Valve Timing Control Device Axial Length Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional valve timing control devices for internal combustion engines have an excessive axial length due to the adapter's thickness, which hinders mountability within the engine room.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a driven rotation member with a first recessed portion and a fixing member with a second recessed portion, where the cam shaft's axial end is mounted, and a raised portion is inserted into the recessed portion to reduce the axial length by eliminating the need for the adapter's thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If an adapter is disposed between the cam shaft and the driven member to fix the driven member, then the structural stability is improved, but the axial length of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaxial length

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adapter and the driven member into a single integrated component. The driven member includes a fixing portion with a through-hole that directly receives the cam shaft, eliminating the need for a separate adapter. This integration maintains the structural stability of fixing the driven member to the cam shaft while significantly reducing the axial length of the device by removing the adapter's thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the adapter component from the system. By eliminating the adapter and its associated fixing bolts, the design achieves a more compact structure. The driven member's built-in fixing portion directly secures the cam shaft, achieving the same functional outcome without the additional axial space required by the adapter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the axial length of the device is reduced to improve mountability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemountabilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the fixing portion into the driven member creates a more rigid and compact structure. The fixing portion includes a through-hole that directly receives and secures the cam shaft, providing sufficient structural rigidity while reducing the overall axial length. This design improves mountability within the engine room without compromising the strength of the connection between the driven member and cam shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10294829B2Valve timing control device for internal combustion engine

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 ASTEMO LTD

AI summary

A valve timing control device for an internal combustion engine; a driving rotation member to which a rotational force is transmitted from a crank shaft; a driven rotation member arranged to rotate as a unit with a cam shaft; and a fixing member disposed between an axial one end portion of the cam shaft and the driven rotation member, the driven rotation member including a first recessed portion formed at a position to confront the axial one end portion of the cam shaft, and the fixing member including a second recessed portion which is formed at a position to confront the axial one end portion of the cam shaft, and in which the one end portion of the cam shaft is mounted from an axial direction, and a raised portion mounted in the first recessed portion.