Cylinder Deactivation via Intake Valve Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Increasing engine power output through cylinder deactivation is costly due to the complexity of deactivating valve operators, and existing methods do not effectively reduce engine pumping losses and maintain cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The system selectively deactivates engine cylinders by closing intake valves using a deactivating intake valve operator without a deactivating exhaust valve operator, allowing non-deactivating exhaust valve operators to maintain exhaust flow, thereby reducing costs and pumping losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If deactivating valve operators are used to close both intake and exhaust valves for cylinder deactivation, then cylinder deactivation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecylinder deactivation capabilityVSAvoidvalve operator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve operator system is segmented into two distinct types: deactivating valve operators for intake valves and non-deactivating valve operators for exhaust valves. This segmentation allows the intake valve to be selectively deactivated while the exhaust valve continues to operate normally, reducing the overall complexity of the deactivation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality characteristics are applied to different parts of the valve operator system. The intake valve operator is designed with deactivation capability (local quality of selectivity), while the exhaust valve operator maintains simple non-deactivating characteristics (local quality of simplicity), optimizing the system for both deactivation functionality and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If more cylinders are activated to increase engine power output, then engine power increases, but engine pumping losses and friction increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine power outputVSAvoidengine pumping losses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The engine operates dynamically by selectively activating or deactivating cylinders based on real-time power demands. When full power is not required, certain cylinders are deactivated to reduce pumping losses and friction, while maintaining the capability to activate all cylinders when maximum power output is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If deactivating valve operators are used for exhaust valves, then complete cylinder deactivation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecylinder deactivation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simpler, less expensive non-deactivating valve operators for exhaust valves instead of costly deactivating operators. This approach accepts that exhaust valves will continue to operate mechanically even during cylinder deactivation, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over complete deactivation of all valve functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11326528B2System for deactivating engine cylinders

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves is presented. In one example, the engine may include non-deactivating intake valves, deactivating intake valves, and only non-deactivating exhaust valves. The non-deactivating exhaust valves may operate to open and close during an engine cycle while deactivating intake valves remain closed during the engine cycle to prevent air flow through selected engine cylinders.