Valve Timing Rotor Anti-Rotation Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve timing adjustment apparatuses for internal combustion engines have limited variable adjustment range of phase angle, which restricts engine performance and size reduction.
Innovation Solution
A valve timing adjustment apparatus with an anti-rotation mechanism using locking grooves and a locking pin member, allowing sequential locking of the rotor to the housing through negative torque, thereby expanding the phase angle adjustment range and preventing relative rotation between the rotor and housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional vane type valve timing adjustment apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the variable adjustment range of phase angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking grooves with different depths and a multi-component locking pin member (outer pin and inner pin), enabling stepped-phase-angle locking at multiple positions rather than continuous adjustment, thus expanding the variable adjustment range while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin member is designed to be elastically movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the rotor to be dynamically locked at specific phase angles or freely rotated within the predetermined angle range, providing both fixed and variable adjustment capabilities
2Productivity
If the phase angle adjustment range is enlarged through multiple locking positions, then engine performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin member employs a nested structure with an inner pin inside an outer pin, both elastically disposed and sequentially fitted into locking grooves, allowing multiple locking positions to be achieved through a compact nested design rather than separate mechanisms for each position
Solution Approach 2:
The locking grooves are designed with different depths to create stepped locking positions, enabling discrete phase angle adjustments at predetermined positions. This parameter variation in groove depth allows multiple locking positions to be achieved within a single integrated structure
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 solution enhances engine performance by improving fuel efficiency and output while reducing the size of the apparatus through enlarged phase angle adjustment range and secure locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an hollow outer pin elastically disposed in a fitting hole formed in at least one vane of the plurality of vanes, and an inner pin elastically disposed inside the outer pin
Implementation Method 2
a rotor having a plurality of vanes configured to rotate relative to the housing within a predetermined angle range by the pressure of the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
a positive torque is generated by friction due to rotation of a cam in opposite direction to the rotational direction of the cam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a valve timing adjustment apparatus for an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes an anti-rotation mechanism for inhibiting a position change between a rotor and a housing by inhibiting or preventing relative rotation of the rotor to the housing. The anti-rotation mechanism includes: a plurality of locking grooves formed on the ratchet plate with different depths and connected to each other; and a locking pin member having an outer pin elastically disposed in a fitting hole formed in one of the vanes, and an inner pin elastically disposed inside the outer pin. In particular, the inner pin locks the rotor to the housing when the outer pin and the inner pin are sequentially fitted in the locking grooves by torque from the camshaft.