Integrated Locking Element for Camshaft Valve Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for variably adjusting valve timing in internal combustion engines face alignment errors during mounting, leading to throttling effects and increased production costs due to complex manufacturing processes and tolerance deviations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a positively locking element configured in one piece with the output element or camshaft, allowing for accurate orientation in the circumferential direction without separate pins, using a central screw for rotational connection and centering collar for radial alignment, reducing production complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate press-in pins are used to orient the output element on the camshaft, then the orientation in the circumferential direction can be ensured, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and expensive with multiple stages
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated directly into the output element as a single-piece component, eliminating the need for separate press-in pins. This merging of the locking function into the main component simplifies the manufacturing process to a single casting operation while maintaining precise circumferential orientation between the output element and camshaft.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate press-in pins are used for mounting, then orientation can be achieved, but tolerance deviations of the openings cannot be compensated leading to throttling effects
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-formed as an integrated feature of the output element during casting, establishing the precise circumferential orientation before assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that the openings in the camshaft and output element align correctly without requiring post-assembly adjustments, preventing throttling effects and ensuring reliable pressure medium flow.
3Ease of operation
If holes are provided for press-in pins in both camshaft and output element, then mounting orientation can be ensured, but the production costs increase due to multiple manufacturing stages
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is combined with the output element as a single cast component, eliminating the need for separate pin manufacturing and insertion operations. This reduces the manufacturing process to a single casting stage, lowering production costs while maintaining ease of mounting through the integrated locking feature.
4Strength
If the output element is mounted on the camshaft with separate pins, then the connection can be achieved, but the device complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is incorporated into the output element during the casting process itself, establishing the oriented connection between the output element and camshaft before assembly. This preliminary integration ensures strong mechanical connection while eliminating subsequent pin insertion steps, thereby improving production efficiency without compromising connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for variably adjusting the valve timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has an input element, an output element and a camshaft. The input element can be brought in a driving connection with the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The output element is non-rotationally connected to the camshaft and swivelable in relation to the input element. An axial lateral face of the camshaft rests against an axial lateral face of the output element. A form-locking element on one of the axial lateral faces resting against each other aligns the output element on the camshaft with respect to its circumferential direction and engages in a mating form-locking element of the other component.