valve actuation is simple and reliable, but the system lacks flexibility in optimizing valve opening and closing timings for efficiency and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve actuation system adjustable and adaptable. The hydro-mechanical linkage incorporates a control valve that can be electrically actuated to vary the timing and duration of valve opening and closing. This allows the system to dynamically adjust valve timing parameters to optimize engine efficiency and emissions under different operating conditions, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the valve actuation system is made more robust to handle harsh operating conditions, then reliability improves, but the complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulics by incorporating a hydro-mechanical linkage with a control valve and actuation fluid passage. The control valve can be electrically actuated to regulate fluid flow, providing robust control over valve timing. This hydraulic approach enhances reliability under harsh operating conditions (high temperature, rapid movements, significant forces) while avoiding the need for multiple separate mechanical components, thus maintaining system simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrically actuated control valves are added to enable flexible timing adjustments, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical timing adjustment mechanisms with an electrical control system. An electrically actuated control valve replaces complex mechanical linkages or cam variations, allowing flexible timing adjustments through electrical signals. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical components while providing precise and adaptable control over valve timing, enhancing the system's versatility without significantly increasing complexity.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of engine valve actuation by providing robust and flexible control over valve operations, reducing the risk of failure and optimizing engine performance across varying conditions, including engine braking and cylinder deactivation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first cam-follower piston and the first valve-actuation piston having a piston face exposed to an actuation fluid pressure of the first piston coaction passage
Data Source
AI summary
An engine valve actuation system includes a hydro-mechanical valve actuation module having a first hydro-mechanical linkage and a second hydro-mechanical linkage, each within a different housing block of a housing. Each of the first hydro-mechanical linkage and the second hydro-mechanical linkage includes a cam-follower piston in contact with a cam of a camshaft, and a valve-actuation piston hydraulically co-acting with the respective cam-follower piston. The hydro-mechanical valve actuation module may include hydro-mechanical linkages for an intake valve, for an exhaust valve, and for engine braking.