Valve Train Actuation Contour Position Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve train devices for combustion engines require multiple components and space for encoder contours and separate mechanical devices, which is not feasible in motorcycle engines due to space constraints and results in higher costs.

Innovation Solution

A space-saving and component-saving solution is achieved by arranging at least one actuation contour partially within the spatial sensing area of a sensor, allowing detection of the contour's presence, shape, and rotational position through analysis of the time curve of a physical variable, such as a magnetic field, using a contactless sensor like a Hall effect sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If encoder contours or separate mechanical devices are provided on the slide, then the axial position can be determined, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial position detectionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation contour is integrated with the encoder function by positioning it within the sensor's detection area. The actuation contour itself serves dual purposes: mechanical actuation of the valve and encoding of positional information. This merging eliminates the need for separate encoder contours or mechanical detection devices, reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation contour is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the mechanical actuator for valve operation and the encoder element for position detection. By making the actuation contour universal, the patent eliminates dedicated encoder components, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising the ability to determine axial position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If encoder contours or separate mechanical devices are provided on the slide, then the axial position can be determined, but the space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial position detectionVSAvoidspace on slide

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation contour is integrated with the encoder function by positioning it within the sensor's detection area. The actuation contour itself serves dual purposes: mechanical actuation of the valve and encoding of positional information. This merging eliminates the need for separate encoder contours or mechanical detection devices, reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation contour is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the mechanical actuator for valve operation and the encoder element for position detection. By making the actuation contour universal, the patent eliminates dedicated encoder components, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising the ability to determine axial position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to detect actuation contours, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational position detectionVSAvoidnumber of sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation contour is integrated with the encoder function by positioning it within the sensor's detection area. The actuation contour itself serves dual purposes: mechanical actuation of the valve and encoding of positional information. This merging eliminates the need for separate encoder contours or mechanical detection devices, reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables accurate determination of axial and rotational positions of actuation contours, reducing the need for additional components and space, resulting in a compact and cost-effective design for determining the position of actuation contours in combustion engines.

Implementation Method 1

using a contactless sensor like a Hall effect sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12180862B2Valve train device

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 KTM AG

AI summary

A valve train device includes a shaft having one or more actuation contours for actuating at least one actuation element of a valve of a combustion engine, and the actuation contours being arranged on the shaft so as to rotate therewith. A sensor unit including one or more sensors is provided, and each of the one or more sensors has a spatial sensing area for sensing a physical variable. In at least one axial position, an actuation contour of the one or more actuation contours is arranged at least partially in the spatial sensing area of a sensor of the one or more sensors.