Lost Motion Mechanism for Compact Cylinder Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current variable valve actuation systems for engine cylinder deactivation face challenges in packaging complexity and large footprint, particularly in achieving efficient thermal gas management and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically-actuated castellation device is introduced, which can be selectively engaged or disengaged to implement lost motion mechanisms within a pushrod assembly, allowing for efficient cylinder deactivation by switching between locked and unlocked states, thereby enabling compact and efficient engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable valve actuation systems are implemented for cylinder deactivation, then thermal gas management and fuel efficiency are improved, but packaging complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the variable valve actuation mechanism and cylinder deactivation functionality into a single integrated lost motion mechanism. The castellation device merges the valve actuation function with the deactivation function, eliminating the need for separate packaging of these systems and reducing overall complexity while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The lost motion mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables variable valve actuation for thermal management, provides cylinder deactivation capability, and maintains engine braking functionality. This multi-functional design reduces packaging complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into a single mechanism
2Productivity
If variable valve actuation systems are implemented for cylinder deactivation, then thermal gas management and fuel efficiency are improved, but footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The castellation device is nested within the existing pushrod assembly structure. The upper and lower castellations are positioned within the valve actuation pathway, utilizing the existing spatial envelope of the engine valvetrain without requiring additional external space, thereby reducing footprint while maintaining fuel efficiency
3Device complexity
If lost motion mechanism is engaged for cylinder deactivation, then packaging complexity is reduced, but mechanism switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic actuator controls the engagement and disengagement of the lost motion mechanism through magnetic fields, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical linkages and reducing switching complexity while maintaining reduced packaging 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
The solution enables efficient cylinder deactivation, improving thermal gas management and fuel efficiency while reducing packaging complexity and footprint, allowing for seamless switching between engine braking and nominal operation.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetically-actuated castellation device is shown and described with methods for actuating
Data Source
AI summary
A lost motion mechanism can comprise a castellation device, comprising a casing, an upper castellation, and a lower castellation. The casing can comprise a first linear slot and a second linear slot perpendicular to the first linear slot. Upper castellation can comprise an upper body, spaced upper teeth extending from the upper body, the spaced upper teeth forming spaced upper gaps therebetween, and an actuation peg extending from the upper body into the first linear slot. Lower castellation can comprise a lower body, spaced lower teeth extending from the lower body, the spaced lower teeth forming spaced lower gaps therebetween, and an anti-rotation peg extending from the lower body into the second linear slot. An actuator can be configured with the lost motion mechanism so that a movable arm comprises a forked end configured to move on the actuation peg as the movable arm swivels.