Planetary Cam Phaser for Low-Torque Relative Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotational phasing systems require significant axial/linear input force, leading to increased costs and packaging size, as the force needed to achieve desired relative rotation between components grows exponentially with the amount of rotation required.
Innovation Solution
A planetary actuator system with a first sun gear, planet gears, and a ring gear, where the second sun gear is fixed, allowing for selective relative rotation between components using a rotary displacement force, reducing the axial height and torque required for phasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rotational phasing systems are used to achieve relative rotation between components, then the desired rotational phase control is achieved, but the axial height and torque required increase exponentially with the amount of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical phasing systems with a planetary actuator mechanism that uses rotational input to achieve the same phasing function. The planetary gear set converts rotational motion into controlled relative rotation between the first and second components, substituting the conventional mechanical approach that requires large axial forces with a more efficient rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a planetary gear ratio system that allows small rotational inputs to produce controlled rotational outputs. The relationship between input rotation and output phase change is modified through the planetary gear configuration, enabling precise phase control with reduced torque and axial height requirements compared to conventional systems.
2Ease of operation
If conventional rotational phasing systems are used to achieve relative rotation between components, then the desired rotational phase control is achieved, but the cost and packaging size increase due to the exponential growth of required force
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary actuator replaces conventional mechanical phasing systems with a compact gear-based mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for large axial force-generating components, thereby reducing packaging size and cost while maintaining the rotational phase control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary actuator employs a nested configuration where planet gears are arranged around the sun gear within the ring gear, creating a compact integrated structure. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall packaging size compared to conventional sequential mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If conventional rotational phasing systems are used, then rotational phase adjustment is achieved, but significant axial/linear input force is required leading to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes conventional axial force-based phasing mechanisms with a planetary actuator that uses rotational input force. This mechanical substitution transforms the nature of the input required from large axial forces to smaller rotational torques, thereby reducing the force requirements and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary actuator introduces dynamic motion through the planet gears that rotate on their own axes while simultaneously orbiting the sun gear. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to achieve rotational phase adjustment through controlled motion sequences, reducing the static force requirements that characterize conventional systems.
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 planetary actuator system reduces the axial height and torque needed for relative rotation, lowering the cost and packaging size of phasing systems while enabling precise control over rotational relationships between components.
Implementation Method 1
A planetary actuator system with a first sun gear, planet gears, and a ring gear, where the second sun gear is fixed, allowing for selective relative rotation between components
Data Source
AI summary
A cam phasing system is provided. In some non-limiting examples, the cam phasing system includes a planetary actuator having a first sun gear, a first set of planet gears meshed to and arranged circumferentially around the first sun gear, a first ring gear meshed with the first set of planet gears, and a second sun gear. The second sun gear is rotationally fixed. The planetary actuator further includes a second set of planet gears meshed to and arranged circumferentially around the second sun gear, a second ring gear meshed with the second set of planet gears, and an input shaft rotationally coupled to the first sun gear for rotation therewith. Rotation of the input shaft rotates the first ring gear relative to the second ring gear.