Linear Motor Valve Actuator with Electronic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve actuation systems in internal combustion engines are complex, costly, and inefficient, with fixed valve timing, duration, and lift, which complicates engine operation across a broad range of speeds and conditions, and often result in mechanical damage due to slamming valves.
Innovation Solution
A linear motor actuated valve system with a stationary coil and a ferromagnetic valve stem, controlled by an electronic valve control computer, allowing for variable valve movement in terms of position, velocity, and acceleration, enabling independent control of valve timing, duration, and lift, and reducing complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical camshaft system is used to actuate valves, then valve timing and lift can be controlled, but the system complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camshaft system with an electromagnetic actuator system. The electromagnetic actuator uses magnetic fields to directly actuate the valve, eliminating the need for mechanical cam profiles, cam followers, and associated mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling precise electronic control of valve timing and lift.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the camshaft from the valve actuation system. By eliminating the camshaft entirely and using independent electromagnetic actuators on each valve, the system simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining or improving valve control capabilities through electronic means.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camshaft phasing mechanisms are added to adjust valve timing, then adaptability to different operating conditions improves, but manufacturing precision requirements and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical phasing mechanisms with electronic control of electromagnetic actuators. Each valve's timing is controlled independently through electronic signals to the actuators, eliminating the need for mechanical phase adjustment mechanisms and their associated precision manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic valve timing control where the electromagnetic actuators can adjust valve opening and closing times in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic control is achieved through electronic modulation of the actuator signals rather than fixed mechanical cam profiles or complex phasing mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple camshafts are used to optimize valve operation across different speeds, then valve performance across RPM range improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple camshafts by using a single cylinder head design with independent electromagnetic actuators on each valve. This removal of redundant mechanical components significantly reduces valve train weight while maintaining the ability to optimize valve operation across different RPM ranges through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuators serve multiple functions: they control valve timing, valve lift, and valve duration independently for each valve. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple camshafts with different profiles, reducing overall system weight and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic phasing systems are used to adjust camshaft timing, then valve timing adaptability improves, but fluid viscosity requirements and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic phasing systems with electromagnetic actuation. The electromagnetic actuators directly actuate the valves without requiring hydraulic fluid, eliminating hydraulic lines, pumps, and viscosity control mechanisms. This substitution reduces maintenance complexity while maintaining timing adjustability through electronic control.
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 system provides precise and variable control of valve movement, enhancing engine efficiency, reliability, and durability by eliminating mechanical wear components and allowing optimization across a wide range of operating conditions without adding mass or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A linear motor actuated valve system with a stationary coil and a ferromagnetic valve stem
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic valve stem
Implementation Method 3
A linear motor actuated valve system
Data Source
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AI summary
The system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a stationary coil linear motor to drive a valve with a stem comprising a ferromagnetic property. The linear motor moves the valve in respone to control governed by an electronic valve control computer. The valve is movable between a closed postiion at a selectable rate of both acceleration and speed for a selectable distance ("lift") to a second selectable open position, including all position variations between the fully open and fully closed states. Valve position, velocity and acceleration can be varied both during a valve stroke and from one stroke to the next, as controlled by the logic programmed on a non-transitive memory of the electronic valve control computer.