Single Actuator Valve Drive for Internal Combustion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve drives for internal combustion engines require two actuators for adjusting the cam follower between axial positions, leading to high production costs and increased installation space due to their extensive construction.
Innovation Solution
A valve drive design utilizing a single actuator with two engagement elements and sliding guides, allowing the cam follower to be adjusted between axial positions, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two actuators are used to adjust the cam follower between axial positions, then the valve drive can switch between operating modes, but the production costs and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively engaging with different engagement elements. The actuator can adjust the cam follower between axial positions for operating mode switching, and can also engage with different cams to enable both first and second operating modes, replacing the need for two separate actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement elements are designed to be selectively engageable and disengageable from the actuator. This dynamic engagement mechanism allows the single actuator to adapt its function based on which engagement element is active, enabling mode switching without requiring multiple fixed actuators
2Adaptability or versatility
If two actuators are used to adjust the cam follower, then the valve drive can operate in multiple modes, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of two separate actuators into a single actuator that can perform both adjustment operations. By combining these functions and using shared components (single actuator, common engagement elements), the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining the capability to switch between operating modes
3Adaptability or versatility
If two actuators are used to adjust the cam follower, then the valve drive can switch between axial positions, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two separate actuator assemblies into a single compact actuator unit. This consolidation significantly reduces the installation space required while preserving the full capability to adjust the cam follower between axial positions and switch between operating modes
Data Source
AI summary
A valve drive for an internal combustion engine may include a cam shaft, a cam follower, and an adjusting device. The cam shaft may include at least one first cam and at least one second cam The cam follower may be drivingly connected to the at least one first cam when in a first position and drivingly connected to the at least one second cam when in a second position. The adjusting device may include a first engagement element configured to cooperate with a first sliding guide and a second engagement element configured to cooperate with a second sliding guide. The first engagement element and the second engagement element may be adjustable between a switching position and an inactive position. The adjusting device may further include a joint actuator configured to adjust at least one of the first engagement element and the second engagement element into the switching position.