Sliding-Cam Camshaft Assembly Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding-cam camshaft assemblies for internal combustion engines are complex, costly, and weight-intensive due to the need for additional axially displaceable connecting elements for actuating both camshafts.
Innovation Solution
The use of a transmission means comprising a first thrust rod and a second thrust rod, which are transversely displaceable with respect to the longitudinal axes of the camshafts, allowing for the actuation of both sliding cams without an additional axially displaceable connecting element, thereby reducing complexity, weight, and installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each sliding cam is actuated by an associated actuator, then reliable actuation of both camshafts is achieved, but weight, costs and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation of two sliding cams into a single integrated system. One actuator simultaneously controls both sliding cams through a coupling mechanism, reducing the total number of actuators from two to one, thereby decreasing control complexity while maintaining reliable actuation of both camshafts
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by simultaneously actuating both sliding cams. This multi-functional actuator replaces what would traditionally require two separate actuators, reducing system complexity while ensuring both camshafts can be reliably controlled
2Ease of operation
If additional axially displaceable connecting elements are used, then both camshafts can be actuated, but weight and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism merges the actuation functions into a single integrated structure that simultaneously controls both sliding cams. This eliminates the need for separate axially displaceable connecting elements for each camshaft, reducing the overall weight of the assembly while maintaining the capability to actuate both camshafts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the redundant axially displaceable connecting elements that would be needed if each camshaft had its own actuator. By using a single actuator with a coupling mechanism, the design removes unnecessary components, thereby reducing weight and installation space
3Ease of operation
If additional axially displaceable connecting elements are used, then both camshafts can be actuated, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism combines the actuation systems into a single integrated unit, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging of functions reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to actuate both camshafts
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts and removes the unnecessary axially displaceable connecting elements that would be required for separate actuator systems. By eliminating these redundant components, the manufacturing process is simplified and costs are reduced while still achieving reliable actuation of both camshafts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sliding-cam camshaft assembly for an internal combustion engine, comprising at least a first sliding-cam camshaft with a longitudinal axis and a second sliding-cam camshaft with a longitudinal axis. The first sliding-cam camshaft comprises a support shaft and at least one sliding cam. The sliding-cam comprises a first cam and at least one second cam, and a shift gate. The second sliding-cam camshaft comprises a support shaft and at least one sliding cam. The sliding cam comprises a first cam and at least one second cam, and a shift gate. The first sliding-cam camshaft and the second sliding-cam camshaft are arranged parallel to one another. A transmission means for transmitting the switching state of the sliding-cam of the first sliding-cam camshaft to the sliding-cam of the second sliding-cam camshaft is arranged between the first sliding-cam camshaft and the second sliding-cam camshaft.