Pivoting Bracket Assembly for Compact Valvetrain Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valvetrains face challenges in achieving lightweight, compact, and efficient variable valve actuation (VVA) systems that can avoid critical shifts while accommodating various valve actuation scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A pivoting bracket assembly is installed vertically in the valvetrain, featuring a pivot pin, brackets with reaction arms, a compliance member, and a bias member. This assembly allows for efficient vertical actuation by an actuator assembly perpendicular to the pivot pin, enabling latched devices like rocker arms to be loaded and actuated within specific windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If actuators are splayed across the valvetrain, then variable valve actuation functionality is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable valve actuation functionalityVSAvoidactuator arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single pivoting bracket assembly that can actuate multiple latched devices (such as rocker arms) through a common pivot pin and reaction arm mechanism, thereby reducing the number of separate actuators needed and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining variable valve actuation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting bracket assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a common mounting structure for multiple latched devices, enables variable valve actuation through the cam mechanism, and allows for both latched and unlatched states through the reaction arm mechanism, thereby achieving versatility without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional horizontal actuator installation is used, then valve actuation is achieved, but weight and packaging efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation efficiencyVSAvoidvalvetrain weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional horizontal actuator installation to a vertical installation orientation with the pivot pin extending perpendicular to the reaction arm, utilizing the vertical dimension for compact packaging and weight optimization while maintaining effective valve actuation through the cam profile mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If vertical pivoting bracket assembly is used, then compact packaging and weight reduction are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalvetrain packaging volumeVSAvoidassembly manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting bracket assembly is divided into distinct segments including the pivot pin, reaction arm, cam mechanism, and latched device components, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly while achieving compact vertical packaging that reduces overall valvetrain volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves lightweight, compact packaging, and efficient actuation of latched devices in the valvetrain, enabling variable valve actuation scenarios such as cylinder deactivation and engine braking while minimizing critical shifts.

Implementation Method 1

A compliance member comprises a receiving leg biased against the first bracket and a transfer leg biased against the second bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A bias member comprises a first leg biased against the second bracket and a second leg configured to mount the bias member relative to the pivot pin. The bias member is configured to oppose bias forces from the compliance member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12270321B2Pivoting bracket assembly, actuator assembly, and valvetrain

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A pivoting bracket assembly for a valvetrain comprises a pivot pin, a first bracket comprising a first mounting area rotatable about the pivot pin and a first reaction arm extending away from the first mounting area, and a second bracket comprising a second mounting area rotatable about the pivot pin and a second reaction arm extending away from the first mounting area. A compliance member comprises a receiving leg biased against the first bracket and a transfer leg biased against the second bracket. A bias member comprises a first leg biased against the second bracket and a second leg configured to mount the bias member relative to the pivot pin. The bias member is configured to oppose bias forces from the compliance member. An actuator assembly can be installed so that a rotatable shaft is perpendicular to the pivot pin.