Radially Secured Non-Return Valve for Camshaft Adjusters

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-return valves in camshaft adjusters are complex, expensive, and bulky due to axial pressing mechanisms, which are unnecessary and contribute to weight and space inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A non-return valve design that is secured radially within the channel, utilizing a fluid-permeable supporting element with conical or net-like structure, and radially resilient rods with hooks to simplify mounting and reduce weight, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow while maintaining axial contact through fluid pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clamp is used to hold the non-return valve onto the channel opening, then the valve is securely fixed, but the device becomes complicated, expensive, and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve fixation securityVSAvoidclamp structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary clamp component from the known design. The non-return valve is secured directly to the rotor surface through its own structure (adhesive bonding or mechanical features integrated into the valve body), removing the separate clamp assembly and its associated complexity, cost, and space requirements while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation function previously performed by a separate clamp is merged into the non-return valve structure itself. The valve incorporates integral mounting features such as adhesive bonding surfaces or mechanical attachment elements that directly engage with the rotor, combining the valve and fixation mechanisms into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a clamp is used to hold the non-return valve, then the valve is securely fixed, but the overall space and weight of the camshaft adjuster increase unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve fixation securityVSAvoidcamshaft adjuster weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp component is completely removed from the design, eliminating its weight contribution to the camshaft adjuster. The valve is secured through integrated mounting features that add minimal weight compared to a separate clamp assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the non-return valve is pressed axially onto the channel opening, then the valve seals the channel effectively, but the design becomes complicated and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel sealing effectivenessVSAvoidaxial pressing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axial pressing mechanism and associated components are extracted and removed from the design. The non-return valve achieves effective channel sealing through its inherent design features such as integrated sealing elements, elastomeric materials, or geometric sealing configurations that function without external pressing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a ball non-return valve is used, then the valve can close the channel, but the response time is slower compared to the new design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel closing capabilityVSAvoidvalve response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the ball-type mechanical valve mechanism with a flap valve design that utilizes flexible elastomeric materials. This substitution enables faster response times as the flexible flap can quickly deflect to open or close the channel in response to pressure changes, eliminating the inertia and mechanical complexity of a ball valve system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design reduces production costs, simplifies assembly, and enhances dynamic response by minimizing weight and space, enabling quicker opening and closing of the valve compared to ball non-return valves.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid-permeable supporting element that can be inserted into the channel and projects axially from the cover to support the cover radially in the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid permeability: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

the conically tapering supporting element, which holds the non-return valve radially in the channel, acts like a guide, centers the cover on the corresponding opening of the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConical geometry guidance: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS8739749B2Non-return valve for camshaft adjusters with oil reservoirs

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A camshaft adjuster (4) for a camshaft (12) of an internal combustion engine (2). The camshaft adjuster (4) includes a stator (20), a rotor (22) accommodated concentrically in the stator (20) and rotatable with respect to the stator (20) about an axis of rotation (78), and a volume reservoir (70) for receiving a hydraulic fluid from a pressure chamber (44) formed between the rotor (22) and the stator (20), wherein the volume reservoir (70) has an outlet (76) in a direction of the axis of rotation (78).