Valve Timing Control Device Segmented Connecting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve timing control devices face issues with deformation of the driven rotary element due to press-fitting the connecting element, leading to outward surface deformation and increased component complexity, which complicates manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The valve timing control device incorporates a connecting element with press-fitting portions that have fitting segments spaced along the rotational direction, where at least one segment's centerline does not overlap any partition, minimizing deformation by ensuring that only the cylindrical portion adjacent to the recess is deformed, and utilizing a guide mechanism for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connecting element is press-fitted to the recess of the driven rotary element to increase contacting area and reduce pressing force, then the deformation of the driven rotary element can be prevented, but the entire driven rotary element may deform outward of the surface in a direction opposite to the recess
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple fitting segments spaced apart along the rotational direction, with centerlines that do not overlap the partitions. This segmentation distributes the press-fitting force to specific locations that avoid causing outward deformation of the driven rotary element's surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fitting force is applied locally at specific positions where the fitting segments contact the recess, rather than uniformly across the entire connecting element. The centerlines of the fitting segments are strategically positioned to avoid overlapping the partitions, creating localized stress zones that prevent overall outward deformation.
2Shape
If a bushing is press-fitted in the back side of the driven rotary element to balance deformation degrees, then the outward surface deformation can be prevented, but the number of components increases and the manufacturing process becomes more troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing component is removed from the design, and instead the connecting element itself is configured with multiple fitting segments that directly achieve the deformation control function. This extraction eliminates the need for the separate bushing component while maintaining the deformation balancing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is given multiple functions: it not only connects the driven rotary element to the camshaft but also controls deformation through its multi-segment structure. The fitting segments serve both the connection purpose and the deformation control purpose, eliminating the need for a separate bushing component.
3Weight of moving object
If the driven rotary element is manufactured from aluminum material of low rigidity to reduce weight, then the driven rotary element is easily deformed under fastening pressure, but weight reduction is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into multiple fitting segments that distribute the fastening pressure to specific locations. This segmentation allows the use of low-rigidity aluminum material for the driven rotary element while preventing excessive deformation through strategic force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the connecting element are changed by introducing multiple fitting segments with specific spacing and positioning. This parameter change allows the system to use lighter aluminum material while maintaining sufficient strength through optimized force distribution patterns.
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 outward surface deformation of the driven rotary element and simplifies the manufacturing process by minimizing the number of components and stabilizing the posture of the driven rotary element, while maintaining precise rotational alignment.
Implementation Method 1
When the connecting element is press-fitted to the recess of the driven rotary element, only the surface of the driven rotary element provided with the recess is enlarged in diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A valve timing control device that enables simplification of the manufacturing process and reduction of the number of parts while suppressing deformation of a driven rotary element. The valve timing control device includes a driving rotary element, a driven rotary element, a plurality of partitions each for dividing a fluid pressure chamber into a regarded angle chamber and an advanced angle chamber, and a connecting element for connecting the driven rotary element to a camshaft. The connecting element includes a press fitting portion having a plurality of fitting segments configured to fit to an inner circumference of a recess of the driven rotary element. At least one of centerlines of the fitting segments extending in a radial direction does not overlap any of the partitions.