Split Bearing Bridge for Camshaft Actuation Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation modules for internal combustion engine gas exchange valves face challenges in simple and cost-effective assembly, and the ability to vary cam lift, which limits their efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
An actuation module with a cylinder head cover and camshaft featuring split bearing brackets, where cam pieces are integrated with bearing elements and a toothed drive shaft, allowing for independent bearing of the camshaft and reduced friction, enabling axial displacement of cam pieces for variable valve control without requiring a divided housing, thus simplifying assembly and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bearing bridges are divided to allow independent bearing of camshaft and cam pieces, then assembly is simplified and sealing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional bearing caps and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing bridge is divided into a bearing base integrated with the cylinder head cover and separate bearing caps. This segmentation allows the camshaft and cam pieces to be bearing independently, simplifying assembly and enabling sealing without requiring the entire housing to be divided.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing base is merged with the cylinder head cover as an integral component. This combination eliminates the need to divide the housing separately, maintaining a sealed cylinder head cover while still achieving independent bearing functionality through the separate bearing caps.
2Loss of energy
If roller bearings are used in undivided bearing points, then friction is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise fitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Roller bearings are selectively applied only at specific undivided bearing points where friction reduction is most beneficial, while other bearing points use conventional designs. This localized approach optimizes friction reduction without requiring all bearing points to meet high manufacturing precision requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If cam pieces are designed as integrated one-piece components with bearing elements, then assembly is simplified and cost is reduced, but adaptability for different cam lift variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cam piece design allows for axial displacement along the camshaft while maintaining the integrated one-piece structure. This dynamic capability enables the same basic component design to accommodate different cam lift variations through position adjustment rather than requiring completely different components.
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 allows for a cost-effective, reliable, and functionally safe actuation module that can be easily assembled and adapted for different engine variants, reducing friction and enabling a sealed cylinder head cover without external sealing, while maintaining the same engine design for conventional and variable valve trains.
Implementation Method 1
At least one roller bearing (20), in particular at least one ball bearing, is arranged in one of the at least one undivided bearing point (18) for reducing frictional forces within the undivided bearing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an activation module for at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head hood (10) and at least one camshaft (14) having at least one cam piece (16, 17) arranged on the camshaft (14), in particular the splined shaft, wherein the cylinder head hood (10) has at least one divided bearing bridge (12) for bearing the camshaft (14) which has a bearing base (28) and a bearing cover (30) which form a bearing opening having a radially interior bearing surface (32). According to the invention, at least one cam piece (16, 17) has a bearing element (26) which is arranged radially in a bearing bridge (12) between the camshaft (14) and the bearing surface (32).