Valve Timing Bolt with Radial Flow Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve opening and closing timing control apparatus for internal combustion engines has a large axial dimension due to the separate positioning of the first and second flow passages, which increases the size of the apparatus and may lead to instability in the relative rotational phase and foreign substance contamination.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with the first and second flow passages positioned within the same orthogonal plane, and the bolt is constructed from two members that are press-fitted to reduce axial length and prevent foreign substance entry into the intermediate lock mechanism, ensuring stable phase control and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first flow passage and the second flow passage are arranged at different positions in the axial direction, then the working fluid can be supplied to the intermediate lock mechanism, but the axial dimensions of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first flow passage and the second flow passage into the same axial position by arranging them at different radial positions within the same axial plane. This allows both flow passages to coexist without increasing the axial dimension of the apparatus, while still enabling proper supply of working fluid to the intermediate lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from arranging flow passages along the axial direction to arranging them along the radial direction. By positioning the first and second flow passages at different radial positions but within the same axial plane, the apparatus reduces its axial dimension while maintaining functional integrity through spatial reconfiguration in the radial dimension.
2Device complexity
If the bolt is constructed as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but foreign substances may enter the intermediate lock mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bolt into two separate members: a first member that forms the first flow passage and a second member that forms the second flow passage. This segmentation allows each member to be independently designed and assembled, creating a sealed structure that prevents foreign substances from entering the intermediate lock mechanism while maintaining structural simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seal member as an intermediary component between the first member and the second member of the bolt. This seal member prevents foreign substances from entering through the interface between the two members, while still allowing the bolt to be constructed from separate pieces for manufacturing and assembly advantages.
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 the axial length of the apparatus, enhances control accuracy, and prevents foreign substance contamination, leading to improved stability and reduced size of the valve opening and closing timing control system.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic valve (51) including a spool (52) which is arranged at an inner portion of the bolt (B) and controls supply and discharge of the working fluid relative to the fluid pressure chamber (4) and the intermediate lock mechanism (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
To provide a valve opening and closing timing control apparatus with a reduced size by reasonably configuring a supply flow passage of working fluid to an intermediate lock mechanism. The valve opening and closing timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotating body, a driven-side rotating body fixed to a camshaft by a bolt, a fluid pressure chamber, an intermediate lock mechanism, a lock flow passage bringing the working fluid to the intermediate lock mechanism, and an electromagnetic valve including a spool which is arranged at an inner portion of the bolt, the lock flow passage including a first flow passage which is arranged between the spool and a supply flow passage in a radial direction and which is connected to the supply flow passage, the supply flow passage bringing the working fluid to flow along the axis direction at the inner portion of the bolt, the lock flow passage including a second flow passage which is provided at the inner portion of the bolt in a penetrating manner in the radial direction and which brings the working fluid to flow between the spool and the intermediate lock mechanism.