Oil Control Valve Layout for Compact Variable Valve Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing variable valve timing systems face issues with the position relationship between the vehicle body frame and the oil control valve, affecting mountability and disposability, and the oil control valve's durability due to vibration transmission.

Innovation Solution

The oil control valve is detachably disposed on the outer surface of the engine, positioned close to the engine's center of gravity, and connected via a direct hydraulic path to reduce interference with the vehicle body frame, suppress vibration transmission, and improve durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the oil control valve is disposed on the outer surface of the cylinder head, then the variable valve timing control is achieved, but the mountability of the engine on the vehicle body frame is deteriorated and the vehicle size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable valve timing controlVSAvoidmountability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the oil control valve from the traditional position on the cylinder head to the lower portion of the engine crankcase, changing the spatial dimension of disposal. This dimensional shift allows the valve to be positioned below the vehicle body frame, avoiding interference with mounting operations and reducing vehicle overall height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the oil control valve is disposed on the outer surface of the cylinder head, then the variable valve timing control is achieved, but the disposability of the oil control valve is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable valve timing controlVSAvoiddisposability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the oil control valve to the lower crankcase area, the patent creates easier access for maintenance personnel. The valve becomes more accessible from below the engine, simplifying removal and installation procedures compared to its previous position on the upper cylinder head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the oil control valve is disposed on the outer surface of the engine, then the mountability is improved, but the vibration transmission to the oil control valve increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemountabilityVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strategically positions the oil control valve in the lower crankcase area where engine vibrations are naturally dampened by the engine structure and oil bath. This location converts the potential harm of vibration into a beneficial damping effect, as the valve operates in a region where vibrations are already reduced by the engine's mechanical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Length of stationary object

If the oil control valve is disposed below the vehicle body frame, then the vehicle size is reduced, but the hydraulic pressure control efficiency may be deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle sizeVSAvoidhydraulic pressure control efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the lower crankcase area to serve multiple functions: it houses the oil control valve, provides natural vibration damping, and maintains adequate hydraulic pressure through the engine's existing oil circulation system. The universal use of the lower engine compartment space achieves compact vehicle dimensions without compromising control efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 layout enhances the engine's mountability on the vehicle body frame, reduces the vehicle's size, and improves the oil control valve's durability and operational efficiency by minimizing vibration and pressure loss.

Implementation Method 1

an oil control valve configured to control a hydraulic pressure with respect to the variable valve device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the variable valve device switches between a cam for low-speed rotation and a cam for high-speed rotation to adjust an opening and closing timing of a valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12560109B2Variable valve timing system

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP

AI summary

There is provided a variable valve timing system for an engine in which a cylinder head is fixed on a cylinder, and the cylinder head is suspended on a vehicle body frame, the variable valve timing system including: a variable valve device configured to change an opening and closing timing of a valve according to a hydraulic pressure; and an oil control valve. The vehicle body frame includes a main frame configured to laterally cover a rear side of the cylinder head and a down frame configured to laterally cover a front side of the cylinder head. In a side view of a vehicle, the oil control valve is detachably disposed on an outer surface of the engine below an area surrounded by the main frame, the down frame, and a lower surface of the cylinder head.