Nested Camshaft Actuation for Engine Valve Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engine systems with multiple cam phasers face packaging difficulties and added complexity due to the traditional arrangement of cam phasers at the same end of the camshafts, which also fails to integrate a turbulent jet ignition prechamber with a cam phaser.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camshaft-in-camshaft system with cam phasers located adjacent opposite ends, featuring multiple nested camshafts independently rotatable by electromagnetic actuators, allowing for precise positional control and rotational accuracy of cams, and enabling the integration of a turbulent jet ignition prechamber with a cam phaser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cam phasers are mounted at the same end of the camshaft, then the engine can achieve variable valve timing control, but packaging difficulties and added complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested camshaft configuration where an inner camshaft is positioned within an outer camshaft, both rotating about the same axis. This nesting arrangement allows multiple cam phasers to be integrated into a compact space, eliminating packaging difficulties while maintaining variable valve timing control for both intake and exhaust valves.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing multiple cam phasers at the same end of a single camshaft (one-dimensional arrangement), the patent transitions to a multi-dimensional configuration with concentric camshafts rotating about the same axis. This spatial reorganization reduces packaging complexity while preserving the adaptability for independent valve timing control.
2Ease of operation
If conventional multiple cam phaser systems are used, then valve timing adjustment is achieved, but rotational accuracy and positional control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional hydraulic or mechanical cam phaser systems with electromagnetic actuators that directly drive the camshafts. This substitution provides superior rotational accuracy and positional control, enabling precise valve timing adjustment while maintaining ease of operation 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
This configuration achieves superior positional control and rotational accuracy of cams, improving engine operating efficiencies and power output, while allowing independent movement of multiple cams and maintaining performance across cold and hot temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
multiple nested camshafts with each camshaft being movable by an electromagnetic device, for example electric motors and gear boxes
Implementation Method 2
one of the camshafts having a cam configured to actuate an air intake valve associated with a turbulent jet ignition prechamber, and another of the camshafts having a cam configured to actuate an air valve of a main piston combustion chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes a camshaft operably adjusted by a phaser. Another aspect includes an internal combustion engine having an actuation system for an air valve. A further aspect provides a camshaft-in-camshaft system with a cam phaser located adjacent opposite ends. In another aspect, an internal combustion engine apparatus includes multiple nested camshafts with one of the camshafts having a cam configured to actuate an air intake valve associated with a turbulent jet ignition prechamber, and another of the camshafts having a cam configured to actuate an air valve of a main piston combustion chamber, the nested camshafts being independently rotatable by separate electromagnetic actuators.