Valve Timing Controller Stopper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve timing controllers using planetary gear systems experience irregular friction and potential damage due to inclination of gear parts during high-velocity rotational movements, leading to instability in relative rotational motion.
Innovation Solution
A valve timing controller design that includes a stopper mechanism and interposing assembler to regulate the thrust direction movement and relative phase shift angle between rotary elements, ensuring stable operation by maintaining the normal relative rotational movement state even at high velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gear part and sprocket are allowed to move freely in the thrust direction, then the planetary motion can operate smoothly, but the gear part and sprocket become inclined during high-velocity rotation causing irregular friction and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper is introduced as an intermediary component between the gear part and sprocket to regulate their relative positional relationship in the thrust direction. The stopper prevents excessive inclination while allowing controlled movement, thereby maintaining both smooth operation and reliability during high-velocity rotation.
2Reliability
If the gear part is constrained in the thrust direction, then inclination is prevented, but the planetary motion may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to the operational requirements. It provides constraint when needed to prevent inclination but permits sufficient freedom for the planetary motion to occur smoothly, achieving a balance between reliability and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If high-velocity relative rotational movement is performed, then the valve timing controller achieves high productivity, but irregular friction occurs due to collision between gear parts
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is positioned and configured to preemptively prevent the inclination that leads to collision between gear parts. By maintaining proper alignment before high-velocity operation begins, the stopper eliminates the root cause of irregular friction, allowing sustained high productivity without compromising reliability.
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 solution effectively prevents minor irregular friction and maintains a normal relative rotational movement state, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring reliable operation of the internal combustion engine.
Implementation Method 1
The planetary motion due to engagement of an internal gear part located in an inner wall of the sprocket and an external gear part located in the planetary gear of the gear part is converted into a relative rotational motion of the gear part to the sprocket.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve timing controller is provided with a first rotary element including a first gear part, a second rotary element including a second gear part, and a third rotary element including a third gear part and a fourth gear part. The third gear part and the fourth gear part are meshed respectively with the first gear part and the second gear part. A stopper is provided so as to extend in the first rotary element in the radial direction for regulating a relative rotational phase shift angle between the first rotary element and the second rotary element. An interposing assembler is provided on the second rotary element for rotatably interposing the stoppers in an axial direction.