Compact Shaft Phasing Device Using Lateral Actuator Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft phasing devices for internal combustion engines require high axial length to accommodate actuating mechanisms, which limits their compactness and efficiency in providing speed reduction.
Innovation Solution
A low axial length shaft phasing device incorporating a planetary gear assembly with a sun gear, ring gear, and planetary carrier, where an actuator device is disposed laterally within the axial length of the assembly, enabling compact packaging and speed reduction through controlled phasing of the control shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional actuating mechanisms are used in shaft phasing devices, then the device can provide speed reduction and cam phasing control, but the axial length of the device becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is repositioned from a conventional axial arrangement to a lateral position relative to the cam phaser assembly. This dimensional change allows the actuator to be disposed at the side of the planetary gear assembly rather than extending axially, thereby reducing the axial length of the overall device while maintaining speed reduction capability through the planetary gear mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned within the lateral boundaries of the planetary gear assembly, effectively nesting the actuating mechanism within the existing structural envelope of the cam phaser. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for additional axial space while preserving both the speed reduction function and the phasing control capability.
2Length of moving object
If axial space is reduced for compactness, then the device becomes more compact, but it becomes difficult to accommodate the actuating mechanisms required for speed reduction
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning the actuator arrangement from an axial configuration to a lateral configuration, the invention resolves the conflict between compactness and mechanism accommodation. The lateral positioning allows the actuating mechanism to be integrated within the radial envelope of the planetary gear assembly, achieving compact axial dimensions without simplifying the actuating mechanism itself.
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 solution allows for a compact and efficient shaft phasing device that reduces axial length while providing the necessary speed reduction, enhancing the operational flexibility of internal combustion engines by enabling precise control of the control shaft's rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear assembly having a sun gear connected to the rotary input member, a ring gear connected to a rotary member and a planetary carrier connected to an actuator device
Data Source
AI summary
The phasing device for phasing a trunnion assembly of an internal combustion engine includes a rotary input member and a planetary gear assembly having a sun gear connected to the rotary input member, a ring gear connected to an actuator device and a planetary carrier connected to a rotary output member.