Valve Timing Adjustment Device Bearing Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve timing adjustment devices experience increased frictional forces and wear due to thrust forces applied to the vane rotor, leading to reduced response speed and increased wear, particularly when using timing chains or belts.
Innovation Solution
The valve timing adjustment device incorporates a bearing section and winding section that partially overlap, limiting the application of force to the housing member and reducing thrust forces between the housing member and vane rotor, thereby minimizing frictional forces and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a timing chain or belt is used to transmit drive force, then the drive force transmission is reliable, but thrust forces are applied to the vane rotor causing increased frictional forces and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bearing section as an intermediary component between the housing member and the vane rotor. This bearing section receives and supports the thrust forces generated by the timing chain or belt, preventing these forces from being directly applied to the vane rotor. The bearing section acts as a mediator that isolates the vane rotor from harmful thrust loads, thereby reducing frictional forces and wear while maintaining reliable drive force transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vane rotor rotates relative to the housing member to adjust valve timing, then the valve timing adjustment is achieved, but frictional forces and wear increase due to thrust forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing section serves as a protective intermediary that supports the housing member during rotation relative to the vane rotor. By bearing the thrust forces, it prevents direct contact and friction between the housing member and the vane rotor, thereby reducing wear and extending component lifespan while preserving the valve timing adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing section provides more support than minimally required by handling both the rotational motion and the thrust forces. This excessive support ensures that the vane rotor is completely isolated from harmful forces, preventing wear and extending the lifespan of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining full adaptability for valve timing control.
3Device complexity
If the housing member is supported directly without a bearing section, then the structure is simpler, but thrust forces cause radial runout and reduced response speed
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing section acts as a necessary intermediary that prevents radial runout of the housing member by properly supporting thrust forces. Although it adds a component to the structure, it eliminates the problematic radial runout that would occur with direct support, thereby maintaining high response speed for valve timing adjustment.
4Reliability
If the bearing section and winding section overlap, then thrust forces are limited and wear is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bearing section and winding section into overlapping positions, allowing the bearing section to effectively limit thrust forces on the vane rotor. This spatial merging creates a compact structure where the bearing section can support the housing member in a way that prevents excessive radial runout and wear, while the overlap geometry inherently guides the alignment during assembly.
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 configuration reduces frictional forces and wear, maintaining response speed and extending the lifespan of components by limiting thrust forces and radial runout, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
reduces frictional forces and wear
Implementation Method 2
when the vane rotor receives a pressure of the hydraulic oil introduced into at least one of the plurality of hydraulic chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A valve timing adjustment device includes: a housing member; a vane rotor that includes vanes and is securely coupled to a driven shaft and is rotatable relative to the housing member when the vane rotor receives a pressure of hydraulic oil introduced into hydraulic chambers; a fixing member that fixes the vane rotor to the driven shaft; and a bearing section that rotatably supports the housing member. The housing member includes a winding section that is formed at an outer peripheral surface of the housing member. A transmission member is wound around the winding section. The bearing section and the winding section at least partially overlap with each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction.