Power Transfer Module for Electric Valvetrain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valvetrain systems with hydraulically latched rocker arm assemblies face complexity and high oil demand, which can be mitigated by transitioning to electrically latched rocker arm assemblies, but require reliable power transfer solutions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electrical valvetrain system that includes a rocker arm assembly with an electromagnetic latch assembly powered by a power transfer module. This module features a framework with contact pads and contact pins that provide a secure and balanced power connection, enhancing the retention of the rocker arm assembly on the pivot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wiring is used to power the electrical device on the rocker arm assembly, then the electrical device can be powered, but the wire may be caught, clipped, or fatigued and consequently short out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of power connectionVSAvoidwire damage and shorting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vulnerable wire from the moving rocker arm assembly by providing power through a stationary framework with contact pads. The power connection is taken out of the moving component and placed in the stationary framework, eliminating the risk of wire damage from movement, clipping, or fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces contact pads as an intermediary between the stationary power source and the moving rocker arm assembly. These contact pads provide a reliable electrical connection point that remains stationary while allowing the rocker arm to move freely without compromising the power connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulically latched rocker arm assemblies are used, then variable valve lift or cylinder deactivation can be implemented, but the system complexity and oil demand increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable valve lift capabilityVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with an electrical actuation system. Instead of using hydraulic pressure from an oil pump to control the latch, an electromagnetic device powered through the framework contact pads actuates the latch, thereby reducing hydraulic system complexity and oil demand while maintaining variable valve lift capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If contact pads extend upward to the full height of the rocker arm assembly, then power connection is achieved, but the package design is compromised and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by extending contact pads only to the necessary height to achieve reliable electrical contact with the rocker arm assembly, rather than extending them to the full height. This localized extension maintains power connection reliability while improving package design and installation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces the complexity and oil demand of valvetrain systems while ensuring reliable power transfer to the rocker arm assembly, minimizing wear on contacting surfaces and improving the overall efficiency and durability of the valvetrain.

Implementation Method 1

The contact pads may have resiliency that biases the contact pads against the contact pins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet that is powered through at least one of the contact pins. The electromagnet is operable to move the latch pin between a first latch pin position and a second latch pin position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS12286908B2Valvetrain power transfer module with shortened leaf-spring contact

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A valvetrain includes a camshaft (501), a pivot (303), a rocker arm assembly (203) mounted on the pivot (303), a latch assembly (122), a power transfer module (100) a rocker arm (401), a cam follower (301) configured to engage a cam, and two contacts pin (403) protruding to opposite sides of the rocker arm (401). The electromagnetic latch assembly (122) includes a latch pin (405) and an electromagnet (119) that is powered through at least one of the contact pins (403). The power transfer module (100) includes a framework (101) that supports two contact pad each contacting a respective one of the contact pins. The framework (101) has a base that abuts the pivot (303). The contact pads extend upward from the base and terminates at a height that is below a height of the rocker arm assembly (203) above the pivot (303).