Segmented Camshaft Variable Valve Timing Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and valve lift (CVVL) systems are complex and costly, making them inefficient for optimizing valve operation based on engine speed.

Innovation Solution

A simplified continuous variable valve timing apparatus featuring a camshaft with variable phase angle wheels and cam portions, slider housings, and a control mechanism using pins, sliding pin holes, and a control motor to adjust valve timing dynamically based on engine conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If general CVVT or CVVL systems are used to achieve optimal valve operation depending on engine speed, then valve timing control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve timing controlVSAvoidsystem construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camshaft is divided into multiple independent cam portions (first cam portion, second cam portion, third cam portion) that can be independently positioned relative to each other. Each cam portion can be adjusted to provide different valve timing characteristics, allowing the system to achieve multiple valve timing patterns using a single camshaft structure rather than requiring multiple complete camshafts or complex variable timing mechanisms for each cylinder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single camshaft with multiple adjustable cam portions serves multiple functions: it can provide different valve timing characteristics for different operating conditions, replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed camshafts or complex CVVT mechanisms, and maintain simple overall system construction while achieving continuous variable valve timing capability across different engine speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If general CVVT or CVVL systems are used to achieve optimal valve operation depending on engine speed, then valve timing control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve timing controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The camshaft is divided into multiple independent cam portions (first cam portion, second cam portion, third cam portion) that can be independently positioned relative to each other. Each cam portion can be adjusted to provide different valve timing characteristics, allowing the system to achieve multiple valve timing patterns using a single camshaft structure rather than requiring multiple complete camshafts or complex CVVT mechanisms for each cylinder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single camshaft with multiple adjustable cam portions serves multiple functions: it can provide different valve timing characteristics for different operating conditions, replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed camshafts or complex CVVT mechanisms, and maintain simple overall system construction while achieving continuous variable valve timing capability across different engine speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If existing valve timing systems are used, then engine operation is maintained, but productivity and production cost are reduced due to complex construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidvalve train construction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camshaft is divided into multiple independent cam portions (first cam portion, second cam portion, third cam portion) that can be independently positioned relative to each other. Each cam portion can be adjusted to provide different valve timing characteristics, allowing the system to achieve multiple valve timing patterns using a single camshaft structure rather than requiring multiple complete camshafts or complex CVVT mechanisms for each cylinder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9909467B2Continuous variable valve timing apparatus and engine provided with the same

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A continuously variable valve timing apparatus may include a camshaft, a plurality of wheels mounted to the camshaft, of which a wheel key is formed thereto respectively, a plurality of cam portions of which a cam and a cam key are formed thereto respectively, of which the camshaft is inserted thereto, of which relative phase angle with respect to the camshaft is variable, a plurality of inner brackets connected with the each wheel key and the each cam key, a plurality of a slider housings of which the each inner bracket is rotatably inserted thereto respectively, and rotatably configured around a hinge hole formed an upper side of a cam cap and a control portion selectively moving the slider housings to change relative position of a rotation center of the inner brackets.