Selector Fork Actuating Device for Engine Changeover Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for changeover valves in internal combustion engines with adjustable compression ratios are complex and lack reliable actuation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The actuating device employs selector forks secured on a common support structure with a guide element, utilizing a return element like a spring to move between selection positions, allowing for simple and reliable actuation of changeover valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing actuating devices for changeover valves are used, then the compression ratio can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple selector forks that were previously separate and independent are merged into a single common selector fork structure. This unified fork is actuated by a single actuator through a common guide element, reducing the number of independent components while maintaining the ability to control multiple changeover valves. The merging of previously separate actuation mechanisms into one integrated system directly reduces device complexity while improving reliability through fewer potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The common guide element serves multiple functions: it guides the common selector fork, ensures synchronized movement of all selector fork elements, and provides a unified actuation path for controlling multiple changeover valves. This multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate guide structures, actuators, and mounting arrangements, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable actuation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuating mechanisms are used for each changeover valve, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual selector forks into one common selector fork structure with multiple tines or arms, each engaging with a respective changeover valve. This single integrated fork is actuated by one actuator moving along a common guide element, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate actuators, guide elements, and mounting structures. The merging maintains independent valve control capability while dramatically reducing the total number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The common selector fork is segmented into multiple functional elements or tines, each responsible for actuating a specific changeover valve. This segmentation allows independent control of each valve through the unified structure, maintaining operational independence while using a shared actuation mechanism. The segmented design enables one actuator to control multiple valves through the different segments of the common fork.
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 simplifies the actuation process, ensuring reliable operation of changeover valves by using a common return element to automatically return selector forks to their initial position, reducing energy requirements and maintaining a defined selection position.
Implementation Method 1
The restoring force of the return element moves the selector forks automatically in the direction of the first selection position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating device (11) is provided for changeover valves (10) of an internal combustion engine having an adjustable compression ratio. Each changeover valve (10) is used to control a hydraulic oil flow in hydraulic chambers of an eccentric adjusting device of a respective connecting rod (1) of the internal combustion engine. Each changeover valve (10) has a pick-off element (12) that can be actuated by the actuating device (11). The actuating device (11) has a selector fork (13) for each changeover valve (10) and hence for each pick-off element (12) to be actuated. The selector forks are secured on a support structure (14) and can be moved from a first selection position into a second selection position against the restoring force of a return element (22), and wherein the restoring force of the return element (22) moves the selector forks (13) automatically in the direction of the first selection position.