Valve Timing Control Device Phase Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve opening and closing timing control devices for internal combustion engines face inaccuracies in detecting the most delayed and advanced angle phases due to mechanical limitations and sensor errors, leading to incorrect control and potential damage to the electric motor.

Innovation Solution

A valve opening and closing timing control device that includes a drive-side and driven-side rotating body, an electric motor, a motor control unit, a current sensor, and a regulation phase detection unit, which uses a regulation unit to mechanically limit the relative rotation phase and detect the regulation phase based on changes in current values, ensuring accurate phase detection and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor feedback control is used to detect the most delayed and advanced angle phases, then the relative rotation phase can be controlled, but detection errors occur due to sensor inaccuracies leading to incorrect phase detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces sensor-based detection with a mechanical detection method using a detection protrusion and detection groove. When the relative rotation phase reaches the most delayed or advanced angle phase, the detection protrusion mechanically engages with the detection groove, providing a reliable mechanical signal that eliminates sensor detection errors and inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the detection protrusion, detection groove, and switch. This intermediary mechanism translates the mechanical limit positions into detectable signals, providing an accurate intermediary between the mechanical phase position and the control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the electric motor is continuously driven to reach the mechanical limit positions, then the most delayed and advanced angle phases can be achieved, but the electric motor may be damaged due to excessive current and heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase positioning accuracyVSAvoidmotor damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of the mechanical limit positions using the detection protrusion and detection groove before the electric motor reaches them. When the detection switch is activated, the control unit immediately stops the electric motor, preventing excessive current and heat generation that would occur if the motor continued driving beyond the limit positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the detection switch provides real-time feedback about the mechanical limit positions to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust the electric motor operation, stopping the motor when the limit positions are reached, thereby preventing motor damage while achieving accurate phase positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the relative rotation phase is controlled to mechanical limit positions, then the most delayed and advanced angle phases are achieved, but incorrect control occurs due to sensor detection errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidphase detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sensor-based detection system with a mechanical detection system using the detection protrusion and detection groove. This mechanical system provides accurate detection of the most delayed and advanced angle phases by physically engaging at the precise mechanical limit positions, eliminating sensor errors and ensuring correct control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The device accurately determines and maintains the most advanced and delayed angle phases, reducing unnecessary current supply and extending the life of the electric motor by precise control and current limit management.

Implementation Method 1

a current sensor that detects the current flowing into the electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current detection: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

an electric motor that controls a relative rotation phase of the drive-side rotating body and the driven-side rotating body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11300016B2Valve opening and closing timing control device

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 AISIN CORP

AI summary

A valve opening and closing timing control device includes a drive-side rotating body that rotates synchronously with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, a driven-side rotating body that rotates with a camshaft of the internal combustion engine, an electric motor that controls a relative rotation phase of the drive-side rotating body and the driven-side rotating body, a motor control unit that controls a current supplied to the electric motor, a current sensor that detects the current flowing into the electric motor, a regulation unit that determines a regulation phase in which the relative rotation phase is mechanically limited in an advanced angle direction and in a delayed angle direction, and a regulation phase detection unit that detects the regulation phase based on when the relative rotation phase in which a change is stopped by the regulation unit is reached and a current value detected by the current sensor increases.