Sliding Cam System Fluidic Coupling for Control Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding cam systems for internal combustion engines face complexity in controlling actuator devices due to the need for individual timing of multiple cam tracks, and simultaneous actuator failure can lead to circuit failure.
Innovation Solution
A sliding cam system with fluidically coupled actuator devices, where at least two actuator devices are actuated simultaneously through a fluid delivery system, simplifying control by opening a single valve upstream of the actuator devices, and incorporating group control valves to facilitate grouped activation of actuator device groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual actuator devices are controlled separately for each cam track, then precise timing control is achieved, but control complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuator devices are merged into a common control circuit where they share common fluid supply lines and control valves. This allows simultaneous actuation of multiple cam tracks through a single control signal, reducing the number of independent control paths while maintaining precise timing control through the shared fluid pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal control valves that can direct fluid to multiple actuator devices simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single valve to control multiple cam tracks, reducing the overall number of control elements needed while maintaining the ability to precisely control each individual cam track's timing.
2Device complexity
If actuators are connected in series, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but reliability decreases as one actuator failure causes complete circuit failure
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is segmented into parallel branches, each serving one or more actuator devices. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one branch does not affect the operation of other branches, maintaining system reliability while preserving circuit simplicity through the modular parallel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel circuit configuration provides beforehand cushioning against actuator failure. By designing the circuit with redundant parallel paths, the system anticipates potential failures and ensures continued operation through alternative paths, preventing complete system shutdown while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture.
3Ease of operation
If multiple actuator devices are actuated simultaneously, then control operations are simplified, but fluid delivery requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid distributor or manifold acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and multiple actuator devices. This intermediary component efficiently distributes fluid to multiple actuators simultaneously, reducing the total fluid quantity required compared to individual supply lines, while maintaining the simplicity of simultaneous actuation control.
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 solution significantly simplifies the control of the sliding cam system by allowing simultaneous actuation of multiple actuator devices, reducing the complexity of individual timing and ensuring continued operation even if one actuator fails, as the circuit can still be closed with the remaining actuator.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid delivery device arranged to deliver a fluid in fluid communication upstream of the plurality of actuator devices to actuate the plurality of actuator devices
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding cam system (11) for an internal combustion engine. The sliding cam system (11) comprises a camshaft (12) and a plurality of cam carriers (14), each with at least two cams (32, 34), wherein the plurality of cam carriers (14) are arranged on the camshaft (12) in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner. The sliding cam system (11) comprises a plurality of fluid-actuated actuator devices (27, 127, 227, 327, 427, 527), each configured for axially displacing one cam carrier (14) of the plurality of cam carriers (14). The sliding cam system (11) has a fluid supply device (66) which is provided for supplying a fluid in fluid connection upstream of the plurality of actuator devices (27, 127, 227, 327, 427, 527) for actuating the plurality of actuator devices (27, 127, 227, 327, 427, 527).At least two actuator devices of the majority of actuator devices (27, 127, 227, 327, 427, 527) are fluidically coupled for simultaneous actuation.