Offset Lost Motion Spring Capsule for Valve Train Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve train carrier assemblies with deactivating rocker arms are costly and complex, and face packaging constraints when incorporating necessary components for cylinder deactivation and engine braking, particularly in internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A valve train arrangement that includes a rocker arm, a deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster capsule, a lost motion spring capsule, and a lever, where the lost motion spring capsule is offset from the hydraulic lash adjuster capsule, allowing load transfer through a lever arm to absorb cam motion during deactivation, reducing packaging issues and enhancing structural stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve train carrier assemblies are modified to provide deactivating rocker arm function, then cylinder deactivation capability is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic lash adjuster capsule and lost motion spring capsule into a single integrated assembly that mounts directly to the rocker arm. The HLA capsule housing receives both the hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism and the lost motion spring, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining cylinder deactivation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated capsule assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism provides valve clearance adjustment, the lost motion spring provides cushioning during deactivation, and together they enable cylinder deactivation functionality. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the valve train assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If necessary components for cylinder deactivation and engine braking are incorporated, then functional capability is improved, but packaging constraints are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the lost motion spring capsule within the hydraulic lash adjuster capsule housing. The LMS capsule is positioned inside the HLA capsule housing, with the spring arranged concentrically or adjacently to the hydraulic adjuster mechanism. This nesting arrangement allows both components to share the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the overall volume required for the valve train assembly while maintaining both cylinder deactivation and engine braking capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If components are arranged in traditional configurations, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but packaging constraints challenge component incorporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the lost motion spring capsule from a traditional linear arrangement along the rocker arm axis to an offset position in a different spatial dimension. The LMS capsule is located at an offset position from the HLA capsule, utilizing vertical or lateral space rather than only horizontal extension. This dimensional reorganization reduces the footprint area required for the valve train carrier while maintaining assembly simplicity through the integrated capsule design.
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 reduces packaging constraints, minimizes the compression distance of the lost motion spring, and improves the assembly's structural stiffness, while allowing for efficient cylinder deactivation and engine braking without the need for extensive modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a lost motion spring capsule (LMS capsule) offset from the HLA capsule... During cylinder deactivation, load is transferred from the HLA capsule to the lever arm and ultimately to the lost motion spring in the LMS capsule
Implementation Method 2
the lost motion spring can be configured to translate downwardly between 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm during cylinder deactivation
Implementation Method 3
a deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) capsule... The HLA capsule is configured to translate downwardly between 9 mm and 10 mm during cylinder deactivation
Implementation Method 4
The lever has a first end that cooperates with the HLA capsule, a second end that is pivotally coupled to the capsule housing at a pivot pin... During movement of the lever arm, the lever arm rotates about the lever pin
Data Source
AI summary
A valve train arrangement constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings includes a rocker arm, a deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) capsule, a lost motion spring (LMS) capsule and a lever. The rocker arm has a first end and a second end. The second end cooperates with a valve. The HLA capsule cooperates with the first end of the rocker arm. The LMS capsule has a lost motion spring. The LMS capsule is located in a position on the valve train arrangement that is offset from the HLA capsule. The lever is configured between the HLA capsule and the LMS capsule. During cylinder deactivation, load is transferred from the HLA capsule to the lever arm and ultimately to the lost motion spring in the LMS capsule.